Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
(You forgot underperformance by players)
See: "continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part".
A shallow take. You let your bias against Marmol relieve the players of their responsibility. You make Marmol a catch-all and scapegoat for the failures of others.
The sole purpose of leadership is to equip and empower others to succeed.
There is nothing else.
That is the essential definition of any leader, in any role, in any organization.
I should know - I teach organizations how to achieve precisely that.
The Marmot is responsible for providing players the teaching, the ongoing coaching, and for placing them in circumstances which best fit each skill set and produces the necessary results.
He has been an abysmal failure in that respect.
The team has the talent.
Hopefully, it will enjoy good health.
Unless there are overwhelming injuries, failing to achieve a winning record will be solely the fault of The Marmot.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Gorman is far from a given as producing as a corner infielder is supposed to do and your comment about "we'll see" about Herrera you could say for about a half dozen players.
If we have to count on Wetherholt picking up the slack for losing Donovan and Contreras then you might want to rethink your position.
I agree concerning corner outfield.
Donovan should have been retained to play LF, and it was ridiculously stupid to trade him too early and for a very poor return.
Bloom should have kept him, zero question.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2026 15:07 pm
Even if the Cardinals defied logic and found themselves in contention in August, Lil oli would find a way to screw it up.
The past two years irrefutably prove that you are correct.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
lol. You already set the ground work. Enough talent to win unless Marmol messes it up. Not very scientific approach.
I was the first and only one to say that the manager decides about 3 games a year.
That’s based on 100% fact 95% of the time.
This is based on observation, experience and knowledge.
It’s not about me. I’m unbiased. I don’t have a preconceived opinion on the managers skills.
Allow me to provide, with gentleness and compassion, the clearly necessary and rudimentary education as a starting point for you.
An example may be helpful.
Last season, The Marmot allowed Mikolas and Pallante to start over 60 games for the Cardinals - putting the team at a serious disadvantage in every one of those contests before the first pitch was thrown.
He allowed two of the worst starters in MLB to do so, even though he had far better options available.
Now, I could easily provide another half dozen equally relevant and insightful examples, but it is not necessary as the point is proven.
Yes - weakness, stupidity, fecklessness on the part of The Marmot is the single greatest threat to the Cardinals having a winning record in 2026, followed by the injury risk common to the game.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.
My advice?
Keep reading, keep learning.
I didn’t know Marmol had roster control. Your example would only be proof if he had roster control.
Remember in the movie Moneyball. When the manager said he had control of the roster and was gonna start a certain player? Then Billy being told on you are not starting him because I traded him.
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2026 15:07 pm
Even if the Cardinals defied logic and found themselves in contention in August, Lil oli would find a way to screw it up.
The past two years irrefutably prove that you are correct.
I just gotta ask you guys. Is there a manager in the game who would have been successful with Mikolas, Fedde, and Palante on the mound every 5 days?
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2026 15:07 pm
Even if the Cardinals defied logic and found themselves in contention in August, Lil oli would find a way to screw it up.
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2026 15:07 pm
Even if the Cardinals defied logic and found themselves in contention in August, Lil oli would find a way to screw it up.
The past two years irrefutably prove that you are correct.
I just gotta ask you guys. Is there a manager in the game who would have been successful with Mikolas, Fedde, and Palante on the mound every 5 days?
Is there one who would have given Mikolas and Pallante over 60 starts - other than The Marmot?
Nope.
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2026 15:07 pm
Even if the Cardinals defied logic and found themselves in contention in August, Lil oli would find a way to screw it up.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Noot --- .747 career OPS
So he'll be in the lineup opening day?
Where did you see that?
No mention of "opening day", just "don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS" when of course we do.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Noot --- .747 career OPS
So he'll be in the lineup opening day?
Where did you see that?
No mention of "opening day", just "don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS" when of course we do.
Didn't mention anything about players being unavailable either.
And his OPS was under .700 last season. So no we don't have one.
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Noot --- .747 career OPS
So he'll be in the lineup opening day?
Where did you see that?
No mention of "opening day", just "don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS" when of course we do.
Didn't mention anything about players being unavailable either.
And his OPS was under .700 last season. So no we don't have one.
Ha!
So you cherry pick one season vs his entire career?
Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 20:48 pm
What if the Cardinals had a winning record and made the playoffs?
It could happen. Maybe not, but possible.
How would it feel to complain and cry all off season, Spring training and I’m sure most of the season for absolutely nothing?
As I get older, I say enjoy the game.
I have been very consistent.
This team has enough talent to produce a winning record.
And that should be the expectation.
If that does not happen, there will be only 2 possible causes.
Multiple significant injuries.
Or, continuing incompetence on The Marmot's part.
BIngo
But I'll stick w/my call as well:
2026 Team > 2025 Team
You are correct.
The talent level is higher.
Well it couldn't get much worse but its not going to be nearly enough for this team to approach .500 or better as you and others have predicted.
Everybody whines about Fedde and Mikolas.
Apparently they forgot about this team being near the bottom of the majors in OPS and that aspect hasn't been upgraded at all.
Getting rid of N/A is alone a huge upgrade.
Soon subtracting Mootbaar as quickly as possible will be another.
Adding Wetherholt to one of the 2 tops spots in the lineup will help fix one of The Marmot's greatest areas of incompetence.
Last year, in a display of unbelievable ignorance on the part of The Marmot and Super Slo Mo, Burleson was the very last man who made the roster as the 26th roster decision - and that has been corrected.
The bench and depth are also improved.
Gorman will produce and we shall see if Herrera can provide the production he hinted at in September.
Crooks has a better bat than either Pages or Pozo, which should upgrade the tandem approach the tea will use.
Yes - the team stupidly traded Donovan (based on the low return acquired) and made a calculated risk in trading Contreras, but on balance the offense should unquestionably be improved.
We'll see.
Still don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS with Burleson playing 1B.
Noot --- .747 career OPS
So he'll be in the lineup opening day?
Where did you see that?
No mention of "opening day", just "don't have an OF'er with a .700 OPS" when of course we do.
Didn't mention anything about players being unavailable either.
And his OPS was under .700 last season. So no we don't have one.
Ha!
So you cherry pick one season vs his entire career?
C'mon WS that's weak.
We have an OFer w/a career .747 OPS.
What's weak is counting on a player who cant stay healthy .
If the player isnt available then what good are any numbers.
