Could Cardinal fans handle seeing Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina in the opposing dugout?

Halloween is over, but St. Louis remains scared; not of ghosts or ghouls, but of old friends in new places. 

At the time of recording, Albert Pujols was in contention for the Astros’ managerial opening. Since then, Houston hired Yankees’ bench coach Brad Ausmus. 

Still, the point remains: how would Cardinal fans stomach that reality? Number five at another helm, or even number four. 

How would Cardinal fans feel about Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina managing elsewhere? 

On Cardinal Territory, Jim Hayes, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson explained how fans might react. 

“If Albert gets the job as manager of the Astros, do you think Cardinal fans are gonna be really pissed at the Cardinals? Or is that crazy?” Hayes questioned. 

“Here’s my opinion,” responded Lynn. “I think if Yadi were to get a job managing in the major leagues somewhere else before, they’d be more pissed about that, and here’s why: Albert has been in other organizations and did go away for 10 years before he came back. Now, I understand they’re both in that same ballpark because of their greatness to the Cardinals organization and what they did. But Yadi having another major league uniform on, in a managerial spot, I think, will sting a little bit more than Albert.” 

Lynn continued, “You’re gonna see people pissed either way. But Yadi managing in the major leagues will sting a little bit more than Albert because he’s never had another major league uniform on.” 

Lynn’s opinion is fair. The elephant in the room he forgot to mention is current manager Oli Marmol.

Fans have mentally lost respect for Marmol since he led the Cardinals to a playoff drought. Whether it’s his fault or not seems moot; the people have spoken. 

That underlying factor, paired with the harsh reality of seeing Yadi or Albert in an opposing uniform, is a lot to stomach. 

If the Redbirds were winning, nobody would care. Don’t forget that. If Marmol had a ring, or at least perennial playoff experience, nobody would care where Yadi or Albert ended up. 

Sure, it’d be nice to win the championships and the division with a familiar face leading the charge. But nobody would care. 

If and when either signs elsewhere, don’t forget the truth. If these Cardinals were better, you wouldn’t bat an eye. 

Since retirement, Molina has served as an instructor for the Cardinals. Promoting him to manager would aid morale, but if his teams also fall short, the crash to Earth might be harsher than the truth fans currently sit with. 

Molina has earned all the respect and all the praise. Furthermore, he should have fans’ confidence as a managerial candidate. But not even Whitey Herzog could save St. Louis’ current roster. And until they’re a good team, no manager can. 

Maybe that will influence Albert and Yadi’s career decisions. Maybe it won’t. It’s the offseason, and a lockout is coming. Plenty of time to wait and see. 

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