Continue winning with Roster turnover

[cardsfan]

I was reading the Cardinals unmoderated fan forum that has lots of trolls. Anyways, one troll pointed out that the GM doesn't continually work the roster. Well, he was flamed.

 

There are only 7 players from the 2017 opening roster left on the Cardinals a turnover of 72%. The Cardinals haven't had a losing season since 2007, the only one in this century.

 

Only 2 of the 7 had better years last year than 2017, Wong and Adam Wainwright. Molina is still the aging catcher. Fowler is an overpaid OFer that should never have been signed to 5 years. Jose Martinez can't field his position in OF and 1b. Matt Carpenter is down to 12 HRs and a .220 hitter in 2019. Carlos Martinez is in the bullpen as a closer last year due to worries about his shoulder.

 

So in spite of the turnover the Cards made it to the final four. Disappointing offensive seasons from everyone except for Wong who had a good second half.

 

So how did they do this year after year having to rebuild the starting pitching every couple of years from rehabbed pitchers, minor league developed pitchers, and occasional good trade for a pitcher?