Matheny

[Kenny56]

Does he get Manager of the year?

If they go .500 the rest of the way they are sitting at 98 wins. Without Waino, without Adams, without Walden, without Jay, partly without Holliday.

Every team faces injuries. Cardinals lost major pieces of their offense and pitching throughout the year and still truck on.

I doubt he ever develops into a LaRussa figure. Then again the same fans complained about LaRussa as well.

 

[oldroundballer]

I don't see how he can't be a strong candidate. I saw a graphic yesterday of games missed by starting players. The Birds are at the top. Many criticize him but how can he not get some credit? There's a lot more to managing than just decisions on the field. He appears to be pretty good at those aspects as the guys just keep getting it done regardless of how out-manned they are.

The guy who doesn't get enough credit either, in my opinion, is Derek Lilliquist. Everyone pretty much called Dave Duncan the best pitching coach ever. But the staff hasn't missed a beat and is maybe the best ever now, 4 years after Duncan. Without their performance we're nowhere near the top. Derek was only there one year before Dave left so he didn't learn everything he knows from Dave. He's brought these young guys along with amazing results.

I'm not sold on Mabry, obviously. He took over the top offense in the NL from Big Mac and it has regressed to around 10th. Of course there's different players but Big Mac took them from mid pack to the top while he was there and now they're below average. The Dodgers have also improved under Big Mac's eye. There has to be something to that.

I don't see any reason why MM and DL wouldn't be here for a long time.

 

[vbsideout]

Now Kenny you know you are just stirring the pot as many of our friends on here think MM is terrible! Read an article from baseball America that ranks him second behind Botchy but this publication knows nothing! He gets my vote for MGR. of the year hands down

 

[Kenny56]

I don't agree with every move they make, but there is more to managing a team than what is seen during the game. And he is doing an exceptional job. His winning percentage through the first four seasons is at a historical level. He is only going to improve with more in game managing experience. I believe the Cardinals have their manager for years to come barring any substantial drop off. Times are good to be a Cards fan.

 

[thegoldenboy55]

Times should stay great for awhile....

Wong
Heyward (hopefully can strike a deal)
Grichuk
Piscotty
CMart
Wacha
Adams (Not completely sold, but still)
Rosie
Siegrist

All 26 years old or younger. That's a pretty nasty young core.

 

[vbsideout]

Many of their vets are signed for the next couple of years also.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

The guy who doesn't get enough credit either, in my opinion, is Derek Lilliquist.

I agree, to an extent...but I seriously think there are three guys that don't get much credit...that seriously deserve it. Bill Dewitt Jr, MO, and Jeff Lunhow. The organization has continued to roll no matter who has been in charge on the field. Lunhow is darn near solely responsible for the guys on the roster now that are home grown. MO has done a great job of building around those pieces (jury out on how well he's handled the draft/amateur signing process) and putting together a solid nucleus. And Dewitt has allowed all of this to happen. They've been successful, and promote from within and keep the ball rolling...That said, the minors look brutal right now as far as prospects go. MO and his assistants need to replenish with good/great drafts. But luckily there are plenty of youngsters on the MLB roster. So there is time.

 

[Neutron Monster]

Eagles, I was going to say "I believe you misspelled Mozeliak"

I do think the minor league staff probably deserves more credit - we have developed a lot of talent

 

[Kenny56]

And yet who decided Matheny was the right coach?

 

[runyouover]

You boys are already handing out hardware in August? Maybe we should complete this 10-game trip out west before we put Matheny in the hall.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

And yet who decided Matheny was the right coach?

Assume MO and Dewitt. Which is kind of the point. The organization as a whole part deserves much more credit than one person. Much like the offensive woes, I believe this team wins in spite of a few things, and not because of them. While many teams have much better offenses, I'm not sure any of them have better pitching (and pitching depth). The loss of Waino hurt, but if there were any one area the Birds could absorb a loss, it was pitching. The loss of Adams, meh. Not a huge issue. Just not sure he helps any more than Reynolds. MattyH's loss and Marp's June/July swoon were much bigger. JHoney's huge dip in OPS since the ASB is a big issue as well.

The big concern for me is the playoffs. The Birds pitching depth is a big plus over the course of 162. That depth becomes much less of a strength come the playoffs. Off days and short series' allow other teams to run their best pitchers out there more often. The offense will have to score runs against other teams best, and that's going to be difficult. Here's hoping some of the bats get healthy!