Reds playing a little better under Francona

[ScotchMIrish]

Now 12 years since Baker was fired they have had only had 2 winning seasons. Currently on pace to win 84. Not great but considering their payroll not bad.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Now 12 years since Baker was fired they have had only had 2 winning seasons. Currently on pace to win 84. Not great but considering their payroll not bad.

I’d think 84 wins would be a great start in their search for renewed relevance.

[scoutyjones2]

Card fans would be calling for heads to roll

[rockondlouie]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

[ScotchMIrish]

Card fans would be calling for heads to roll

True but reality is slowly setting in regarding the tv deal and inability to spend. What's keeping us in contention this season is the low injured payroll number - the lowest in MLB.

Dewitt fired Matheny with a winning record and the team averaging 42,000 per game. If we had that in 2025 he'd give Matheny a contract extension.

[Bad14]

Matheny was awful. He inherited a good team.

[Stlcardsblues]

Matheny was awful. He inherited a good team.

Matheny walked into a difficult situation. While Matheny will never be confused with a great manager, it was not an easy situation to walk into.

[Stlcardsblues]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

I doubt they hire an experienced manager, this goes past just Mo to DeWitt. Dewitt doesn’t want a manager with a backbone as he doesn’t want to be pushed to improve the on field team. LaRussa had a voice to push the front office to push the boundaries of payroll. He wants managers who are yes men. Schildt tried to push back and was fired.

[rockondlouie]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

I doubt they hire an experienced manager, this goes past just Mo to DeWitt. Dewitt doesn’t want a manager with a backbone as he doesn’t want to be pushed to improve the on field team. LaRussa had a voice to push the front office to push the boundaries of payroll. He wants managers who are yes men. Schildt tried to push back and was fired.

Man I hope not Stlcb

Let's hope these small crowds have taught Dewitt a lessen.

The brewery let the team spin out of control in the 70's, Whitey came in to save the franchise.

TLR did the same in the 90's.

Smarten up Dewitt, you need a quality Manager in the dugout.

[CorneliusWolfe]

He’s made a huge difference. They also have a true ace and superstar position player with MVP potential. Reds future more scary than Cubs or Brewers to me.

[ScotchMIrish]

Matheny was awful. He inherited a good team.

Matheny walked into a difficult situation. While Matheny will never be confused with a great manager, it was not an easy situation to walk into.

LaRussa's final 6 seasons with Pujols
2006 - 83
2007 - 78
2008 - 86
2009 - 91
2010 - 86
2011 - 90
________
514

Matheny's 6 seasons without Pujols
2012 - 88
2013 - 97
2014 - 90
2015 - 100
2016 - 86
2017 - 83
________
544

LaRussa's first 6 seasons without Pujols
1996 - 88
1997 - 73
1998 - 83
1999 - 75
2000 - 95
2001 - 93
________
507

6 seasons after Matheny
2019 - 91
covid 30-28 extrapolate to 162 = 84
2021 - 90
2022 - 93
2023 - 71
2024 - 83
________
512

The last manager to take the Cardinals to the world series without Pujols on the roster since Herzog 1987 - Matheny.

I don't understand the dislike for Matheny.

[CorneliusWolfe]

Matheny was awful. He inherited a good team.

Matheny walked into a difficult situation. While Matheny will never be confused with a great manager, it was not an easy situation to walk into.

LaRussa's final 6 seasons with Pujols
2006 - 83
2007 - 78
2008 - 86
2009 - 91
2010 - 86
2011 - 90
________
514

Matheny's 6 seasons without Pujols
2012 - 88
2013 - 97
2014 - 90
2015 - 100
2016 - 86
2017 - 83
________
544

LaRussa's first 6 seasons without Pujols
1996 - 88
1997 - 73
1998 - 83
1999 - 75
2000 - 95
2001 - 93
________
507

6 seasons after Matheny
2019 - 91
covid 30-28 extrapolate to 162 = 84
2021 - 90
2022 - 93
2023 - 71
2024 - 83
________
512

The last manager to take the Cardinals to the world series without Pujols on the roster since Herzog 1987 - Matheny.

I don't understand the dislike for Matheny.

Nice breakdown. I thought him and Schildt, while they maybe had some room for improvements, were fired prematurely. I’m guessing they were too outspoken and threatened Mo’s undisputed power. Reminded him of TLR and his thin skin couldn’t handle it.

[Stlcardsblues]

Matheny was awful. He inherited a good team.

Matheny walked into a difficult situation. While Matheny will never be confused with a great manager, it was not an easy situation to walk into.

LaRussa's final 6 seasons with Pujols
2006 - 83
2007 - 78
2008 - 86
2009 - 91
2010 - 86
2011 - 90
________
514

Matheny's 6 seasons without Pujols
2012 - 88
2013 - 97
2014 - 90
2015 - 100
2016 - 86
2017 - 83
________
544

LaRussa's first 6 seasons without Pujols
1996 - 88
1997 - 73
1998 - 83
1999 - 75
2000 - 95
2001 - 93
________
507

6 seasons after Matheny
2019 - 91
covid 30-28 extrapolate to 162 = 84
2021 - 90
2022 - 93
2023 - 71
2024 - 83
________
512

The last manager to take the Cardinals to the world series without Pujols on the roster since Herzog 1987 - Matheny.

I don't understand the dislike for Matheny.

I never bashed Matheny as a manager, I was one of the few who defended him.

[82birds]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

+ 1,000,000

[rockondlouie]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

+ 1,000,000

[thetank2]

Great Manager

Makes a big difference

Hope C. Bloom can find us one!

+ 1,000,000

Well his Boston record doesn't inspire me.