5 players the Cardinals should have trusted more against the Phillies

With all hands on deck for the Cardinals, Gorman should have been in Game 2

Nolan Gorman was a surprise addition to the Cardinals’ Wild Card roster. He was demoted to the Memphis Redbirds in the season’s final weeks. So it was a bit of a surprise to see him make the roster for the Wild Card game.

Down 6-2 in the ninth inning of the first game of the Wild Card series, Goman pinch-hit for Ben DeLuzio. Gorman singled on a sharp grounder to right fielder Nick Castellanos, scoring Nolan Arenado. Gorman had a huge hit, but the rally fell flat for the Cardinals.

Gorman stepping up big should have earned him a shot in the second game of the series. All hands should have been on deck for this game. Gorman could have been the starting designated hitter in the game, with Albert Pujols replacing him later on or vice versa, with Gorman replacing Pujols late in the game. Gorman could have been given another opportunity to pinch hit after coming up clutch in the first game.

I’m sure analytics played a part in the decision. Marmol also felt a sense of loyalty to Pujols to provide every opportunity to be the hero for the Cardinals. But, in hindsight, Gorman should have been given another shot at coming up clutch for the Cardinals. Gorman will likely have a list of things to work on this offseason to improve his shot at staying with the Cardinals all season and making big contributions.