Moments after Jose Martinez dumped a single into right-center field to score Greg Garcia and Harrison Bader, Fox Sports Midwest play-by-play announcer Dan McLaughlin noted a difference in the St. Louis Cardinals as they celebrated a walk-off win.
"The energy. The movement. It's paying off for No. 8, Mike Shildt."
It's hard to miss the unique freedom that is aiding the Cardinals since the managerial change, even if the result has still been inconsistent. While the team still struggles to stay above .500, they just won a four-game series with a hot team in the Colorado Rockies, including two walk-off wins. They did so today without the services of hyped-up veterans like Marcell Ozuna (left the game due to injury) and Dexter Fowler (struck out in a pinch-hit appearance).
Thursday's win was from the homegrown and unlikely players with youthful energy supplied by Harrison Bader, who singled and stole a base in the pivotal ninth inning. Tyler O'Neill started in right field and made two outstanding catches. He even added an RBI with a sacrifice fly.
Martinez, acquired by the Cardinals back in May of 2016 after the Kansas City Royals couldn't find work for him, provided the biggest hit of the day, and he only needed a few looks at Rockies star closer Wade Davis to get the job done. Davis may have 30 saves, but Martinez doesn't look at any pitcher differently. Just another arm to beat, and he sure did. The unlikely getting the job done.
Chase Shreve, acquired on Saturday in a deal involving Luke Voit, picked up the win with a scoreless ninth inning. Cast out from New York after failing to be what the Yankees wanted, Shreve has new life in St. Louis, and has looked good so far, mixing deception with skill on the mound.
Miles Mikolas, the saving grace in the rotation, pitched seven strong innings and was let off the hook with the Martinez walk-off. It was set up to be a bittersweet day for the breakout star of the National League, as he threw away a grounder back to the mound earlier in the game that led to a run. Mikolas has been nothing short of superb this season. With some more offense, he could have 14 wins already.
How seriously should you take these freshly scented Cardinals? Don't dive in just yet. They have won five of seven against two strong teams in the Cubs and Rockies, but a meeting with the surging Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend could be a telling sign of just how renewed these Birds are. If they go into PNC Park and get the job done, edging closer to the wildcard in the process, then you sit back down at the baseball poker table and gamble your heart and soul.
For now, just enjoy the fresh air. Whether it results in a playoff appearance or just a thrilling finish, baseball is fun again in St. Louis. Games seem to never be out of reach, and the youth movement is paving the way for better things ahead.
You know what's truly refreshing? The low number of head-scratching moves by the manager. The bold choices that Shildt takes aren't outlined in moronic tendencies, but crafty gamesmanship instead. I like that. These Birds are fearless, because their manager allows them to be. But there's a mind to the madness.
On Wednesday night, the young pitching was the anchor in a big win.
On Thursday afternoon, the young outfielders and unlikely assets got the job done.
Going forward, the goal should be simple. Play the youth and see where it goes. If Bader and O'Neill aren't in the lineup every day, you are bordering on irresponsible management. Martinez has proven to be an asset off the bench. Kolten Wong could return on Friday, which will help the Major-League-worst defense. O'Neill plans on running through walls and sliding all over the place if it helps his team. Bader doesn't think twice about stealing. Matt Carpenter and Yadier Molina are having a great run.
Sit back, relax, and see where this team takes you in these final two months. Win or lose, it will be fun.
