Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The show that the St. Louis Cardinals put forth in last season’s MLB Playoffs is owed completely to the new second wildcard slot. The Atlanta Braves had won the first wildcard slot while the Cardinals finished further back in the second wildcard. The dreadful one game playoff went in their favor. One terrible call ended the season of the Braves who in previous years would have gone straight to a National League Division Series. That is why the one game playoff idea is dreadful.
This year the Cardinals are sticking nicely in the first wildcard spot a couple of games in front of the Cincinnati Reds. No one is close to either team. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the Cardinals found themselves in the same one game playoff? After being one of the strongest teams all season long the Cardinals could have to worry about that one game in which anything can happen. This year they would be the ones wishing there had never been a second wildcard spot added.
On the other hand if they keep falling like they are, they might find that second slot their saving grace for the second year in a row. No matter what the turnout of the regular season, one thing is true. What once seemed like a sure thing for the Cardinals now is something they will clearly have to fight for. If however they get completely healthy, including Yadier Molina, and still make the playoffs, they could easily be the most dangerous teams in the entire post season.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
