The 2013 Cardinals led the National League with 97 wins and charged through the National League playoffs to capture the 19th NL pennant in franchise history. A good time was had by all in St. Louis, Missouri, located in the middle of the country and at the center of the baseball universe.

The fun ended in Boston, with the Red Sox eliminating the Cardinals in Game 6 of the World Series. After reaching the World Series for the fourth time since 2004, the Cardinals were halted. But in a more cosmic sense, they were not stopped.

As unfair as it may seem in other baseball markets where success is random or elusive, the Cardinals should be even better in 2014.

Obligatory caveat: Nothing is automatic. Nothing can be taken for granted. Each season presents new challenges. But if their season proceeds with reasonable normalcy, the Cardinals should improve.

Here’s how the Cardinals can — and should — become an enhanced version of the 2013 edition:

DEFENSE