Another problem that falls on management

[BrummerStealsHome]

Actually, it falls on a lot of people, including the players themselves, but ultimately the field management. For several seasons now, the Cardinals have been able to up their game against key opposition, most recent examples being the Dodgers and the Cubs. On the other side of that same coin, the Cards have an ongoing problem of playing down to their competition. Look, it happens to every team, but not with this much regularity. Embarrassing series against the Rockies, White Sox, Pirates and other bottom feeders have occurred for at least three seasons now. Though natural for the psyche of ballplayers, a culture must be inculcated to combat this and overcome this. It can be done. It was one of the things TLR did better than anyone. Marmol has no apparent skills in this area.

And I'm not referring to Romero blowing the game. He is what he is, and reverted back to a problem he's had off and on in his career, particularly the last half of last season, where he comes into a game and walks the first batter he faces. (That's a preparation problem, and another story entirely)