Happy Thanksgiving!

From the staff of Redbird Rants to you, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Oct 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak (second from left) hoists the National League championship trophy while standing next to chairman William DeWitt, Jr. (left) and manager Mike Matheny (right) after game six of the National League Championship Series baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium. Image Credit: David J. Phillip/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
The St. Louis Cardinals may not have won the big prize this year but there’s a lot to be thankful for. The Cardinals won the NL pennant thanks to all these rookie arms in the rotation and bullpen.

Matt Carpenter surprised everyone and became an All-Star at second base.

Fans will have a lot to look forward to next year with Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez having a regular spot in the rotation. It’s looking like Adam Wainwright, Shelby Miller, Michael Wacha, and Carlos Martinez are locks. Everyone else will have to fight for the fifth spot.

I’m thankful that general manager John Mozeliak was able to get the Cardinals offseason needs addressed BEFORE the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. By trading third baseman David Freese for Peter Bourjos, he upgraded the defense in center field while helping find a way to get both Kolten Wong and Matt Carpenter in the lineup every day. By signing free agent Jhonny Peralta, Mo upgraded the offense at shortstop and puts an end to the revolving door at the position for at least a few years.

I’m thankful for Carlos Beltran‘s two years in a Cardinals uniform. He finally got to play in the World Series. I only wish he would have gotten a World Series ring.

I’m thankful for Chris Carpenter and his tenure with the Birds on the Bat. He was a leader in the clubhouse and on the field. He’ll be missed more than fans realize.