BREAKING NEWS:The St Louis Cardinals Manager May Not Be Judged on Winning Next Year due to…

BREAKING NEWS:The St Louis Cardinals Manager May Not Be Judged on Winning Next Year due to…

In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), managing a team is a high-stakes job where every season brings with it new pressures, expectations, and challenges. Fans, the media, and even ownership often gauge the success or failure of a manager based on win-loss records, playoff appearances, and championships. However, in the case of the St. Louis Cardinals and their current manager, Oliver Marmol, it may be time to rethink what constitutes success and how it should be measured in the near future.

The Cardinals, historically one of the most successful franchises in MLB history, have encountered a rough patch in recent seasons. After an underwhelming 2023 campaign, the team faces a crossroads. The natural instinct for many is to demand immediate improvement, with expectations that the team will rebound quickly and compete for a postseason spot. However, it is possible that, for Marmol, the stakes for 2024 may not be as simple as “win or be fired.” There are several factors that suggest he may not be judged solely on the team’s ability to win next year.

The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future

One of the most important considerations for the Cardinals heading into the 2024 season is the long-term vision for the team. This is not a franchise that is built for a quick-fix mentality. The Cardinals have a proud tradition of developing homegrown talent, and their front office has consistently emphasized sustainability over instant gratification. The organization has made significant investments in its player development system, and while the Cardinals might still be competitive in the short term, they appear focused on laying the groundwork for future success.

Marmol, entering his third season as the manager, might be viewed less as a short-term solution and more as a part of a larger project to rebuild and develop a competitive roster. His success may be judged by how well he fosters the growth of young talent, manages the roster through transitions, and guides the team’s long-term vision, rather than by whether he can win the division in 2024. The Cardinals’ recent struggles have highlighted the importance of cultivating a pipeline of young talent to complement established veterans. Whether Marmol can integrate those players effectively and continue to develop their skills might be seen as a larger measure of his success than his win total.

The Importance of Player Development

In any rebuilding or retooling effort, player development becomes crucial. For the Cardinals, the development of young pitchers like Matthew Liberatore, Gordon Graceffo, and others in the minor league system will be essential for their future success. The front office, led by General Manager John Mozeliak, is well aware that championship-level teams require a steady influx of talent, and they have made strides in improving their farm system over the past few years.

For Marmol, this presents a unique challenge. A manager is often judged on his ability to win in the present, but in this case, it may be more important for him to provide consistent leadership and create an environment where young players can develop properly. Managers are instrumental in shaping the culture of a team, and Marmol’s ability to develop relationships with young players, instill confidence, and manage their growth through the ups and downs of the MLB schedule will likely be more important than simply racking up wins.

The Manager’s Tactical Growth

Managers, especially those who are relatively new to the role, experience growing pains. Marmol, a former Cardinals bench coach before being promoted to the manager’s role, has shown flashes of good decision-making, but he’s also faced criticism for tactical decisions in high-leverage situations. While a manager’s ability to make the right calls during games is always scrutinized, it’s worth noting that this aspect of managerial performance can often take time to refine.

In 2024, Marmol will likely be evaluated on his ability to adjust to new trends in the game, manage his pitching staff effectively, and optimize his lineups for production. However, rather than focusing on immediate results, it may be more important for Marmol to show continued growth as a tactician and leader. If he can demonstrate an ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of baseball, particularly in the areas of analytics and in-game strategy, his value to the organization will increase even if the team’s win-loss record is not as impressive as fans might hope.

The Competitive Landscape

The National League Central Division, where the Cardinals reside, is a highly competitive environment. While the division may not be as strong as others in MLB, it is still full of talented teams, and rebuilding efforts are happening across the league. The Milwaukee Brewers, in particular, have proven to be a tough opponent in recent seasons, and the Cincinnati Reds, while still rebuilding, showed signs of life in 2023.

Given this landscape, it might be unrealistic to expect the Cardinals to immediately return to the top of the division, especially if other teams in the division continue to progress and improve. In this context, expecting Marmol to achieve a high win total next season might not be entirely fair. Instead, he could be judged on how the team competes against its division rivals, how it develops younger players, and how it positions itself for future success.

Organizational Support and Patience

One key factor in determining whether Marmol will be judged by wins and losses in 2024 is the support from the Cardinals’ front office. Mozeliak and team ownership have historically shown patience with their managers, understanding that there are cycles in baseball that require strategic patience and long-term thinking. In fact, the organization has a strong track record of maintaining stability at the managerial level. This could suggest that even if the team does not return to playoff contention in 2024, Marmol may still have a job if he continues to show progress in other areas.

Moreover, the St. Louis Cardinals are known for their strong fan base and loyal following, but they also understand that building a championship contender is a process that requires time. There’s a recognition that the 2023 season was a disappointment, but one that can be viewed as part of a necessary rebuilding phase. If Marmol and the front office can show that they are on the right track, the results in 2024 may not carry the same weight as in other years.

Conclusion

While the 2024 season will undoubtedly be an important one for the St. Louis Cardinals, it may not be one in which manager Oliver Marmol is judged solely by wins and losses. Given the team’s long-term focus on player development, Marmol’s role in fostering the growth of young talent and managing a transition period will likely be more important than whether the team secures a playoff spot. Additionally, Marmol’s tactical development and ability to adapt to the evolving game will be a key factor in his evaluation. The Cardinals are in a phase where patience and sustainable success matter more than immediate results. As such, Marmol’s success in 2024 may ultimately be defined by how well he prepares the team for future seasons, rather than by his ability to win in the here and now.