The Cardinals have managed to remain in the postseason race despite the departure of Albert Pujols and injuries to Chris Carpenter and Lance Berkman.

They have the highest payroll in franchise history at $116 million.

In many ways this team is a transitional one and next season translates into another incremental step. However, there are likely to be fewer changes this winter.

"It's a lot different situation. We have been able to learn a lot about what our current club is able to do. I think we saw a steady flow of minor league players who are knocking on the door at the major league level," John Mozeliak notes. "The feeling is we have a really strong internal solutions, which is a good place to be. It doesn't mean we're going to ignore other markets. But we have a good internal base."

St. Louis has contract commitments to Carpenter, Jake Westbrook, Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia, suggesting that the starting rotation is largely solidified.