St. Louis Cardinals: Real test for new hitting coaches

The St. Louis Cardinals have new names on the hitting side of things in the MLB dugout. These are great changes but there are a few names who will prove to be the best test for these names.

The St. Louis Cardinals have gloriously made changes to the MLB coaching staff and have finally taken note of where the greats sat. With the addition of Mark Budaska and George Greer, Mike Shildt’s coaching staff is almost identical to his minor league Championship team.

As we St. Louis Cardinals fans enjoyed the first win under Mike Shildt ont he final day of the first half of the MLB 2018 season, the team hadn’t yet welcomed Budaska and Greer. These two names were not set to join the Cards until the latter end of the All-Star break.

Historically, Buddha has been known as the guru who has corrected MLB players when they were sent to the minors. Examples of such helped players are Kolten Wong and former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Randal Grichuk. Additionally, Buddha was the corrective force behind the resurgent Matt Adams back in the day.

All of that said, Greer- a lesser-known name in the St. Louis Cardinals organization- is heralded as the hitting architect and brings with him even stronger promise than does Buddha. That said, both names are predicted to make dramatic changes to the often stagnant St. Louis Cardinals offense.

The 25-man roster holds several names already with experience working with Buddha and Greer. These include Wong, Harrison Bader, Matt Carpenter, Yadier Molina, Yairo Munoz, Paul DeJong, and Jose Martinez. Additionally, rising names like Luke Voit and Patrick Wisdom are products of these men.

The real test of the impact of this change will be seen in the way Marcell Ozuna and Dexer Fowler rebound. There are others too but these are the big ones who can easily show the impact of Buddha and Greer.

More from Redbird Rants

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• What’s next for the St. Louis Cardinals after Contreras signing?
• Report: Cardinals Emerge As Mystery Team for Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Trade targets after signing Willson Contreras
• Reflecting on the 2013 Cardinals’ top 30 prospects

Marcell Ozuna had a few moments of greatness this season but hasn’t yet lived up to his stellar year from 2017. I predict that our new hitting coaches will work with Ozuna where he will not have to be the only one watching video to make improvements. Adding to this, I predict that the St. Louis Cardinals will see a rejuvenated Ozuna who will post the numbers for which they paid.

Fowler, even with his struggle and disagreement(s) with Mike Matheny, always seemed to keep his positive outlook and promised to struggle through to become better. This is exactly the type of mentality that will work best with the new coaches.

Like Ozuna before, Fowler has had a tough time recognizing and realizing his promise in 2018. In the past I have urged for Fowler to go down to the minors to get work with Budaska. With the coaching change, Fowler can stay right where he is and get the same impactful work.

Once Fowler starts producing under Budaska/Greer, the St. Louis Cardinals will no longer need to think of trading Fowler, etc.

Like with Shildt, the St. Louis Cardinals need to give our new hitting coaches plenty of time to make improvements. I certainly feel that Shildt will give them the time needed and I believe the players will welcome the different voices.

Next: Front office changes

Welcome to the new age of the St. Louis Cardinals. Watch for the offense to be less offensive (I hope).