"Never give up." A saying that speaks of serious matters, yet also to the common theme of sports.
The St. Louis Cardinals aren't knocked out, yet merely drunk on being just good enough to avoid embarrassment.
With Mike Matheny taking an earlier vacation than expected, the rehab has already begun down at Busch Stadium. Workers are disposing of the manager's deluded bullpen management, shrewd thinking, underdeveloped baseball discipline, and alert addiction to certain players and abstinence to others. Once again, it's like going into an alcoholic's house and throwing away all the booze, even checking the floor boards for a half-empty bottle.
A little perspective as the Cardinals sit 7.5 games out of first place and four games out of a wildcard spot as play resumes Thurday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. The North Siders did a complete rebuild under General Manager Theo Epstein. They didn't win more than 83 games for six seasons. From 2010-15, they finished in fifth place in the National League Central Division. A five year period of stink was the prelude to a solid run that included their first World Series championship in over 100 years.
How bad did it get for the Cardinals? Man, let me tell you. If they continued their current pace of play this season, the Birds were going to win around 81-83 games. They won 86 games in 2016 and 83 in 2017. Paltry and inconsiderate baseball teams. How dare they not stay ten games over the .500 mark every season, from my child being able to walk until they turn ten years old?
The Cardinals haven't finished in fifth place or lower since 1990. They have one losing season since 2000. The last time the Cardinals had consecutive losing seasons, the year was 1995. While the 1970's were no pleasant ride, you have to go back to 1956 to find the last time the Cardinals had three consecutive losing seasons. Slightly above average baseball shouldn't be aspired for, but consistency is impressive over 60 plus years.
Here's the thing: the Cardinals aren't that far from contending. Will they find their way this season under interim manager Mike Shildt? It's still doubtful, and while the Matheny firing ISN'T like making a trade, it does shed some dead weight that was dragging certain games below the water. It's better than a trade.
Still, it's complicated. While they aren't miles away from a playoff berth, the Cardinals certainly aren't one player away. So when people winced at the relatively non-potent haul given up by the Los Angeles Dodgers to acquire 2.5 months of Manny Machado, I merely glanced and kept my eyes on the prize ahead. The Cardinals are a bullpen arm, third baseman, and possible starting pitcher away from contention. I'd say an outfielder, but right now, there are so many bodies out there, it's even hard to dream about Bryce Harper for too long. While John Mozeliak fries his brain trying to acquire that, let's come up with a better solution for the next two weeks.
What the Cardinals need is for the current roster to step up and be better. A little better in some areas and a lot better in others. Let's do a real quick list and then dig into a couple areas of concern.
*The Cardinals need Dexter Fowler and/or Tommy Pham to go on a tear. One of them will do. Fowler is climbing the mountain to Mendoza and trying to string together hits and good games while Pham is deciphering video and running backwards on treadmills to improve his chances. Fowler has a comfy contract but far less security, and Pham is looking for a big money deal. One needs to launch.
*The Cardinals need Marcell Ozuna to hit less groundballs and more fly balls out of the ballpark. Once again, we didn't acquire an impact bat to roll over on inside pitches. Ozuna had a great June. That's it. Drink whatever Matt Carpenter is having.
*Paul DeJong needs to pick up that boom stick again.
*The Cardinals need Kolten Wong to keep raising that batting average. He can't slug or get on base at a high rate anymore, but Wong needs to utilize his speed, stop swinging for the fences, and hit .250. Gold glove caliber defense needs a friend. Marcell, hand the groundballs with eyes to Kolten and relieve the kid of slugging. Easy.
*Carlos Martinez needs to become unreal on the mound. In 16 starts this season, Martinez has went seven or more innings just four times. There was a serious injury in there, but that mark has to be better. It just has to be. He's the ace, so he must act like one. Don't trade him. Just demand more. The man is on the cusp of greatness, but is inconsistent.
*Figure out the bullpen. With Shildt in charge, Mike Maddux can get a better rhythm and order going down there. But the group needs roles and direction. What exactly does Brett Cecil do? Greg Holland? Mike Mayers? Sam Tuivailala? Unless you want to convert Austin Gomber or Dakota Hudson to the bullpen for 2018, get some order.
*Put the best defensive lineup out there. I can handle the baserunning mistakes, but the lapses on defense are sickening. Imagine if the Cardinals didn't have the worst defense in baseball? How many more wins would that equal? 3-5? Easy. If Jose Martinez can't play, so be it. Do what must be done in order to get the best defense, which will also help the starting pitchers and bullpen.
It sure would be nice for the starters to go deeper into games again.
I don't think the Cardinals are going to outright buy or sell this month. I foresee a mix of affairs. They will acquire some bullpen help and possibly shed an outfielder. Unless the Cardinals go 11-0 before the deadline, I don't see Mo and company hurling a blockbuster deal. It isn't the time, not when the record is 48-46 and the Cubs and Brewers are still ahead.
2018 isn't doomed, yet merely requesting a call to action from the current roster. Be better. Shildt brings an extra win or two to the table instantly, but what else can this group do under new leadership?
Unlike the Cubs nine years ago, the Cardinals don't have to rebuild. Just reload. The starting pitching is deep. The lineup has a history of producers. The bullpen has ambition with no pinpoint accuracy. There's parts to fix the car, but they are scattered all over.
There's new life, but just how much? The Cardinals haven't been a bad team in quite some time. I'm talking about decades, but the obstacle remains. They have two teams to catch in the division and others for the wildcard. There's 68 games left to prove the doubters wrong.
For some reason, a new manager has given me some hope and optimism. Shildt made his presence felt on Sunday, but now he goes up against Joe Maddon, the voodoo doctor who kept Matheny in a shell for years.
With the Cardinals and Cubs clashing for their first five-game series in over 15 years, there's a chance for a comeback, but the window is small. Can the Cards do the unthinkable and get back into the race? Answers arrive this weekend at Wrigley Field.
Just remember this, ladies and gentlemen. The past few years could have been a lot worse. The future already looks brighter.
