MLB MLB PlayoffsSt Louis Cardinals

5 Reasons Why St. Louis Cardinals Will Win 2014 World Series

5 Reasons Why St. Louis Cardinals Will Win 2014 World Series

St. Louis Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

With two World Series titles from 2006 and 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals have earned a reputation as one of baseball's finest teams. Do the Cardinals have enough in the tank to make it three world titles in one decade? There are several reasons why.

5. Clutch Hitting

Matt Adams Cardinals
Joe Camporeale -- USA TODAY Sports

5. Clutch Hitting

Matt Adams Cardinals
Joe Camporeale -- USA TODAY Sports

It always seems like the Cardinals come up with the key hit whenever it is needed. Hitters like Matt Adams and Matt Holliday are known for coming up with the base hit or home run needed in a rally, and Kolten Wong's speed has proven beneficial so far.

4. Timely Pitching

Lance Lynn Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

4. Timely Pitching

Lance Lynn Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

It's called timely pitching because it's clockwork. Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn have been at the center of many Cardinal winning streaks. The Cards also have backups in Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha, and there's always John Lackey and Justin Masterson.

3. Yadier Molina's Presence

Yadier Molina Cardinals
Rick Scuteri -- USA TODAY Sports

3. Yadier Molina's Presence

Yadier Molina Cardinals
Rick Scuteri -- USA TODAY Sports

Molina's return from a thumb injury was just the spark the Cardinals needed, but his presence alone is soothing. Molina works well with almost any pitcher. He calls fantastic games. Molina's almost like the floor general in the infield in that he makes sure everything runs smoothly. Oh, and he wields a pretty decent bat.

2. Someone Emerges Out of Nowhere

Peter Bourjos Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

2. Someone Emerges Out of Nowhere

Peter Bourjos Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

Three years ago it was Allen Craig and David Freese. Who will the key star be this time around? Will it be Peter Bourjos? Oscar Taveras? Anyone on the Cardinals roster could break out at any time and give this team a huge boost.

1. Management is Key

Mike Matheny Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

1. Management is Key

Mike Matheny Cardinals
Joe Camponeale -- USA TODAY Sports

With manager Mike Matheny in charge of the offense, things are solid. Matheny has taken over from Tony La Russa and effortlessly kept the Cardinals relevant. The team has made the playoffs each year since La Russa retired as a manager, and Matheny's adjustments of the lineup have worked well so far.

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