Serious Managerial Question
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JuanAgosto
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Serious Managerial Question
Oli Marmol is a lightening rod on this forum. Some strongly support him, others blame him for every world misfortune. So I was wondering, what would cause a managerial change?
Some think BDW and Bloom are waiting for the new CBA. Others (myself included), think Oli is probably here for a while.
So what do you think, Cards Talkers? What could lead to a managerial change? And who would you like to see get the job?
Some think BDW and Bloom are waiting for the new CBA. Others (myself included), think Oli is probably here for a while.
So what do you think, Cards Talkers? What could lead to a managerial change? And who would you like to see get the job?
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imyourhuckleberry
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
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JuanAgosto
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
Ok. I think he gets a little more time. Unless the bottom caves this or next year. But honestly, I think its a hard sell to the fans if this group finishes below. 500. That'd be 3 losing seasons out of 5 for Marmol. Ouchimyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:27 pm He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
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Chitownredbird
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
IMO he’s here until Bloom thinks he’s given him a roster that should win but Oli continues with his mismanagement of the pen and idiotic lineups. So probably next year or 28.
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JuanAgosto
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
I saw where Jeff Jones reported today's lineup was a mistake. That Herrerea was supposed to bat 2nd and Walker 4th. But oli turned in an erroneous card.Chitownredbird wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:31 pm IMO he’s here until Bloom thinks he’s given him a roster that should win but Oli continues with his mismanagement of the pen and idiotic lineups. So probably next year or 28.
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imyourhuckleberry
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
Mentioned it in another thread...see Renteria, Rick and Sveum, Dale. Chicago Cubs pre Joe Maddon. Place holders. When the team was ready they made the big move for their preferred guy, Joe Maddon.JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:30 pmOk. I think he gets a little more time. Unless the bottom caves this or next year. But honestly, I think its a hard sell to the fans if this group finishes below. 500. That'd be 3 losing seasons out of 5 for Marmol. Ouchimyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:27 pm He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
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JuanAgosto
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
Sveum wasn't a true placeholder though. He was bad enough to get fired. Renteria did seem like a placeholder.imyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:54 pmMentioned it in another thread...see Renteria, Rick and Sveum, Dale. Chicago Cubs pre Joe Maddon. Place holders. When the team was ready they made the big move for their preferred guy, Joe Maddon.JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:30 pmOk. I think he gets a little more time. Unless the bottom caves this or next year. But honestly, I think its a hard sell to the fans if this group finishes below. 500. That'd be 3 losing seasons out of 5 for Marmol. Ouchimyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:27 pm He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
So who is our Maddon?
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imyourhuckleberry
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
The point is, they weren't ready to compete, so why bother committing to a guy and waste 2-3 years of the contract? Get thru the growing pains, then get the guy you believe is a WS caliber manager. Even though I'm personally not a fan of Joe Maddon he was the right choice for that team (unfortunately).JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:58 pmSveum wasn't a true placeholder though. He was bad enough to get fired. Renteria did seem like a placeholder.imyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:54 pmMentioned it in another thread...see Renteria, Rick and Sveum, Dale. Chicago Cubs pre Joe Maddon. Place holders. When the team was ready they made the big move for their preferred guy, Joe Maddon.JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:30 pmOk. I think he gets a little more time. Unless the bottom caves this or next year. But honestly, I think its a hard sell to the fans if this group finishes below. 500. That'd be 3 losing seasons out of 5 for Marmol. Ouchimyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:27 pm He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
So who is our Maddon?
As for your question... I don't know. You'll have to ask the Boss. If I were to guess, he has a short list.
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Red7
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
Like it or not, Oli is Bloom’s type of manager: works well within the collaborative management group, speaks the geek, and understands his job is not to make decisions, but to implement them.
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JuanAgosto
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
I think you are right. I suspect hes the manager for several years barring a scandal or complete collapse.
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Cardinals4Life
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
You're kidding??JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:37 pmI saw where Jeff Jones reported today's lineup was a mistake. That Herrerea was supposed to bat 2nd and Walker 4th. But oli turned in an erroneous card.Chitownredbird wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:31 pm IMO he’s here until Bloom thinks he’s given him a roster that should win but Oli continues with his mismanagement of the pen and idiotic lineups. So probably next year or 28.
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stlbirdlover
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
The idiot Marmol will be here for a long time. The Cards won't be winning any WS either!

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scoutyjones2
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
I don't see anyone strongly supporting him.JuanAgosto wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:23 pm Oli Marmol is a lightening rod on this forum. Some strongly support him, others blame him for every world misfortune. So I was wondering, what would cause a managerial change?
Some think BDW and Bloom are waiting for the new CBA. Others (myself included), think Oli is probably here for a while.
So what do you think, Cards Talkers? What could lead to a managerial change? And who would you like to see get the job?
I do understand the mantra on the board is the tired, simplistic thinking that 'loses are on the manager,and wins are because of the players."
If you look at the teams makeup/talent and team rankings offensively, defensively and pitching wise...maybe this team is over performing and settling where they belong.
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Jatalk
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
It sort of amazes me how posters over simplify the problem.
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Basil Shabazz
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
I think Oli finishes 2026 and 2027 unless something goes badly wrong.
Then one of two things happens:
-If the young core develops into a contender and Bloom believes Marmol has grown with the team, Oli could still be managing when the Cardinals are making legitimate World Series runs.
-If the roster becomes championship-caliber but Bloom concludes Marmol isn't maximizing it—particularly in leadership, accountability, or postseason decision-making—he'll make a change before the club reaches its competitive peak.
The interesting wrinkle is leadership. I've been consistent in my view that Marmol's biggest weakness isn't tactics but his ability to command the clubhouse and hold players accountable. If Bloom eventually reaches a similar conclusion, that would be a much more compelling reason to replace him than disagreements over bullpen moves or lineup cards. On the other hand, if Bloom sees a healthy clubhouse with young players developing and buying into the organization's direction, he'll likely view those qualities as evidence that Marmol is succeeding in the areas Bloom values most.
Then one of two things happens:
-If the young core develops into a contender and Bloom believes Marmol has grown with the team, Oli could still be managing when the Cardinals are making legitimate World Series runs.
-If the roster becomes championship-caliber but Bloom concludes Marmol isn't maximizing it—particularly in leadership, accountability, or postseason decision-making—he'll make a change before the club reaches its competitive peak.
The interesting wrinkle is leadership. I've been consistent in my view that Marmol's biggest weakness isn't tactics but his ability to command the clubhouse and hold players accountable. If Bloom eventually reaches a similar conclusion, that would be a much more compelling reason to replace him than disagreements over bullpen moves or lineup cards. On the other hand, if Bloom sees a healthy clubhouse with young players developing and buying into the organization's direction, he'll likely view those qualities as evidence that Marmol is succeeding in the areas Bloom values most.
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Melville
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Re: Serious Managerial Question
Best take in the thread.imyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑26 Jul 2026 22:27 pm He's here until Bloom think the team is ready to compete. He's a place holder to take the heat during the re-build. My guess is he is relieved of his duties after next season, assuming there is a next season.
Nice post.
I would add that DeWitt is famously loyal.
It is why The Marmot was hired and why he is still here.
Same as Shildt.
And then Shildt got fired when he tried to be something more than a yes man.
The Marmot learned from that and intentionally chose to comply.
But Super Slo Mo is no longer around to protect him from failure and incompetence.
You are correct - Bloom will fire him once DeWitt permits it.