Cardinals laughing their way to playoffs with dynamic duo of Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado

“This might be the best infield combo in the history of the game,’’ Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol says, “when you look at both the offense and defensive side. It’s hard to find two better players than that.’’

Goldschmidt, who turns 35 in two weeks, is having the greatest season of his spectacular career and the clear front-runner for the MVP award. He leads the National League or ranks in the top three in virtually every offensive category. He could become the NL’s first Triple Crown winner since Joe “Ducky’’ Medwick in 1937.

Goldschmidt leads the National League with a .339 batting average, .420 on-base percentage, .637 slugging percentage, 1.057 OPS and 284 total bases. He also has a league-leading 105 RBI and is second with 33 homers, one behind Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber.

“In my eyes, he’s the best player in the game,’’ Arenado says, “and I don’t think it’s close. He’s just playing on another level right now. Hitting, defense and baserunning, it’s unbelievable what he’s doing.

“We take it for granted because he’s been raking all year, but sometimes we’ve got to sit back and appreciate how good this guy is.’’