This is the most excited I've been about a season since 2019

[Cardinals4Life]

WHY?
In 2019, I felt they had some DIRECTION. Shildt's first full season, newly acquired Goldy, DeJong came off two good seasons, Carp hadn't yet declined deeply, the OF seemed promising, ETC.

2021-2022:
Some of you may have been more excited, but to me, we went into both seasons with starter rotation [shirt] shows, no OF depth, DeJong had become dead weight, Mo seemed dead set on Hudson being a starter, wasn't sure of Hicks' role, Matt Carpenter allowed to hang around. It seemed like an incomplete, unfocused roster. With both seasons requiring the acquisition of TWO starters at the deadline, not because of unforeseen injuries but because of inept roster building...

2026:
This org and team seem to have a direction. And personally, I think the rotation and offense have a chance to be better than 2025, which could lead to a better record than many forecast. Either way, it appears to be a CLEAR DIRECTION that can be built on for years to come.

The start of a new season always creates hope and excitement in the air. Then when the season begins and we see how outmatched we are most days, it becomes frustrating and disheartening. Marmol in the dugout really makes it worse.

We have a young team, get them an experienced manager who can provide a winning culture and who knows how to put them in positions to succeed. Marmol does not provide that.

Who hasn't he put in a position to succeed? And is a players inability to succeed, on them? Any of it? Or are they all just good to great players and Oli is holding them back as a manager, and not as a coach?

He has handled Jordan Walker really well.
He did a great job with Willson Contreras and allowing his pitchers to publicly force him from behind the plate for a 2 week period.
How many guys does he bench following a big day?
Matthew Liberatore - Starter? Reliever? Starter again?
Zack Thompson, same thing.
Keep running starting P's out there who can't get guys out.
Need I go on?

Ah the classics that have been regurgitated and rebuffed.

JW wasn't mishandled. He sucks...didn't reciprocate/learn how to counter the league knowing his cryptonite. Still hasn't, and his D isnt better. Is that on a manager or a coach or the player. What do you think a manager does?

willyCon wasn't ready to handle the pitchers thanks to the WBC. The horror of giving him 2 weeks to get to know the pitches his battery mates actually threw.

Not playing the "hot hand"...the cry of gambling addicts everywhere. So and so had a great game yesterday but isn't playing today. Cards need to see what they have, throughout Olis tenure, because he's been handed suspect/prospects for the most part. Except when he wasn't...they won the NL Central.

Libby is maligned on here since the trade, all while not recognizing how young he is..he was given innings they could afford to give him
He's fine and only 26, top starter heading into the season. How horrible for him?

Zach Thompson? LoL. He of the AAA 5.92 ERA?

Olis playing the turdtastic hand he's been given...

Wow, this is wrong on so many different points....

Of course, but you won't show where

I will later. Just got home. Give me some time my friend.

[Melville]

WHY?
In 2019, I felt they had some DIRECTION. Shildt's first full season, newly acquired Goldy, DeJong came off two good seasons, Carp hadn't yet declined deeply, the OF seemed promising, ETC.

2021-2022:
Some of you may have been more excited, but to me, we went into both seasons with starter rotation [shirt] shows, no OF depth, DeJong had become dead weight, Mo seemed dead set on Hudson being a starter, wasn't sure of Hicks' role, Matt Carpenter allowed to hang around. It seemed like an incomplete, unfocused roster. With both seasons requiring the acquisition of TWO starters at the deadline, not because of unforeseen injuries but because of inept roster building...

2026:
This org and team seem to have a direction. And personally, I think the rotation and offense have a chance to be better than 2025, which could lead to a better record than many forecast. Either way, it appears to be a CLEAR DIRECTION that can be built on for years to come.

I agree with your overall perspective, if not necessarily every point.
I would characterize as this:
The organization descended into a TOXIC CULTURE, which was admitted far too late by DeWitt, and now it has fallen to Bloom to "clean out the stalls".
Yes, the change of direction does indeed provide opportunity for 2026 to be far more interesting than recent seasons.
If only they had scooped The Marmot out of one of those stalls.....

[Ronnie Dobbs]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

[3dender]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

I'm more excited than I was in 2023 or 2024. I'm just grateful for a new direction.

[OldRed]

WHY?
In 2019, I felt they had some DIRECTION. Shildt's first full season, newly acquired Goldy, DeJong came off two good seasons, Carp hadn't yet declined deeply, the OF seemed promising, ETC.

2021-2022:
Some of you may have been more excited, but to me, we went into both seasons with starter rotation [shirt] shows, no OF depth, DeJong had become dead weight, Mo seemed dead set on Hudson being a starter, wasn't sure of Hicks' role, Matt Carpenter allowed to hang around. It seemed like an incomplete, unfocused roster. With both seasons requiring the acquisition of TWO starters at the deadline, not because of unforeseen injuries but because of inept roster building...

2026:
This org and team seem to have a direction. And personally, I think the rotation and offense have a chance to be better than 2025, which could lead to a better record than many forecast. Either way, it appears to be a CLEAR DIRECTION that can be built on for years to come.

You sound like Cranny.

[nighthawk]

Feels more like 1954.

[OldRed]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

[sikeston bulldog2]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

[OldRed]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will not bring myself to be okay with losing.

[sikeston bulldog2]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will bring myself to be okay with losing.

I’m not talking about winning. Or losing. In order to have an outcome you gotta have a performance. I like the performance and am happy with a win.


Watching a game is watching a show. That’s what you pay for. A display of the worlds best atheletic talent in a particular industry.

[OldRed]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will bring myself to be okay with losing.

I’m not talking about winning. Or losing. In order to have an outcome you gotta have a performance. I like the performance and am happy with a win.


Watching a game is watching a show. That’s what you pay for. A display of the worlds best atheletic talent in a particular industry.

I just don't see it the way you do. If I want to see a show I will go to the Muny Opera or the Fox Theatre.

[sikeston bulldog2]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will bring myself to be okay with losing.

I’m not talking about winning. Or losing. In order to have an outcome you gotta have a performance. I like the performance and am happy with a win.


Watching a game is watching a show. That’s what you pay for. A display of the worlds best atheletic talent in a particular industry.

I just don't see it the way you do. If I want to see a show I will go to the Muny Opera or the Fox Theatre.

Why even watch the games. Just check the box scores.

[OldRed]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will bring myself to be okay with losing.

I’m not talking about winning. Or losing. In order to have an outcome you gotta have a performance. I like the performance and am happy with a win.


Watching a game is watching a show. That’s what you pay for. A display of the worlds best atheletic talent in a particular industry.

I just don't see it the way you do. If I want to see a show I will go to the Muny Opera or the Fox Theatre.

Why even watch the games. Just check the box scores.

Isn't that what you do?

[bccardsfan]

As I posted in the other thread, I'm excited to see if JJW will make it in The Bigs this season. Everything else is gravy. They're not going to the World Series this year, so what? There's lots of interesting things to watch

What an intriguing take. Only 2 teams make the WS every year...so your expectations,are pretty low every year

I would wager 9 of 10 people can read between the lines, including you, but I will spell it out. Every season there are a hand full of teams that are serious WS contenders barring injuries to key players. Then there is the second tier of teams that could conceivably make a post season run if all goes well and maybe they have some surprise performers. Then there are the complete bottom feeders that are not going anywhere and will be lucky to win 70 games. You can break this down further if you wish. I don't believe this year's Cards team is in the complete bottom feeder category, but I also know darn well they are not in the top tier. They are probably barely in the middle tier, with only a slim chance of a playoff appearance, and not going anywhere even if they get in. So I am going to enjoy watching JJW to see if he can have a good start to his career. I will be interested to see if Winn grows as a player. He is already an elite defender who is a joy to watch play SS. Will IH and Burley grow as hitters...? Which pitchers will emerge as legit MLB starters? This team is not going to the WS this year. Fine. There is still plenty to be hopeful for and enjoy watching.

[sikeston bulldog2]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Winning is a momentary lapse of reason. It doesn’t last forever.

It’s the performance that I enjoy. Atheletic types giving top notch efforts. Winning is fun. But it’s fleeting.

Then what.

Professional sports of any type should be about winning. Otherwise, why would they charge to watch games. I just can't and will bring myself to be okay with losing.

I’m not talking about winning. Or losing. In order to have an outcome you gotta have a performance. I like the performance and am happy with a win.


Watching a game is watching a show. That’s what you pay for. A display of the worlds best atheletic talent in a particular industry.

I just don't see it the way you do. If I want to see a show I will go to the Muny Opera or the Fox Theatre.

Why even watch the games. Just check the box scores.

Isn't that what you do?

Yes you do. For the performance. Last two years, we won 162 ish games. I do not remember any scores of those games. I just know they won.

But there are games i remember the plays/ performance over a win or score/ Floods missed fly in 68. We lost. Maybe a WS on that play. I know not the score. I just remember the plays.

I like the show. Winning is icing on the cake.

[3dender]

I am about as excited as I have been since 2022 when Albert came back.

I realize that we may not win many games and that it could get rough, but if a few guys finally get where we need them to be, this rebuild looks a lot shorter. And even if they fail, at least we know we can cut bait and move on to something different.

Seriously, how can anyone be excited if they are not going to win many games.

Bc they'll still win like 60-something times and those games are fun?

Plus there will be close losses that are good games and entertaining to watch?

Plus we have a decent chance of seeing some impressive individual performances: Herrera, Winn, Wetherholt, probably Burleson, and potentially a lot more?

It's almost like whether you're looking forward to this season or not comes down to your personal attitude.