Five takeaways following the St. Louis Cardinals’ early postseason exit

Oct 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Thomas Pham (60) match a catch in the outfield during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Future Is Bright, For Some More Than Others

Of all the position players in St. Louis’s Game 4 starting lineup, the age average (28.1 years) may be just as surprising as the final combined batting average (.231). The Cardinals promoted nearly a dozen players from minor league affiliates throughout the season, as several worked themselves into integral roles and postseason births.

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Stephen Piscotty proved to be the largest difference maker throughout the series, patrolling first base and outfield duties around a .375 BAA, 3 HR and 6 RBIs in the postseason. Tommy Pham also showed confidence in limited opportunities, delivering a valuable insurance run in the eighth inning of St. Louis’s Game 1 victory.

Surprisingly enough, the biggest offensive disappointments came from the veterans. Matt Holliday, Jhonny Peralta, and Yadier Molina all reached different personal heights throughout the regular season, yet combined for just five hits and a pair of RBIs in the series. Fatigue and rushed recoveries from nagging injuries could have factored into the trio’s October struggles, alluding to the point that these three proclaimed offensive leaders aren’t getting any younger.