St. Louis Cardinals: Academy Awards

Sep 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals players pose for a photo after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates to clinch the National League Central Division Championship at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 11-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals players pose for a photo after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates to clinch the National League Central Division Championship at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 11-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pinch hitter Randal Grichuk (15) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning in game two of the NLDS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pinch hitter Randal Grichuk (15) celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning in game two of the NLDS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Award for Best Actor OR Award for Most Valuable Player

2015’s most valuable player for the Cardinals could well have been awarded to many players including Jason Heyward (team leader in WAR), Matt Carpenter (team leader in RBI), or even Matt Holliday (team leader in batting average).  Who will serve in this role in 2016?

The 2016 nominees are…

Matt Carpenter– 3B

Matt Holliday- LF

Randal Grichuk- CF

and

Stephen Piscotty– RF

With the departure of Heyward, Piscotty stands to show that his offensive showing in 2015 wasn’t just a fluke and is something upon which he is focused and will grow.  He will be challenged- admittedly- by Grichuk, his friend but a much more massive presence. Don’t let any of these statements discount the prowess that is embodied in both Carpenter and Holliday who both could quickly and easily eclipse the former players.

All said, I feel that Randal Grichuk will absolutely explode in 2016.  This comes with a massive caveat that he must maintain his health.  Should he do this, 2016 is going to be his MVP season!  But what does “explode” mean?  Even Grichuk himself is predicting that he can mash 20+ home runs this season.  Wouldn’t that be a nice addition to a lineup that was slightly devoid of power last season?

Next: Award for Best Picture