The Cardinals have learned a lot about their team during the first month of the season -- and most of the insight is positive.
They have rolled to a 15-7 record, winning their last five games to build an early 5 1/2-game lead in the National League Central.
Remember when fans were worried about rookie third baseman David Freese? The doubters blasted Cards general manager John Mozeliak in the teams' chats and forums, ripping him for failing to sign Joe Crede or Hank Blalock.
But after a rocky defensive start, Freese settled down nicely in the field. And as he demonstrated with his six-RBI game Thursday, he could become a major offensive factor as well.
He has hit at every level, including the big leagues at the end of last season. Freese overcame serious off-field issues and dedicated himself to breaking out as a major leaguer this season. That hard work is paying off.
Remember when Cardinal Nation panicked over Ryan Franklin's ineffective spring? Remember how they hammered Mozeliak for failing to replace Franklin as the closer?
Thus far, Franklin has bounced back nicely from last season's poor finish. He has converted all seven save opportunities this season, including four one-run saves and a pair of two-run saves.
Franklin brings stability to the bullpen, despite lacking a punchout pitch. There are bigger arms out there, for sure, but there are also more less-under performers. At the moment, there is no reason to change his role.
Remember how fans ridiculed the Cards for overvaluing their prospects? Remember the outrage when the Cards refused to consider offers for Colby Rasmus a couple years back?
The kid is batting .344. His on-base percentage is .487. His OPS is 1.241. He has stolen three bases and scored 19 runs.
He has emerged as a solid No. 5 hitter. He is playing smoothly in center field, too, without any of the old Jim Edmonds theatrics. He is a cornerstone player, just like Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina.
Remember how fans crushed pitching coach Dave Duncan for years, insisting the man was utterly incapable of grooming young pitchers? Remember how fans martyred Anthony Reyes, blistering Duncan for trying to make the lad pound the ball lower in the strike zone?
Well, Reyes went on to win three games for the Indians in two years. He is currently sidelined by another injury.
Meanwhile, Jaime Garcia has emerged as one of the sport's top young lefties . . . by pounding the ball down in the strike zone. As it turned out, it IS possible to teach a new dog old tricks.
Hard throwers Mitchell Boggs, Blake Hawksworth and Jason Motte are coming along nicely in the bullpen. Versatile Kyle McClellan looks like an excellent fit for the middle relief role.
Where would the Cards be without all these young arms? Duncan has developed a nice group, despite his impatience for youngsters.
Thanks largely to great pitching, the Cards have erased most of the doubts fans had about this team,
But there is still some work to do during the months ahead. The worrywarts have a few lingering problems to lament..
New hitting coach Mark McGwire needs to settle down Brendan Ryan so the team can keep his excellent glove in the lineup. Some fans will continue crtiticizing McGwire's hiring until all the key hitters find their stroke.
Matt Holliday must pick up his run production. He has delivered just eight RBIs in 22 games. Holliday is getting top dollar to force opponents to pitch to Pujols. Failure is not an option at those prices.
With Felipe Lopez sidelined by a wrist injury, this team's lack of proven offensive depth is a concern. Right now, Tyler Greene, Jon Jay, Nick Stavinoha and Joe Mather are on the bench with veteran catcher Jason LaRue.
The kids have had their moments -- like Stavinoha's pinch-hit blast against Trevor Hoffman -- but the Cards will need more for the stretch run.
In the grand scheme of things, though, these are minor issues. The major concerns have dissipated one by one through a month of steady success. Fans ought to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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