What a pathetic, no-show 6-0 loss to the Mets by the Cardinals today. The downturn continues. Now 7-10 since the All-Star break, 9-14 in last 23, and 16-18 in last 34. Home losses are piling up. Futility vs. LH pitching is insane.
#STLCards
A follow-up: after 2 more hits in the 10-1 win over Texas, Michael Siani is batting .353 since July 5, and .320 since June 12.
Siani was hitting .128 at the end of April, .206 at end of May, and .234 at end of June. His avg is up to .253 at the end of July.
#STLCards
Question for
#STLCards
fans who follow me, and thanks for doing that: do you trust the Cardinals to keep winning?
Who are the “real” Cardinals. The 15-24 team that had a minus 52 run differential on May 11 - or the 31-18 team that has a +19 run diff since May 12?
It’s still a work in progress, but the Bernie Miklasz Show is up and running on YouTube. Here’s my first episode and I hope you subscribe and please get the word out. Thanks!
#STLCards
Andre Pallante joined the Cardinals' rotation on May 29. Here are the team's starting-pitching ERAs since then:
Lynn, 5.77
Gibson, 4.57
Gray, 4.45
Mikolas, 4.40
Pallante, 3.42
The combined ERA for Lynn, Gibson, Mikolas and Gray since May 29 is 4.72.
#STLCards
Update: it's been 2 months since my first account was hacked and taken over. Despite many emails and pleadings and supplying requested proof of identity,
@X
still hasn't solved this. For now, please tell your friends who followed to join me
@b_miklasz
... Thanks.
#STLCards
After Pallante's start today (4.2 innings, 5 ER) the Cardinals have a 5.14 starting-pitching ERA in 42 games played since June 18. If they lose today (as anticipated) they'll be 21-21 during the starting-pitching downturn. Offense stinks too.
#STLCards
Unfortunately, I have to go. I have truly enjoyed talking with so many of you and having fun talking about "most disappointing" Cardinals. We'll do this again soon. I need to be available for chats more often. I have more time to do it now. Thanks!
#STLCards
Sonny Gray has a 6.67 ERA in his last five starts ... the Cardinals have a 5.24 starting-pitching ERA in their 32 games since June 18. Their rotation ERA for July (5.52) ranks 27th.
#STLCards
The
#STLCards
Just throwing it out there ... in your opinion, who have been the most disappointing
#STLCards
players over the last 30 years or so? I'm thinking about a column about the most disappointing Cards during the Bill DeWitt ownership Era (1996-present.) Thanks!
Impressive series win by the Cardinals. Losing the opener in Atlanta tge way they did, then rallying for two straight wins and outscoring the Braves 15-7. Cards win the season series 4-2 and are 2.5 games behind Atlanta for No. 1 wild-card.
#STLCards
Don’t hate me too much but I think Marmol is doing a good job. Had had a lot of things working against him early but he kept this team together. And strong with the bullpen.
@b_miklasz
I am whatever gets marmol out of town. I don’t think they are good just been playing bad teams. Oli couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag no idea how he has kept his job. We will finish sub 500 two years in a row something needs to change
I'll have a 2nd "Redbird Review" coming later A favor: I'm trying to rebuild my 'follower' base after my original account was hacked and taken over. Please let friends and other
#STLCards
fans know that
@b_miklasz
is where they can find me here. Thanks!
It’s still a work in progress, but the Bernie Miklasz Show is up and running on YouTube. Here’s my first episode and I hope you subscribe and please get the word out. Thanks!
#STLCards
I don't what this says about the
#STLCards
offense, but since the start of July the two best batting averages on the team belong to Michael Siani (.313) and Pedro Pages (.294). Since the All-Star break, Siani (now on IL) has a higher SLG (.425) than Nolan Arenado (.413.)
A Bernie YouTube Channel is in the works. Haven't ruled out a return to conventional radio, but my streaming and number of Bernie Show downloads at KFNS were huge, and this is a way to serve that audience.
Meanwhile, the Brewers went to Atlanta and dropped 31 runs on the Braves in a three-game sweep. I keep taking myself into thinking it’s possible for the Cardinals to catch Milwaukee. I need to make better use of my brain … what’s left of it.
#STLCards
Two issues that have shown up in a big way in this series for the
#STLCards
:
1) Need for an upgrade in the 6th/7th inning relief options
2) Urgent need for right-handed production against LHP
Should the Cardinals bring back Paul Goldschmidt in 2025? I have an opinion.
Thank you for supporting my new YouTube channel and I hope you'll subscribe.
#STLCards
OK, here's another nominee for the most disappointing list: Jack Flaherty. I was a fan. He had that fab 2019 at age 23. An 0.93 ERA in his final 16 starts. Had the best WHIP in the majors. Fourth in NL Cy Young vote. Expected a lot after that. Didn't happen. Injuries.
#STLCards
Before drafting JD Drew, the
#STLCards
top scout told DeWitt that Drew had more talent than Mickey Mantle. That set an impossibly high bar. Drew slashed .282/.377/.498 as a Cardinal, had a 124 OPS+, and was traded for a young prospect named Adam Wainwright.
@b_miklasz
Bernie would you consider jd drew a disappointing player. To me it felt like he had flashes of brilliance undermined by injury considering the hype coming in?
Michael Siani entered Wednesday's game with a .333 average since July 5, and a .309 average since June 12. He just singled in the 5th inning to extend his hitting streak to 7 games. And has at least one hit in 10 of his last 11 games.
#STLCards
Charlie, you're my inspiration as I gear up for YouTube. I also want to acknowledge and thank
@bschaeffer12
and
@joshjaco98
for their guidance and encouragement.
#STLCards
I respect you for your independent thinking, seriously. For better or for worse, there's a lot of pressure on social media to go along with the pack. Marmol's handling of the bullpen has been outstanding. And I don't know what he's supposed to do to fix the offense.
@b_miklasz
I was on the Fire Oli bandwagon until they hit that hot streak in May/June. To be even remotely in the hunt for the playoffs with this pathetic offense is a testament to Oli in many ways. He’s done a good job — I will now duck for cover!🤣
I’ve been writing about the Cardinals bullpen being more vulnerable. This didn’t just start. Wrote a column about it yesterday. It’s not the same. it’s been so good all season. The strength of the team. It cannot crack.
#STLCards
Thank you. I'm taking some time to ponder what's next. I won't retire, even though I could. I enjoy my work too much and there's an audience for what I do. I'll continue writing on Scoops and have a few potential projects to consider. Plus
@seeingredpod
should return next week.
@MiklaszMiklasz3
I’m sorry you won’t be on KFNS anymore. I moved from the St. Louis area to the DFW area a couple of years ago when I retired. I’ve been streaming your show to keep tabs on St. Louis sports and to be an informed fan. I hope you’ll be back on the airwaves soon.
I thought Rasmus would be a special player. I don't think he loved playing ball. His father created problems with public dogging of TLR. It was a bad move; Colby should have told him to back off. I never understood what was going on in Colby's head.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
I was so hyped for Colby Rasmus, and yet he never reached that potential. But that trade helped us win a world series, so it wasn't a total disappointment. Nolan Gorman is currently for me. I hate strikeouts so much.
I don’t see any real long-term success again until there’s regime change.
@williamfleitch
and i discussed this on this week’s
@seeingredpod
… I told Will I can’t make any projections about 2025 and 2026 without knowing if the same front office will be back.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
Team is what its record says it is. Should have been sellers at the deadline. The problem with that is you’re hoping the FO can evaluate and develop talent. Very questionable now.
What’s going on with Nolan Arenado? There may be a positive twist. Also, a look at Erick Fedde’s first home start for the Cardinals.
#STLCards
The Bernie Miklasz Show, Aug. 8, 2024 via
@YouTube
A few of you cited Carlos Martinez as a "most disappointing" pick. I agree. "El Gallo" was an outstanding starter for 3 years (2015-2017) ranking 10th in MLB in wins, 12th in quality starts, 14th in IP, and 15th with a 3.26 ERA. But he imploded. A shame.
#STLCards
As some of you noted, the offense was also a problem tonight, not scoring after the third inning to tack onto the lead. You are absolutely right. Can’t expect the bullpen to be perfect and cover for the offense and starting pitching so often.
#STLCards
Sincere thanks to those of you that are following. I know this is a confusing situation. I was hacked on June 9, and the hacker was able to take complete control of the
@miklasz
account I've had since 2009. I've been trying in vain to get "X" to intervene and make it right.
A from my Redbird Review. These 3 guys have battled Paul Skenes for the largest number of pitches he's thrown to a single batter in a game this season:
Pete Alonso 20, Matt Olson 19, Michael Siani 19.
Since June 12, Siani is slashing .293/.318/.402.
#STLCards
A sample from my Redbird Review: JoJo Romero's monthly strikeout rate for the Cardinals in 2024.
M/April, 30.8%
May, 19.2%
June, 17.1%
July, 5.9%
#STLCards
I have to check out for the evening. I enjoyed chatting with you all and thank you so much for the discussion. I always feel better after hanging out with you.
#STLCards
I had great appreciation for Carlos Martinez and his talent. I defended him a lot of silly criticisms. For 3 seasons he was a helluva starting pitcher, and then a promising closer. It all ended too soon. That’s the basis for my disappointment.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
If you find this stretch as a starting pitcher (plus the relief year) to be disappointing, the conversation should be more about setting realistic expectations lol
In his last 5 starts -- including the first 4 innings today -- Pirate Martin Perez has allowed 1 earned run in 11.1 innings (0.79 ERA) vs. St. Louis -- but was walloped for 17 earned runs in 12.1 IP (12.40 ERA) by the Braves, Brewers and Phillies.
#STLCards
I hear ya. But I don’t care as much about payroll size. They’ve made horrendous mistakes with spending; I wouldn’t want the same people handling a larger payroll. Biggest problem is failure to draft/develop pitching. And failure with too many young hitters.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
I put about 80% on our cheap owners & 20% on Mo. I someone asked me to choose who I’d rather see gone between Mo & the Dewitt’s, I’d choose ownership in a heartbeat.
Based on wRC+, Cardinals were a tad (3%) below average vs. lefties last season, had the No. 1 offense v. LHP in 2022, the 4th best offense v. LHP in 2021, and were 13th in 2019. This season: 22% below league average vs. LHP, ranking 29th.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
It never seems to get better? They have had the same issues with lefty's for a while now. They need another right handed bat but that's not the whole story. How do other teams deal with this and why do the Cardinals not copy or learn from the others that are having success?
My thoughts on this are quite similar to yours. The bullpen has been phenomenal but this team is overly dependent on it. They play an extreme amount of close games, and if the bullpen flattens out gets beat up for a while, it could be disastrous.
#STLCards
Is it a good idea to bring Paul Goldschmidt back in 2025? ICYMI, I had something to say on that in my daily YouTube video. If you check it out, please subscribe. Thanks.
#STLCards
Should the Cardinals bring back Paul Goldschmidt in 2025? I have an opinion.
Thank you for supporting my new YouTube channel and I hope you'll subscribe.
#STLCards
We are BACK.
@MiklaszMiklasz3
and
@williamfleitch
are here for you. Currently having some trouble with the Spotify feed, but Apple Podcasts is working, as is right here. We missed you.
Lynn is on the injured list (knee) and may be there for two-three weeks. So Pallante is staying in the rotation. After that, we'll see. But Oli Marmol isn't afraid of anything. He's made plenty of tough decisions this season.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
@williamfleitch
@seeingredpod
I've been a fan since I was 7 in 1964. I didn't think I'd see the day that ownership and front office would make me ... apathetic. And that's worst than being p*issed. Means I no longer care. And that should worry ownership ... but it won't.
Michael Siani is quietly making solid contributions to the
#STLCards
offense. This exceptional defensive center fielder is improving as a hitter. His value is growing.
@BobBill031511
I hear ya, Bob. But I wouldn't put him on there. Maybe a different category for him and others. "What Could Have Been?" I think we all wonder that about Alex Reyes (so many cruel injuries). Ankiel (the staggering loss of control). The passing of Darryl Kile.
#STLCards
Bernie's Redbird Review: I’ll have a column on the trade coming soon. But for now, this is how I envisioned their goal in the 24+ hours before the deadline: a pragmatic approach that fits their historical preference.
#STLCards
Sorry for the confusion. I was using
@miklaszmiklasz3
as a temporary, but with
@X
doing nothing to salvage my hacked account I may be in this jam for a while and wanted a shorter user name. I changed it to
@b_miklasz
but the
@miklaszmiklasz3
automatically brings you here.
Alec Burleson is tied for the MLB lead (1st in NL) with 39 RBIs since June 2. Burly had 39 RBIs in 123 games in his first two seasons with STL. Look at him now: Burleson has the same number of RBIs (39) since June 2 of this year, a span of 42 games.
#STLCards
Thanks. It's tough to separate performance from injuries/tragedy. Injuries broke Alex Reyes; he couldn't help it. Oscar Tavares died in a drunken crash that killed his girlfriend. Does he belong on a most disappointing list? Does it trivialize his passing?
#STLCards
Just throwing it out there ... in your opinion, who have been the most disappointing
#STLCards
players over the last 30 years or so? I'm thinking about a column about the most disappointing Cards during the Bill DeWitt ownership Era (1996-present.) Thanks!
Typo: 23 MLB teams have losing records vs. opponents that are .500 or better. I wrote 22 by mistake. But only seven teams have winning marks against .500+ opponents. The Cardinals aren't alone in this. And the
#STLCards
are hardly alone in having lousy series vs. bad teams.
#STLCards
have a losing record vs. teams that are .500 or better. But we can say that about 22 other clubs including Brewers, Twins, Red Sox, Mariners, Astros, and 2023 league champs Rangers/D-backs. Only 7 of 30 teams have a winning mark vs opponents .500 or higher.
I apologize if this was referenced elsewhere. But what an unusual start by Sonny Gray on Saturday. Unless StatHead searh engine was fibbing to me, Gray became the 1st starting pitcher in franchise history to strike out 10 and allow four HRs in the same game.
#STLCards
The Cardinals are having a terrible time against left-handed pitching in 2024. It's historically bad. Can Albert Pujols make another comeback? No. So I guess it's just about time to make a trade.
#STLCards
It's very frustrating and a real blow. I don't know what I have to do to convince the help-center folks at X that the account belongs to me, it was stolen, and it should be returned to my control. Anyway, just venting. Thanks again for supporting me.
Since May 31, Brandon Crawford is 6 for 15 (.400) with four walks and three RBIs. After an understandably slow start, he’s doing a good job in the role he was signed for.
#STLCards
@sweeb81tf
Not a fan. He never got over the Yankees. Remember him in his first spring-training day as a Cardinal, and he very publicly told Cardinals fans that he was signing for Yankee fans only. What a d--k move.
#STLCards
New show!
@b_miklasz
and
@williamfleitch
discuss an excellent weekend in Smyrna, Alec Burleson's hot streak, Goldy batting seventh and whether Sonny Gray is an ace.
IOS:
Spotify:
Still writing like a mad man. More from the content farm. Next: up a younger generation of Cardinals position players is taking over, and that's a positive development.
#STLCards
I hear what you're saying. But what would the market be for Goldschmidt? Not much; no trade-deadline windfalls there. As for Arenado, he has huge guaranteed $$$ left on a contract that runs through 2027. He's 33 and clearly in decline. Who wants that contract?
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
Good read, but let's also be very honest. MO isn't going to go out and get a front of the line starter, a stud bat or 2, and/or a dominant pen arm. Might be lucky enough to get a bench player for Carlson. In that case, why not trade off Goldy, who should not be back, and nado
@b_miklasz
also i whipped this up in like 30 seconds so it's just an imperfect example, but thumbnails/titles like this will also help your content perform. happy to see you embracing YouTube!
I wrote this Wednesday afternoon, and it's still fresh. I even updated by adding a few small things. John Mozeliak has to deliver by Tuesday's trade deadline, and he's done it in the past, probably more times than we remember.
#STLCards
That’s one way to look at it. The other way to look at it: making expensive payroll mistakes and having to carry guaranteed money into the future with players that to clog up your payroll means spending less on new moves.
#STLCards
will never spend close to the top level.
@b_miklasz
@williamfleitch
I generally agree that the Cards don’t have to spend more money to win a World Series, but, the less you spend the smaller your margin of error.
@zkelley33
Oli has a lingering problem that isn't his fault. He didn't fire Mike Shildt. He was as surprised as anyone. But he was given the job, which to some makes him "Mo's boy" or "Mo's puppet." The animus for Mozeliak carries over to Marmol. And it shouldn't.
Will the Cardinals make the playoffs? Not sure. There's a lot of work to be done, and improvements to be made. A look at some of the factors that will determine their fate.
#STLCards
Even with clunker at Miami and a four-game split with Colorado,
#STLCards
are 8-3-1 in their last 12 series. And they have NL’s best record (24-13) since May 12. I didn’t envision this when team was drifting 9 games under .500 on May 11.
@zkelley33
And Marmol ain't a puppet. He and Mozeliak have plenty of disagreements, and Marmol pushes behind the scenes. But Marmol doesn't run the team. He can't abduct "Mo" and force him to make a trade that everybody wants.
#STLCards
@ManBearBull313
Mulder was really good in 2005. Had a 16-8 record with a 3.64 ERA. Followed with a 2.45 ERA in three postseason starts. But that shoulder injury in '06 ruined his career. Never overcame it. I'll always wonder if he was already damaged goods (slightly) before the trade.
#STLCards
Yeah, I inexplicably screwed that up but it has been fixed. So nice of you to let me know about it ... this is a true learning experience for this old goat.
@b_miklasz
hey bernie, your video is currently "For Kids," which means people cannot comment on it! be sure to turn this setting off so that folks can comment, which will help your videos in the algorithm so that ppl can find them :)
If we all came up with a "disappointing, but because of injuries or other unfortunate factors" list. There would be no shortage of members. A. Craig, A. Reyes, Ankiel, Mulder, Alan Benes -- just to name a few.
#STLCards
@b_miklasz
Can't help the injuries I believe (Look at Allan Craig). I said Ankiel because I saw such dominance and brilliance that could have anchored that staff for years. How about Tyler O'Neill? Such a tease but also injured a lot. Andrew Miller also popped up but he was old
@b_miklasz
@williamfleitch
@seeingredpod
Even with a regime change, what’s the realistic path towards a WS over the next 3-5 years? Most of their pitching is old, their young offensive core is mostly filled with only slightly above average guys, and the farm system ranks in the bottom 3rd of baseball.
With a single at Rickwood Field, Paul Goldschmidt has at least one hit in 35 venues used for MLB regular-season ball. This includes a ballpark in Mexico, one in Australia, 2 different parks used by the Braves, 2 different parks used by the TX Rangers and Rickwood.
#STLCards
@The_Skirata
Jhonny Peralta was pretty awesome in his first season, 2014. Had 38 doubles, 21 homers, a 117 OPS+, was an All-Star selection. Made the All-Star team again in 2015 ... and just went off cliff after that. The aging curve got him.
#STLCards