St. Louis Cardinals: August Reflections; The Future is Now

The decisions by Mike Shildt have proved increasingly significant. The want to win is refreshing. Going on a run and locking down a majority of the series from here on out, is vital. If anyone has the ability to do so, there is no doubt that it’s the current St. Louis Cardinals manager.

Beginning with the all-important series with the Chicago Cubs, then translating to the Colorado set, & the 3-game series with the Pirates, Marlins and Royals, the Cardinals have now won 5 series in a row! Although the significant barrage of winning is not quite a 10-game winning streak or such, St. Louis has still continued to make a statement. One that appears to proclaim “don’t count us out just yet.”

Possibly the most prominent, game-changing element to the Cardinals recent successes, has been without a doubt Matt Carpenter. As of the conclusion of the weekend series with Kansas City, Carpenter sits alone among the top of NL’s home run leaders. Down the stretch, the continued impact by #13 could be what makes or breaks this ball club.

Since the “re-vamp” of the bullpen weeks ago, a lead suddenly feels comfortable once again. (Something that hasn’t been in what has felt like an eternity.) The combination of Hudson and Hicks out of the bullpen, have been a one-two punch that just may help in the aid to carry this team going forward.

As seen by Cardinal Nation, defense has led the charge by key players. In the series at Miami, Harrison Bader made a phenomenal (5-star) catch in the 8th inning. One that ultimately prevented the tying run from reaching base. Then later in the series, Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong made a beautiful diving play to his left, robbing former Red Bird, Sierra.

Just as the series against KC had eventually shown: the offense can come alive when needed, & the domination by the Cardinals Pitchers is a likely occurrence, looking toward the future.

At this point in the season, it is evident that (most likely) the Cardinals shot at the playoffs will come in the form of a Wildcard spot. Given that statement, the remaining schedule is more important than ever. This could be a season that comes down to the wire.

Moments that the St. Louis Franchise and fans hope, sees them ending up on the positive end of the spectrum.

The time is NOW.

The future is now. As young talent has invaded (in a positive way) this ball club, the many shakeups to the roster came at just the right time. Mike Shildt has a hold on the reins; it’s now time for the young superior talent of this club to steer them toward ultimate success.