Three things to find joy in for the remainder of the Cardinals season

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The 2023 season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Cardinals, who were picked by most to win the NL Central for a second straight year.

But as the rest of the season drags on, it's looking more and more likely that the team will finish in last place for the first time since 1990.

And so, when you read the title of this piece, you're probably wondering, "How could I possibly find joy in this dreadful season?" We've all been there at least once this season.

But even with the Cardinals on pace to have their worst season since 1999, there are still certain things to be grateful for. Granted, there was a lot more to be grateful for last year as opposed to this year, but I digress.

If this season has taught us anything, it's that we as fans should never take years when the team is good for granted. It's hard to be a winning ballclub every season. The Cardinals haven't had a losing season since all the way back in 2007.

That, in and of itself is something to be grateful for. I'm in no way saying that Cardinals fans don't have a right to be frustrated with this season. This entire mess was completely preventable, and the Cardinals front office dug themselves their own hole.

However, in this piece, we will discuss three things to be grateful for, even in the midst of such a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad season.

The development of Jordan Walker

Though 2023 hasn't exactly been a fun season, it certainly has been fun to watch Jordan Walker develop.

Originally drafted as a third baseman, Walker had to learn a new position on the fly, and there's no doubt that there were some growing pains along the way.

But even in the midst of some of his defensive struggles, he had his bat going to compensate. Walker began his career with a bang, picking up hits in each of his first 12 games. He was sent down at the end of April, but came back in June and picked up right where he left off, going on a 17-game hit streak.

And as time goes on, Walker is very clearly making improvements in the outfield. Sure, there are still going to be some kinks to work out, but he's got a plus arm that he has shown off on numerous occasions, and he's even made some very impressive diving plays.

The sky is the limit for a young star such as Walker. He's got a ton of power and is evolving into one of the most well-rounded young hitters in the game, while also making some key improvements on the defensive end.

The passion of Willson Contreras

Willson Contreras is a guy that has been through a lot this year.

When the Cardinals had a kneejerk reaction to the struggles of the pitching staff and shifted him to designated hitter duties, fans in all walks of life were left wondering why this was happening. It seemed as if the Cardinals were throwing him under the bus and using him as a scapegoat.

But through it all, Contreras has remained himself. He handled that situation with grace and class, while also continuing to produce at the plate, playing the game with the same passion he always has.

He was never terribly popular in St. Louis during his time with the Cubs, but now that he's a Cardinal, fans have fallen in love with him, as they should.

Contreras plays with boisterous energy that you love when he's on your side and hate when he's on the other side. The new Cardinals catcher has been everything fans could have asked for.

The veteran slugger even flips the bat when he walks and homers, and that extra passion is certainly appreciated by Cardinals fans.

Despite everything that has gone wrong, you can't take the passion out of this guy. And even with the season a lost cause, he continues to show fight, giving Cardinals fans more reasons to love him.

Adam Wainwright's farewell tour

It's obvious that this season has not gone according to plan for Adam Wainwright. In some ways, it's been very painful to watch.

But even in the midst of his struggles, it's important for Cardinals fans to appreciate everything Wainwright has done for the organization and the City of St. Louis.

Despite his 3-10 record and 8.10 ERA, he has managed to pitch a few solid games this year. And every time he takes the mound, even in the midst of a tough season, fans give him a huge standing ovation.

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At the end of this month, Wainwright's legendary career will come to an end, and he will have pitched his whole career in St. Louis. But Cardinals fans should take in every last moment that Wainwright has in a Cardinals uniform, because even though it's been a tough season, his career has been nothing short of magical.

He even still has a few more chances to secure 200 wins for his career, so that's something worth keeping an eye on.

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