I'm a Cardinals fan. The game yesterday was the same performance as last year: Pitching is good enough to win, but the offense squanders so many opportunities.
The optimist in me says the rotation is lights out this year and the offense improves with good years from a healthy Holliday, and good seasons from Grichuk and Piscotty. The rotation should be improved with Wainwright back and an improved season from Martinez and Wacha. The Leake signing is underrated, in my opinion. I think he was a huge pickup for the rotation. Hopefully Garcia can stay healthy all year, but the past has shown us that is unlikely.
The pessimist in me says: We didn't change a thing from last year's offense. Counting on two young guys (Grichuk/Piscotty) to carry the offense does not speak well for this season. The rotation can't replicate what they did last year to off-set a poor offense. The season is already starting off poorly with clubhouse issues per the STL Dispatch article from last week.
I hope Mozeliak/Matheny can work their magic again, but I'm expecting a surprisingly down year for the Cards this year. I wouldn't be surprised to find them in 3rd place in the NL Central behind the Cubs and the Pirates. Their due for a poor year given the run they've had.