Cards put together season to cherish, remember

The St. Louis Cardinals finished a historic season last week.

St. Louis lost in the division series to the rival Cubs, ending high hopes for another World Series appearance. But the season was still one to admire, if you're a Cardinals fan.

Injuries were a big part of 2015. Numerous key players spent time on the disabled list, including Adam Wainwright, Matt Holliday, Matt Adams, Randal Grichuk, Jon Jay, Jordan Walden and Carlos Martinez, to name a few.

The Cardinals' disabled list included many impact players, former All-Stars and future stars.

The team's "next man up" mentality was more than a mission statement. It was reality. Somehow the team, with great pitching and emerging young players, managed to win 100 games without several core players.

That's a tribute in large part to team manager Mike Matheny. His leadership, character and team building played a role in the team's success and determination. Matheny, who will be in Cape Girardeau to speak in December, is the first manager in baseball to lead a team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons as manager. He should be given serious consideration for National League Manager of the Year.

Matheny, general manager John Mozeliak, ownership and all those with the organization should be proud of the 2015 Cardinals. While the team didn't give us postseason thrills, the 2015 regular seasons will be remembered for a long time.

We look forward to seeing the moves to be made in the coming months, which will shape the 2016 Cardinals. If this season is an indicator, the future of Cardinals baseball is bright.

Spring training can't come soon enough.