Oliver Marmol, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, found himself in a conundrum on a Saturday morning in New York. Despite being in the Big Apple, where one would assume bagels were plentiful, he couldn’t get his hands on one. The long line at the bagel shop was discouraging, and Marmol didn’t want to risk starting a fight by skipping it. Unfortunately, this lack of bagel was just another disappointment in what has been a challenging season for the Cardinals.
Although the afternoon brought some relief with a win against the Mets, it was only their third victory in June. With a record of 28-43, the worst for the franchise in 71 games since 1978, the Cardinals find themselves with the second-worst record in the National League. This downfall is unprecedented for a team with such a rich history, including 11 championships overall and consistent playoff appearances.
Nolan Arenado, the star third baseman, acknowledges the magnitude of the situation, knowing that the team hasn’t experienced such a losing streak in over 70 years. The weight of the past seems to be hindering the Cardinals, and they’re struggling to find a way out. Dwelling on past successes is only making matters worse.
Even the team’s attempts to honor their past have been met with rejection. David Freese, who was voted into the team’s Hall of Fame, turned down the honor, feeling he didn’t deserve it. This rejection, along with the retirements of Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, has added to the Cardinals’ challenges.
Despite these difficulties, Adam Wainwright, the team’s last active link to their last World Series win in 2011, remains hopeful. He believes that chemistry is key to winning, and the team gets along well off the field. However, the players often feel the pressure and play too cautiously, which makes it difficult to break free from their slump.
This season also marks the departure of Molina, which has affected the Cardinals more than expected. Contreras, brought in as a replacement, was removed from the starting role early on, seemingly becoming a scapegoat for the team’s poor performance. However, he has sought support from former All-Star catcher Victor Martinez, who has been a mentor and a source of guidance for him.
Marmol, the youngest manager in baseball at 36, has been working closely with his players to instill positivity. He understands that change won’t happen overnight but believes in the power of teaching. However, the team’s defense is a pressing concern, particularly due to injuries that have forced players to play out of position, impacting their effectiveness on the field.
The Cardinals’ defense has been a weak point, ranking last in turning fly balls into outs. This deficiency, along with a low-strikeout pitching staff, has resulted in more hits allowed. It’s a challenging situation for a team that is used to being a top contender in their division, but they take solace in the fact that the Milwaukee Brewers, the current leaders in the NL Central, are not far ahead.
Despite the struggles, the Cardinals remain motivated and see an opportunity to surprise people. They have embraced their underdog status and are determined to turn their season around. The division title that once seemed expected is now a goal that will require hard work and a change in mindset.
In the end, bagels may be hard to come by, but the Cardinals are set on reclaiming their place among the elite teams in baseball.
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