The St. Louis Cardinals Have Surged Into A Wild Card Spot

While everyone was focused on the big race out west between the Dodgers and Giants, somehow the St. Louis Cardinals have surged into a National League wild card spot. The Cardinals are coming off four-straight wins, only 6-4 over their last 10 (which is nothing crazy), but the Cincinnati Reds have fallen off a cliff, losing seven of 10.

Facing a veteran Cardinals team led by future hall of famer Yadier Molina is probably last on any NL team's list for October. One of those disgusting Starbucks Halloween cinnamon lattes sounds better.

As previously mentioned, the Cardinals have veteran leadership that can't be denied. Yadi Molina's presence usually leads to sharp play in close games late in the season, and that's what we're seeing. St. Louis marched into New York to face off with the Mets last night and walked out with a go-ahead single in extra innings from a 25-year-old Edmundo Sosa.

The team didn't need a veteran to come through because contributions come from everyone when proven winners get the ear of everyone in a locker room.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Cardinals have star third baseman Nolan Arenado and a defensive vacuum at first in Paul Goldschmidt. That's a gold glove first baseman hitting .285 with 25 homers -- a roster that makes more sense to be a playoff team the more you look at it. And we can't forget sudden stardom out of their closer Alex Reyes, who struggles with his control but who has stuff to miss any bat with the game on the line.

The St. Louis Cardinals are for real. Everyone should start paying attention before it's too late.