The St. Louis Cardinals suffered another disappointing loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings, highlighting persistent offensive struggles. Despite decent pitching from Erick Fedde and a rookie home run from Thomas Saggese, the team's failure to hit with runners in scoring position proved decisive. Manager Oli Marmol criticized the team’s 2-for-19 performance in such situations, emphasizing this recurring issue throughout the season. Stranding 12 runners in the game encapsulates a larger problem with their batting efficiency. The Cardinals face the dire need for improvement if they hope to remain competitive next year.

Struggles With Runners in Scoring Position

The Cardinals' inability to hit with runners in scoring position has become a recurring theme. They are currently ranked 28th in the league in team OPS with runners in scoring position, with a meager .639 mark. This dismal performance puts them ahead of only the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox. In terms of other key offensive metrics, the Cardinals are also struggling, ranking 29th in slugging percentage, 27th in on-base percentage, and 28th in batting average with runners in scoring position.

The Impact of the Struggles

The Cardinals' offensive struggles are not a new development. They've consistently struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the season, and this failure to execute has cost them dearly. The team's inability to hit with runners in scoring position is a significant problem that they need to address. They have a history of strong pitching, but they can't rely on pitching alone to win games. They need to be able to score runs, and that starts with hitting with runners on base.

Calls for Change

While the team's struggles have been evident throughout the season, there is skepticism about the potential effectiveness of drastic changes, like firing coaches or altering hitting philosophies. Critics suggest that improvement may also stem from developing existing talent rather than implementing new strategies.

The Importance of Addressing the Issues

The Cardinals must address their offensive performance, focusing on acquiring players who excel in high-pressure situations during the offseason. An evaluation of coaching approaches and philosophies might also be in order to foster better results in 2024. A deeper analysis of the team's offensive approach, perhaps involving adjustments to hitting philosophies or the addition of players with proven track records in these situations, could be beneficial. The Cardinals are clearly struggling with runners in scoring position, and a change in approach might be necessary to solve this issue.

Moving Forward

The Cardinals' ongoing failure to capitalize with runners in scoring position poses a serious threat to their competitive viability. Immediate and strategic changes are essential for improvement as they prepare for next season. The Cardinals have a lot of work to do if they want to turn things around. They need to find a way to hit with runners in scoring position, and they need to do it quickly. If they don't, they may be in for a long and disappointing season.