Can Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado take the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series?
From huge hits, to unreal fielding skills, St. Louis’ perfect pair are the hottest ticket in MLB right now, but will that be enough to secure a title for the Cardinals?
With each performance that the Cardinals’ dynamic duo turns in, it’s more and more evident that they are the best in Baseball at the moment, but can they take St. Louis all the way?
Best in the Business: Paul Goldschmidt & Nolan Arenado
Looking at the way they are playing together right now, it’s hard to imagine that not long ago both Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado were traded by the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks respectively. After becoming franchise icons, the star duo of the St. Louis Cardinals became yet another example of how cold and unpredictable the business of baseball can be. Today, the pair are form what can be considered the best corner infield in Baseball and by some distance.
Consider for a moment, the idea that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado have combined for 14 All-Star appearances, 13 Gold Glove awards and eight Silver Slugger awards between them. What’s more, is that they could yet be on the verge of another astonishing feat that was last accomplished more than two decades ago. That’s right, with their current positioning in the MVP balloting, Goldschmidt and Arenado could become the first 1 and 2 finish on the list since Jeff Kent and Barry Bonds did so while playing for the San Francisco Giants back in 2000. “It’s unbelievable what those guys are doing,” Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujols said. “I remember playing against those guys when they came up in the NL West. They are so special. You could put them on any team, and they would be MVPs. “But what they’re doing, it’s amazing to watch.”
Goldschmidt has been good but Arenado is going crazy.
If you ask Cardinals manage Oliver Marmol, what he thinks about his players, it won’t take long to see where he stands. “This might be the best infield combo in the history of the game,” Marmol said. “when you look at both the offense and defensive side. It’s hard to find two better players than that.” Needless to say, we’re on board with that assessment, but the real question is, ‘Can these two guys take their team all the way to a World Series title?’ “If any awards happen after the season, that’s great,” Goldschmidt said in reference to individual awards. “If they don’t, that’s fine too. I just want to help us win. It’s just an amazing place. Fans are very passionate about the team, they love their sports, they’re very proud of St. Louis, very welcoming. To win a World Series here would mean everything.”
For their part, the Cardinals can certainly feel secure in the idea that they are giving it their best shot. With an 18-5 record this month and a six-game lead in the National League Central, St. Louis is definitely on the right path. Yet, what’s been interesting to see is that, as amazing as Goldschmidt and Pujols have played in August, nobody has been playing like Arenado. Currently hitting .300 with 26 homers and 82 RBI this season, the 31-year-old leads the league this month with seven homers and 22 RBI. That’s without mentioning his MLB leading 16 extra-base hits and 59 bases in total. Indeed, when Arenado isn’t posting huge hits or making incredible plays, he’s busy performing athletic feats like the one you saw above.
Nolan Arenado weighs in
One of the interesting things in St. Louis right now is the attitude. That’s to say that regardless of performances and wins, the players are staying focused and humble. Despite his stellar numbers, Arenado for example has been a player who embodies that. Speaking about the ever-sensational Goldschmidt, Arenado didn’t hide his admiration. “In my eyes, he’s the best player in the game,” Arenado said. “And I don’t think it’s close. He’s just playing on another level right now. Hitting, defense and baserunning, it’s unbelievable what he’s doing. “...We take it for granted because he’s been raking all year, but sometimes we’ve got to sit back and appreciate how good this guy is.’’
To be clear, Goldschmidt has recorded five top-10- finishes in the MVP race, while twice finishing runner-up. In truth, the Cardinals first baseman has been one of the most consistent players are his generation. To date, he’s registered sever seasons in which he’s hit 30 homeruns. Goldschmidt also has seven seasons with at least 95 RBI and nine seasons in which he’s hit a minimum of .290. Where absences are concerned, the star has only missed seven games across eight seasons. Incredible to say the least. What’s clear, is that the Cardinals have two of the best players out there. What’s not is whether those players can help them lift the Commissioner’s Trophy when the post season comes to an end.