This is by far the most disappointing team I’ve watched in a very long time. The St. Louis Cardinals are currently sitting at a 26-37 record and last place in the National League Central, sitting a cool eight games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
This is the same Cardinals team that was projected to easily take the NL Central and make a run in the playoffs; however, Cardinals fans have seen none of this “star-studded team,” which has three major flaws that need to be addressed to right the ship and go on a run to take back the division that is their's to lose.
Problem #1- The Pitching
Remember in spring training when John Mozeliak said we have six capable starters? What happened to that bold claim? Miles Milokas is our only starter with an ERA under 4.0, currently sitting at 3.74, but he still isn’t putting up ace numbers. Jack Flaherty, who was supposed to return to ace form, is sitting at a 4.16 ERA and has a considerable walk issue. Jordan Montgomery, our major trade acquisition from last year, has a 4.23 ERA and has already been tagged for seven losses (I miss you so much right now, Bader can’t even lie, Edman should not be in center field). The vet Adam Wainwright has an abysmal ERA, nearly reaching 6.0, and should not have returned for a fair-well tour if he can’t make it past five innings of work. However, let’s not forget about Steven Matz, who we are paying 12 million dollars to have a 5.37 ERA and has not won a baseball game for this team this season. He’s been so bad that he’s been relegated to the bullpen. Cardinals fans knew this rotation wasn’t strong, and it shows every game we play. The bullpen isn’t much better, as the cards only complete 50% of save opportunities, which is one of the lowest in the league. Outside of Gio and Helsley, the bullpen lacks depth.
Problem #2- The Injury Bug
This one primarily applies to our offense, but the Cards haven’t been 100% healthy since late April. Our starting outfield consisting of Dylan Carlson, Lars Nootbaar, and Tyler O’Neil are all currently injured, with only Carlson recently beginning a rehab assignment down in Memphis. It’s difficult to win games when you’re starting three infielders by trait the outfield currently with Donovan, Edman, and Walker. With the team not being 100%, a great deal of inconsistency has shown outside of Nolan Gorman, who’s having a breakout season, and Paul Goldschmidt, who’s trying to go back-to-back National League MVP titles. Hopefully, when we are 100%, the results will start to show.
Problem #3- John Mozeliak and the Front Office
I’ve been on the "Fire Mo" train since 2020; the front office has watered itself to mediocre levels. Our team is barely good enough to win the weak division that is the National League Central but will promptly get swept out of the playoffs by a strong team from out east or west. The front office is scared to go all in, they are afraid to build a team that can compete, and it shows every year when the same thing happens. Change needs to happen, and it all starts with Mozeliak. Goldschmidt and Arenado deserve to win a World Series in their lifetime; they got traded and signed extensions with the Birds on the bat because they were promised a world championship before they retire. Arenado is already 32, while Goldy is 35. They don’t have time to sit idly by and waste their prime because of a stingy President of Baseball Operations who refuses to make this team better and would instead give fake promises to the fans and players just to be disappointed come October.
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Ultimately, the St Louis Cardinals have all the potential to make a comeback and break into the playoffs, but changes must be made, and these flaws must be addressed to bring Championship number 12 home.
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