Mike Matheny was fired, Mike Shildt came in as the new manager with new energy; Two hitting coaches were ousted, two new hitting coaches arrived, bringing their fresh eyes, perspectives and teaching philosophies; Tommy Pham was traded to open up the door for Harrison Bader; Dexter Fowler's injury opened the door for more at-bats for Jose Martinez and Tyler O'Neill; The Cards revamped the bullpen, getting rid of Greg Holland, Tyler Lyons and other frustrating arms and infused the pen; Young starting pitchers pitched out of their minds; Matt Carpenter.
But enough isn't said about Kolten Kaha Wong, the infield wizard (and in this town, you don't just throw that phrase around).