Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Cardinals

I just want to make it clear that I'm not intentionally posting the Cardinals post of these on the day of Pearl Harbor every year. It just comes 7th in the alphabet, I post that December 7th, and that's it. I'm not saying that the day I have to post Cardinals customs is "A DAAAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY" or something. It's not like posting a Michael Pineda custom on Easter because his arm died then was resurrected 3 years later (which I did). This is completely separate from any holidays or anything.

But I do still hate the Cardinals. I just do.

This was a season where they really didn't need to be part of the conversation, and yet midway through the year they came to life, overtook the Cubs and Brewers and carved out a playoff campaign, complete with Jack Flaherty looking like an ace, Paul Goldschmidt finally playing like a leader, and a horrifying Game 5 blowout in Atlanta. It was not fun to watch, but...Washington's 4 game sweep of them was.

Jose Martinez, after losing his job to Goldschmidt, primarily covered outfield spots, and hit off the bench. After a slow start, he evened his average to .269, with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 128 games. Martinez actually had more RBIs than teammate Harrison Bader in the same stretch of time.
Why Him in 2019?: Still a crucial member of the team despite Goldschmidt taking his position
2020 Prediction: A lot more time starting in the outfield upon Ozuna's impending departure. Will be non-tendered after the season.

 After two seasons of doing alright starting in Washington, Matt Wieters became the primary backup in St. Louis. After an injury to Yadier Molina, Wieters became the starting option, and in 41 games as a starter, he hit .218 with 24 RBIs and 9 home runs, which isn't bad at all for a guy trying to sub for Molina.
Why Him in 2019?: Backed up the greatest without to much cause for worry.
2020 Prediction: Will be signed as a backup somewhere, and will do alright.

 After an impressive few starts in 2018, Daniel Ponce de Leon was given a few more opportunities in the midst of Michael Wacha's absence, and did alright for himself, with 31 strikeouts and a 4.51 ERA in 8 starts.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved he wasn't just a fluke in 2018
2020 Prediction: A maximized starting role, and a few more big-games to make him a household name in STL.

 John Brebbia had his most prevalent year as a reliever on the Cards this year, notching 87 strikeouts in 72 innings.
Why Him in 2019?: Provided strong relief in the wake of Hicks' absence.
2020 Prediction: More solidified relief work, possibly working the ninth more often.

And I should probably mention Andrew Miller, one of the bigger names to be signed during free agency. He was...alright as a Cardinal. 4.45 ERA, 70 strikeouts in 55 innings. It's fine. It's nothing like his 2016 numbers, but it's fine.
Why Him in 2019?: Did what he could amidst a clearly-depleted output.
2020 Prediction: Closer to classic-Miller, and a potential full-time move to the ninth.

Coming Tomorrow- Another somber year for the Chicago Cubs.