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John Mozeliak said the Cardinals will be looking to improve the roster at the annual Cardinals Bloggers Q&A. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s looking to make a big acquisition but instead looking to make some minor improvements.
The Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations went on to say they were looking for some small wins. Undoubtedly, that’s not what fans want to hear. The team is struggling with an underperforming offense and a rotation compromised of one ace, three pitchers that are third or fourth in the rotation types, and no reliable fifth starter.
Mozeliak Looking For Small Wins
When discussing trade deadline plans, Mozeliak had this to say. “We are sort of in that shop mode on how we can look to get better, even if they’re just small wins. I would define small wins as maybe trying to find someone who can give us innings in that 5th role. Is there some right-handed bat that could play center field from time to time? That would be helpful as well.”
It’s unlikely this will be received well by a large portion of the Cardinals’ fan base. Some want to tear it all down and rebuild, and others would prefer some big win now moves. However, Mozeliak’s plan for the Cardinals is to look for some small improvements and hope it’s enough to make the playoffs in a mediocre National League. Currently, there are ten National League teams with winning percentages under .500, and it’s looking like Mozeliak is falling back in the same routine of underwhelming additions. Making moves that barely move the needle and hoping to sneak into the playoffs.
It’s Time for Big Changes
If the Cardinals don’t turn things around in a big way quickly, the Cardinals’ ownership needs to make some changes. The changes should start with the coaching staff and front office.
Mozeliak’s poor choices for managers have been overshadowed by his terrible record in free agency. However, the choices he’s made in that area have been equally damaging to the organization
Cardinals’ leadership has hired three managers in a row that had zero major league management experience from within the organization. Mike Shildt was probably the best out of three but was fired because he dared to disagree with the Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations. Mozeliak and company seemingly only want yes-men in that position. Fans that constantly blame the coaching staff for the team’s failures may want to shift the blame to the man who hired them to begin with. Furthermore, ownership needs to be held accountable. If the DeWitt family isn’t willing to make some bold moves to get the Cardinals back on track, it may be time for them to call it quits and sell the team.
