St. Louis Cardinals: The psychology of the 2019 Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are full of young talented players, and some even have the potential to be a special from a mental perspective. It’s just a matter of learning from those around them.

There are two players in particular on the St. Louis Cardinals that have a swag and almost an ego to them: Carlos Martinez and Kolten Wong. However, mounting emotion that rules decisions sometimes translates into mental lapses, and this makes them harder to trust in events that matter the most.

Wong getting picked off to end a World Series Game, Carlos losing focus after bad results within an inning then a mental downswing negative actions happen for both when in the beginning they were both positive.

Additionally, Dexter Fowler has to find the formula for success, by getting past the past. I honestly did not like the original signing in the first place, but adversity can humble a person, which can hopefully help Fowler.

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In Dexter Fowler’s case, he has the bank, he just needs to get through his mental block and perform. Hopefully, the faith the St. Louis Cardinals have shown in him through his struggles will motivate Dexter to grow past this mental speedbump that must seem like “Ground Hog Day” for him.

These three are exceptional talents; however, Kolten Wong will make gold glove plays, but will kick the groundball that Wong simply should not kick.

Carlos Martinez, has the talent to throw the ball past the best hitters, but, has not found the process to become a pitcher at a higher level without having to throw it by any batter.

These little mental edges that guys like Carpenter and Wainwright have over guys like Martinez and Fowler are embedded within the psychology of players that only they themselves know, and  each situation is unique.

Do we all as humans have that eternal drive to succeed or compete with the best in our field we are trying to prove ourselves by battling the best? It’s no different than the athlete developing their skill to the next level. This edge is there within them, but to search for it would prove to be futile. It’s not something that can be forced, but something that a player can do is discover mistakes and correct them, which is a priceless skill.