St. Louis Cardinals: Five bold predictions for 2016

Sep 22, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) is unable to field a ground ball hit by Cincinnati Reds catcher Brayan Pena (not pictured) during the second inning at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Reds 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

It’s nearly Spring Training for the St. Louis Cardinals, which means it’s the perfect time for speculation

Preseason predictions are always absurd, because no one can know what’s going to happen. Baseball has a way of turning the things you’re most certain of upside down, and thus predictions very frequently wind up looking absolutely crazy by the end of the season — no matter how reasonable they seem at the beginning of April.

Nonetheless, every year, pundits from around the country throw out their best “bold predictions” for the season and readers flock to read them for both insight and entertainment. Because I enjoy challenges, I’ve decided to start my predictions a little early this season.

Where most writers give themselves the benefit of seeing who’s hot or who’s cold or who’s injured in Spring Training, I’m going to come at this psychic endeavor with a metaphorical blindfold on. Not only can’t I see the future of this season, I won’t even attempt to read the tea leaves I’ll be given in a few short days. So if Kolten Wong breaks his leg or Sam Tuivailala turns into the next Aroldis Chapman this March, my predictions may look even more absurd than they might otherwise.

But that just adds to the fun, in my opinion, so let’s get started with the most ridiculous of beloved blog posts: my bold predictions for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016.

Next: Is Randal Grichuk the center fielder?

It’s nearly Spring Training for the St. Louis Cardinals, which means it’s the perfect time for speculation

Schedule