The prevailing thought in professional sports is that pairing great players leads to success, and by success that means championships. Yet, it’s been born out that finding the correct pair of great players is essential.

When Nolan Arenado joined Paul Goldschmidt and the Cardinals in the ’21 season, it was assumed St. Louis would compete for a WS ring. Through no fault of the two, the Cardinals have been irrelevant the past three seasons and Goldie’s former team, Arizona went to the World Series without him.

In fact, Arenado has averaged 30 HR, 100 RBI and hit .273 since joining the Cards. Goldschmidt has hit 91 homers, 294RBI and won the NL MVP in 2022. They aren’t the first pair in recent history to fall way (way) short of a WS title.

Even if one hasn’t seen Mike Trout play in person or on late night TV, everyone has read about his excellence. Many smart people believe he’s the best player of this era. And for as great as he is, his postseason career rivals Manny Trillo. At one time or another, Trout has been paired with Albert Pujols, Anthony Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani and he’s no closer to playing in the World Series than Warren Cromartie.

Some might argue that these great players are unlucky or are victims of poor timing. Bryce Harper famously missed out on the Nationals’ WS title, but at least played for one with the Phillies in 2022. Last season, Steve Cohen believed his Mets would win it when he signed WS champs, and future HOFer’s, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Max would win one, but with the Rangers and not the Mets.

I’m among those who thought adding the best (all-around) corner infielders in the game; Arenado and Goldschmidt to St. Louis would improve their chances. After all the 1973 Mets made the World Series with Wayne Garrett and John Milner as the primary third and first baseman, respectively.