Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina are free agents. Cardinal fans are largely united in their desire to see the duo return for one last season (or perhaps two), go on the proverbial retirement tour, and end their careers in St. Louis.
That almost never happens.
If there is one common trait among truly elite athletes, it is boundless self-confidence. Their belief in their abilities got them to where they are and it doesn’t simply go away when a neutral observer might note it is time to hang it up. More to the point in this case, it also doesn’t go away when the narrative of their career has crested and/or their longtime team is ready to move on.