Cardinals playing above expectations so far Fly. 3 games over 0.500. Can they keep it up?
The St. Louis Cardinals are consistently ranked as one of the best-run organizations in Major League Baseball. They are known for their strong player development, efficient use of resources, and a team-building philosophy that prioritizes the franchise. Their success is attributed to a combination of these factors, including a focus on homegrown talent, payroll flexibility, and a commitment to player development.
Here's a more detailed look at why the Cardinals are considered a well-run organization:
1. Strong Player Development: The Cardinals have a history of successfully developing players, including a recent emphasis on pitching development. They rely on scouting to identify potential players, analyzing speed, agility, and velocity, and then nurture talent through development plans.
2. Efficient Use of Resources: The Cardinals are known for being efficient with their resources, maximizing their return on investment. This includes prioritizing the franchise above all else and using payroll flexibility to build a competitive team.
3. Team-Building Philosophy: The Cardinals have a strong team-building philosophy that emphasizes continuity through change, fostering familiarity and a sense of team identity.
4. Homegrown Talent: The Cardinals have a long history of successfully developing homegrown talent, allowing them to build a competitive roster without relying solely on free agency or trades.
5. Consistent Contender: The Cardinals have been a consistent contender in MLB, making the playoffs regularly and winning multiple World Series championships. Their run of consistency is longer than any other team's, with 14 straight winning seasons and 15 postseason appearances since 2000.
6. Front Office and Player Development: The Cardinals have recently made changes to their front office and player development, with Chaim Bloom and others bringing new strategies and ideas to the organization. These changes are aimed at improving the team's overall performance and competitiveness.
One of the nation's oldest and most successful professional baseball clubs, the Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, the most of any NL team and second in MLB only to the New York Yankees.