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TheJackBurton wrote: ↑04 Aug 2025 13:34 pm

blueboys69 wrote: ↑04 Aug 2025 13:27 pm Tough to say.

I think this team has outperformed my expectations at time.

This roster construction was so poor. I have a hard time believing he is to blame for the current status.

That said, I look at the development of Gorman, Walker, Nootbar, etc. and wonder where is the growth? Where is the development?

There is an argument to be made about the quality of the roster, but as you stated what has he done to improve the players he does have?

The defense hasn't improved, the offense is an absolute roller coaster, the bullpen usage is ridiculous.

He wasn't exactly given a lamborghini, but he hasn't done anything to turn his camry into anything better.

Yeah he's one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, but how many players came here or up through the system that Tony La Russa didn't make markedly better? Colby Rasmus is about the only I can think of.

Yes
He can’t control the talent he has to work with but he can impact how fundamentally sound this team is.
And this team is poor at fundamentals(base running, plate discipline, etc).
And again....the players are mostly responsible for their decision making but poor fundamentals has to be somewhat reflective of coaching.

Basil Shabazz wrote: ↑04 Aug 2025 07:48 am Yes or no?

If he's not the long-term answer, wouldn't it make sense to move on from him now to avoid a cloud of negativity hanging over the young players?

Personally, I don't want him as the manager in 2026. That said, I also believe it would create a more positive environment for the rest of the season if the team were led by an interim manager—someone not weighed down by anxiety over job security.

An interim manager could make decisions with a long-term view in mind, rather than focusing only on short-term results in an effort to save their job.

Thoughts?

Oli is nothing if not loyal. I'd let him coach or manage in the minor league ranks. See if he can catch on with another MLB team in a few years. He needs seasoning and experience. I doubt any MLB team wants him right now.

100% no. I will be very disappointed if he is back in 2026. The last 3 years have been one of the worst stretches of Cardinals baseball in the last 3 decades. I know he is not solely to blame, but he no longer has the locker room, and a new voice/direction is needed.

*I will add this here, copied it from a reply I made in another forum.

*******

If Oli is fired (hopefully) then the Cardinals will join the Nats, Rockies, Orioles, Angels, and the Braves in looking for a manager.
Potential Candidates for Managerial Changes in 2026:
Skip Schumaker:
A strong candidate for the Braves if Snitker retires or if the Rangers need a new manager in 2026, especially with Bochy's potential retirement.
Walt Weiss:
Also a potential candidate for the Braves' managerial role, particularly if they promote from within.
Ryan Flaherty:
A leading candidate for the Orioles' managerial job if they conduct a search, and he also has ties to the organization.
Miguel Cairo:
Currently serving as the Nationals' interim manager and could earn a long-term role with a strong second half.
Carlos Beltran:
Could be a potential candidate for the Orioles job, particularly if he's still in the mix with the current front office.
Yadi Molina:
Puerto Rico manager. Cardinals legend.