Questions facing Cards in postseason pursuit

ST. LOUIS — The process of evaluating ways to improve for the following season began a bit earlier than usual for the Cardinals this fall. Instead of spending October prepping for playoff opponents, the 86-win Cardinals passed the time beginning their work for 2017.

General manager John Mozeliak didn’t see a need for a dramatic shakeup, but a shift in priorities was immediately evident. He wanted this club to be anchored by its pitching and defense, and he sought to inject athleticism onto the roster. More than a quarter of the 40-man roster has already turned over.

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Whether the roster changes and additions of Dexter Fowler and Brett Cecil will be enough to close the 17 1/2-game gap in the National League Central is unknown. But the Cardinals’ pursuit to return to the postseason stage will, in large part, be dictated by the answers to these five pressing questions:

1. Will the defense be markedly improved? The Cardinals ranked 13th in the Majors with +4 Defensive Runs Saved and 24th with a …

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