Cardinals' strong first impression shows how to grow a team. Can they regrow the crowds?
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It would be difficult for the Cardinals to script a better opening weekend for their "transition" year that an emphatic sweep of the visiting Minnesota Twins. The Cardinals got sturdy performances from the starters, stellar play from the defense, and 19 runs in three days from the offsenese. Lars Nootbaar ignited the weekend with a run scored in three of the Cardinals' first four games, and Victor Scott personified the three-game series sweep of the Twins with a dynamic catch in the opener, two stolen bases in the middle game, and the decisive three-run homer in the series finale.
The Cardinals put on a show.
And some of the smallest crowds in Busch Stadium history were there to see it.
How can the Cardinals grow a team and regrow the crowds? Will one assure the other, or are the Cardinals entering more than a "transition" year in the front office and actually embarking on a whole new product to sell fans?
Maybe reset wasn't the word after all. This is a rebranding.
Post-Dispatch sports columnist Jeff Gordon joins Best Podcast in Baseball host Derrick Goold to discuss the first four games of the Cardinals season and how they came a late-game bullpen leak away from starting 4-0. The Cardinals established their identity early, and the question becomes whether they can maintain it to be competitive in the National League Central. But that isn't the only question. Competitive is quaint. Competitive is the expectation. Moving merch is essential. Will a style of play be enough? Will winning be enough? After several years of selling nostalgia to fans, the Cardinals need more than a clear message about the future.
They need a brand new way to market the team.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, sponsored by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, , and Derrick Goold. In its 13th year, BPIB drops weekly and is eager to hear from listeners about what it does well and what it can do better. Yes, we're especially talking to you -- the listener we have in Ireland.
Post-Dispatch baseball writer Derrick Goold discussed on the Cardinals used great fielding, tough at-bats and speed to produce a fast start.
“While everybody was in here chilling, I was in there swinging,†the shortstop said of going to the batting cage looking for a stop to his 0-for-14 start.
Angels score two runs in the 10th inning without needing a hit to rally and then edge the Cardinals, 5-4, on a chilly Monday night Busch Stadium.
Cardinals waste no time establishing their identity: Best Podcast in Baseball
The lingering conundrum Cardinals must solve Tuesday vs. Angels: First Pitch
To defeat the Angels on Tuesday, the Cardinals may have to solve the riddle that is Kyle Hendricks.
Hendricks, with a team other than the Cubs for the first time, starts Tuesday for the Angels, who visit Busch Stadium for a 6:45 p.m. first pitch in the second of three.
The right-hander has vexed the Cardinals, putting up a 2.51 career ERA vs. the Redbirds, his best vs. any opponent against whom he's thrown more than 60 innings.
Even in decline, the Cardinals have not been able to solve Hendricks, who is in his 12th MLB season.
Three of his last four seasons have been well below average in terms of ERA, but he's put up a 1.59 ERA vs. St. Louis in the eight times he's faced the Redbirds since 2021.
Much of Hendricks' decline can be pinned on the waning effectiveness of his changeup, which was among baseball's worst last season by weighted on-base average.
Last season, Alec Burleson was the Cardinals' best hitter against the changeup, followed by Brendan Donovan. Lars Nootbaar was also significantly above average vs. that pitch. Those three top the Cardinals' lineup on Tuesday.
The Cardinals will send out lefty Matthew Liberatore, who was 3-4 with a 4.40 ERA last year overall, mostly out of the bullpen. In six starts in 2024, he put up a 6.35 ERA.
Zack Thompson, LHP (lat strain): Remained in Jupiter, Florida, to begin a throwing program after a month of limited activity and no throwing. Thompson went through multiple checkups and scans to monitor the healing of a tear in his lat on the left side, and they did not show any setback to delayed Thompson's scheduled move to the injured list. Updated March 29
With same grin he had firing fastballs, Cardinals starter Lance Lynn says he’s retiring
Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after a strong performance in his team’s 4-3 victory over Atlanta on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Busch Stadium. Lynn announced his retirement Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
It would be difficult for the Cardinals to script a better opening weekend for their "transition" year that an emphatic sweep of the visiting Minnesota Twins. The Cardinals got sturdy performances from the starters, stellar play from the defense, and 19 runs in three days from the offsenese. Lars Nootbaar ignited the weekend with a run scored in three of the Cardinals' first four games, and Victor Scott personified the three-game series sweep of the Twins with a dynamic catch in the opener, two stolen bases in the middle game, and the decisive three-run homer in the series finale.
The Cardinals put on a show.
And some of the smallest crowds in Busch Stadium history were there to see it.
How can the Cardinals grow a team and regrow the crowds? Will one assure the other, or are the Cardinals entering more than a "transition" year in the front office and actually embarking on a whole new product to sell fans?
Maybe reset wasn't the word after all. This is a rebranding.
Post-Dispatch sports columnist Jeff Gordon joins Best Podcast in Baseball host Derrick Goold to discuss the first four games of the Cardinals season and how they came a late-game bullpen leak away from starting 4-0. The Cardinals established their identity early, and the question becomes whether they can maintain it to be competitive in the National League Central. But that isn't the only question. Competitive is quaint. Competitive is the expectation. Moving merch is essential. Will a style of play be enough? Will winning be enough? After several years of selling nostalgia to fans, the Cardinals need more than a clear message about the future.
They need a brand new way to market the team.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, sponsored by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, , and Derrick Goold. In its 13th year, BPIB drops weekly and is eager to hear from listeners about what it does well and what it can do better. Yes, we're especially talking to you -- the listener we have in Ireland.
ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ
The video begins with Lance Lynn and that familiar grin he had when he had something to say, something he knew a teammate was eager to hear or a reporter was eager to quote, some sharp little quip or biting secret.
This time, it turned out to be an announcement.
During says he’s retiring Tuesday morning from Major League Baseball. At 37, Lynn retires with a 143-99 record and 3.74 ERA in 364 big league games, 340 of which were starts. His decision to retire assures that he finished his career in the same place it began — with the Cardinals. In 2024, Lynn went 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 23 starts for the Cardinals.
His wife, Dymin Lynn, began the podcast, which was released Tuesday morning, by jumping right into an hourlong conversation with her husband holding back his news behind a Cheshire grin and his beard. She suggested they start with the statement.
“Baseball season is upon us, and I’m right here on the couch, and that is where I’m going to stay,†Lance Lynn said. “I am officially retiring from baseball, right here, right now.â€
A two-time All-Star, Lynn pitched for six different teams in his 13-year career. Drafted 39th overall out of Ole Miss in 2008, Lynn debuted with the Cardinals in 2011 and won a World Series championship as part of the Cardinals’ resolute bullpen that October.
Lynn spent seven years of his career in the majors with the Cardinals, and his time with the club spans an era when a brawny right-hander like him was urged to throw a sinker over and over again, until he showed there was more horsepower (and success) if he let the velocity fly. Lynn famously let loose with four-seam fastballs in a playoff game for Class AAA Memphis that repositioned him in the organization’s plans because of his power game.
He created a career by fearlessly and unapologetically throwing fastballs.
He could manipulate their movement in games with as much whimsy as he would answer questions about them from media after the game.
In seven years for the Cardinals, Lynn went 79-51 with a 3.43 ERA in 206 games, 184 of them starts. He remains one of the team’s all-time leaders in postseason appearances with 24, 17 of which came in relief.
The Cardinals signed Lynn to a one-year deal in November 2023 for a reunion because they wanted his sturdiness in the rotation and his seasoning in the clubhouse. Lynn pitched through knee soreness and a knee injury up until his final pitch, which he delivered to complete a quality start and win against the Pirates at Busch Stadium, where he went 6-0 in 2024.
Lynn struck out five and limited the Bucs to a run on Sept. 17 in a win that put the Cardinals back above .500.
He had many members of his family and friends there at the game.
“The way that I went out last year was a big thing, too,†Lynn told his wife on the podcast about making the decision to retire. “I’m going to finish my last play as a Cardinal, in Busch Stadium, on a win, everybody was there. We made it a thing that day. I don’t think there is any reason to try to keep going and have it end differently or have the last one different than that.â€
A pivot and reduction in payroll began this past offseason when the Cardinals declined an $11 million option for 2025 on Lynn’s contract.
That made the right-hander a free agent.
He received some interest from teams, advertised that he would be open to relieving or closing and yet did not get the offer that lured him into spring training. On the podcast, Lynn said the money “didn’t work out†with some of the offers, and as spring played out and opening day arrived, he became more aware about how he did not miss “being there every day.â€
Lynn has three daughters, and one of the reasons he was eager to return to the Cardinals was the chance to pitch close to them and his home in Illinois.
In recent years, Lynn has appeared on podcasts (even once on the Post-Dispatch’s “Best Podcast in Baseballâ€) and shows like “Foul Territory†— stages that gave him a chance to flex the wit behind the gruff exterior, while not sacrificing the colorful language that he would pepper opposing batters with on the field.
Toward the end of the conversation with his wife, Lynn jokes that if he ever delivers an induction speech at a Hall of Fame, it would begin and end with, “You’re welcome.†Even the timing of his retirement announcement, on April Fools’ Day, was a sly wink from Lynn.
The entire conversation between Lynn and his wife also touches on his feelings about retirement and some topics about mental health.
“Hope it was fun,†Lynn said at the conclusion of the episode. “They don’t make it like this. ... All in all, everybody knows why it’s time. When you know it’s time, it’s time. I think I was fighting with knowing.â€
At the beginning of the episode of “Dymin in the Rough,“ Lynn did not detail what he planned to do in his retirement, saying only later he planned to farm and fish and do a lot as a father.
An appearance at Busch Stadium is expected in the near future.
He smiled as he teased what’s next in baseball, though.
“There might be something fun around the corner,†Lynn said. “Stay tuned.â€
Ten Hochman: Rough crowd — Cardinals set record-low in attendance at new Busch
What Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn did during a downpour to end his drought at the plate
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn walks away in frustration after striking out to end the game on Monday, March 31, 2025, as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe runs toward teammates to celebrate a 5-4 win at Busch Stadium.
When the rain clears on opening day, the Cyldesdales, red jackets, and 2025 Cardinals will take center stage in St. Louis for what's become a civic holiday. And yet, outside of the pomp of the opener, the real circumstance facing the Cardinals entering the regular season is how they've faded from relevance in the National League and NL Central.
ESPN baseball writer Jesse Rogers, in town to cover the Cardinals' opener against the Minnesota Twins, joins the Best Podcast in Baseball and host Derrick Goold to discuss a national perspective on the Cardinals and the curious case of their "transition." For a youth movement, the Cardinals don't have a rookie on their opening roster for the first time since 2007. For a "reset," the roster is more of a copy -- with 25 of the 26 players on the active roster returning from 2024.
The duality of the Cardinals' dilemma is as clear as the rain delaying the opener.
Rogers also discusses what it will take for the Cardinals to elbow their way into the NL Central race. The two writers pick their division champ for the NL Central. And Roger gets a peek into how rivals see Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as he arrives at his final opening day in charge of baseball operations in St. Louis.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, sponsored by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, , and Derrick Goold. The podcast is in its 13th season and welcomes feedback on why you listen and what you'd like to hear next.
ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ
During the 58-minute rain delay in the middle of Sunday’s game, Masyn Winn used the time to hit the batting cage and revisit the past.
With help from hitting coaches Brant Brown and Brandon Allen, Winn dialed up a video from 2024 and a They put that swing side by side with one he had just taken in the game, one he just tried against one of the Minnesota Twins’ right-handed pitchers. It did not take long to spot the difference.
It may take a little longer to address it.
“While everybody was in here chilling, I was in there swinging,†Winn said late Monday night in the team’s clubhouse. “Trying to get it back right.â€
The Cardinals’ everyday shortstop dipped to 0 for 14 to start this season when he struck out in the 10th inning Monday as the final out of a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium. Winn went 0 for 5 in the game, struck out twice and yet struck a ball hard enough that he felt a significant stride from where he was during the rain delay Sunday to how he felt in the eighth inning Monday.
The hardest hit ball by any Cardinal in their first loss of the season was a and found a glove for an out.
It was the hardest Winn has hit a ball in weeks.
It came a day after looking back on one of the hardest hit pitches of his career.
“It’s getting close,†he said. “It’s getting close to being something scary.â€
But it has not been something isolated. Winn struggled through spring training, too. He hit .080 (4 for 50) with twice as many strikeouts (16) as times on base (eight). He felt his swing angling for more loft, chasing more home runs at times and yet also struggling to pull the ball with any authority. The result was a monthlong search for the swing and a candid assessment that he had hit his way out of the leadoff position.
Or, rather, had not hit his way out of it.
“Whatever I was working on in Florida didn’t work,†Winn said. “Felt like I didn’t catch one barrel in spring. Today I caught three of them. What I was doing in spring wasn’t really clicking. Couldn’t barrel, couldn’t pull anything in the air really. Just trying to get back to what I was last year.â€
That is why he popped up the video of an at-bat from Aug. 7 against Rays right-hander Taj Bradley and compared it against one from a few minutes earlier. In that August series against Tampa Bay, Winn had the second-hardest hit of the first game at 104.6 mph off his bat. The next day, Winn drilled a 97.2 mph fastball from Bradley at 110.9 mph off his bat for a first-inning double. In the sixth inning of the series finale, Winn scorched a double at 111.1 mph on a 93 mph fastball from lefty Richard Lovelady.
Winn fixated on that swing against Bradley.
“That’s the hardest ball I’ve ever hit,†he said. “It was a sinker in, and that’s a tough pitch to get to. It was a 97 mph sinker in, 111 mph out and I want to replicate that as much as I can. That 108 mph tonight is a good representation of it.â€
Winn saw a shift in the tilt of his pelvis. For several weeks, he’s felt like he was swinging uphill — that instead of soaring out of the park, a ball he hit this past week had too high of an angle and just fell for a fly out. Sure enough, his hips were leaning back as he readied to swing, the front hip higher than the back. On the ball he tattooed against Tampa Bay, his hips were the opposite. On Monday, during batting practice, Winn was more upright in his stance, more conscious of leaning forward and driving into his swing.
That was the swing that resulted in a 107.9 mph grounder pulled to the right side.
He just wasn’t rewarded for it.
“Within the next couple of days, everything is going to click,†Winn said. “Those 108 mph are going to get by guys, and I’m going to start getting knocks.â€
Opportunities like that slipped past the Cardinals and to the Angels throughout the loss Monday night.
The Cardinals took an early lead on solo homers by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan. Nootbaar hit the sixth leadoff homer of his career, and Donovan hit his first big league homer off a left-hander in his 336th plate appearance against a left-hander.
Miles Mikolas completed 5 1/3 innings, and the Cardinals still had the lead after six. The leak came in the seventh as the Angels’ Kyren Paris tripled against reliever Ryan Fernandez to tie the game and send it toward extra innings.
In the 10th, the Angels did not get a hit — but they did produce two runs.
Mike Trout’s second sacrifice fly of the game brought home the game’s decisive run, and throughout the game, the Cardinals had their offensive chances to widen the lead or overtake the Angels. The Cardinals went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position, and in the midst of some of it were two Cardinals off to chilly starts and catcher Pedro Pages, who was brought in for defense. Despite entering in the seventh inning, Pages had two at-bats, including one with the winning run at second in the ninth, and he did not get a hit.
Willson Contreras struck out three times, and when he had a chance ahead of Pages to win the game in the ninth, Contreras opted to drop a bunt for a productive out. Like Winn, Contreras has yet to connect for his first hit, falling to 0 for 18 through Monday.
“Willy and I are in the same boat,†Winn said. “We’re kind of holding hands through all this right now. I think him and me — last year we would have both been breaking things and yelling and getting (ticked) off. We both know it’s coming. Obviously, he had a crazy spring. I don’t have that in common with him. That dude’s with me every step of the way.â€
Winn entered Monday’s game with the lowest average exit velocity and lowest contact rate of his career in the limited data of three games.
Asked before the game about those numbers and his shortstop’s struggles, manager Oliver Marmol detailed all the things Winn is doing away from the batter’s box. He called him a “great teammate†and one of the most vocal in the dugout. He noted the nimble fielder’s excellent defense — a cornerstone of the team’s overall strong defensive play — and he twice mentioned that Winn has been at second base when a popup he hit is caught.
A sore wrist that limited Winn briefly in spring has not flared up, nor did it limit his swing coming out of spring training, Marmol said.
The manager measured the shortstop’s frustration during a recent conversation and walked away convinced that Winn did not need a break.
“The last thing that kid wants is a day off,†the manager said.
Nor does the team want to give one.
The Cardinals are not carrying a backup shortstop on the roster, and their intent is to play Winn a lot — and that he’ll hit a lot at times, too. For the young shortstop, playing a lot is a reason the difficult spring and a sluggish start have yet to weigh on him.
“Last year, I would have been sulking a little bit, (ticked) off around everybody,†Winn said. “Now this year, we’ve got a good team in here. We’ve got a good vibe. I’m trying to keep it that way. To dwell on these first four games is going to be really tough. If I’m down on myself now, we’ve got 158 more left.â€
Photos: St. Louis Cardinals open series against the Angels
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn walks away in frustration after striking out to end the game on Monday, March 31, 2025, as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe runs toward teammates to celebrate a 5-4 win at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker talks with coachng staff on Monday, March 31, 2025, in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera looks on as Los Angeles Angels batter Luis Rengifo crosses home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman watches play from the bench on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar is congratulated at the plate by teammate Willson Contreras on Monday, March 31, 2025, after a called home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reacts after flying out Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Willson Contreras makes a line drive catch on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the fourth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas throw on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar watches the flight of a ball hit on Monday, March 31, 2025, ruled a home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan rounds the bases on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan flaps to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II celebrates at second base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a double in the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar celebrates a called home run on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado flaps away from home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting a hit and subsequently being called out at second base in the fifth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker returns to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out on strikes as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe throws into the horn in the ninth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Masyn Winn removes the helment after grounding out on Monday, March 31, 2025, to end the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Jordan Walker checks in his pads at first base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting his second his in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II tosses a bat he broke on a single on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Roycroft throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the sixth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Brant Brown talks with Brendan Donovan on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado argues the call on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out at second base by Mike Muchlinkski in the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan shatters his bat on Monday, March 31, 2025, swinging in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Fernandez throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker swings and misses on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Hochman: Reconstructed runway — can Cardinals still get Nolan Gorman enough at-bats?
When the rain clears on opening day, the Cyldesdales, red jackets, and 2025 Cardinals will take center stage in St. Louis for what's become a civic holiday. And yet, outside of the pomp of the opener, the real circumstance facing the Cardinals entering the regular season is how they've faded from relevance in the National League and NL Central.
ESPN baseball writer Jesse Rogers, in town to cover the Cardinals' opener against the Minnesota Twins, joins the Best Podcast in Baseball and host Derrick Goold to discuss a national perspective on the Cardinals and the curious case of their "transition." For a youth movement, the Cardinals don't have a rookie on their opening roster for the first time since 2007. For a "reset," the roster is more of a copy -- with 25 of the 26 players on the active roster returning from 2024.
The duality of the Cardinals' dilemma is as clear as the rain delaying the opener.
Rogers also discusses what it will take for the Cardinals to elbow their way into the NL Central race. The two writers pick their division champ for the NL Central. And Roger gets a peek into how rivals see Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as he arrives at his final opening day in charge of baseball operations in St. Louis.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, sponsored by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, , and Derrick Goold. The podcast is in its 13th season and welcomes feedback on why you listen and what you'd like to hear next.
ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ
Well, we entered spring thinking the 2025 Cardinals would lose a lot, but at least Nolan Gorman would get a lot of at-bats.
After the first series of 2025, the Cardinals had yet to lose, but Gorman didn’t start two of the three games.
This season, the Cardinals must get Gorman enough at-bats to find out, once and for all, if Gorman is good enough to play every day.
But en route to finding out, he’s not going to play every day.
“Clearly we’re going to have to find a way to balance (everything) to try to make sure we give him that runway like we’ve talked about for the last five or six months,†Cardinals executive John Mozeliak said on opening day.
Yes, all winter, the Cardinals talked about runway. The word might’ve been said at the Busch Stadium offices more than in those at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Jordan Walker and Gorman were going to get a runway — hundreds of at-bats to show, once and for all, who they are as big league hitters.
And so, Gorman was going to start at third base ... until Nolan Arenado wasn’t traded after all and returned to the Cardinals.
So, Gorman was going to then start some at second base ... until outfielder Victor Scott II made the team, putting Lars Nootbaar in left and Brendan Donovan at, yep, second base.
But Gorman was surely going to get some designated hitter at-bats ... until fellow left-handed hitter Alec Burleson got the start ahead of him in the first two games.
Burleson, to be fair, fared much better during spring training games.
But it seems that we’ve got a reconstructed runway now for Gorman.
“We’re going do everything we can to get him the necessary at-bats,†manager Oliver Marmol said Monday before the game against the Angels. “But I’m excited about the way he’s staying ready with his work down below (in the batting cage) and just getting game-like type of reps to make sure he’s ready for the velocity and the pitch mix when he does get in there. And again, it’s early. We’re three games in. But I like where he’s at — and the rest of the guys are — mentally, as far as how they’re approaching their roles.
“We talked about some of the improvements (Gorman) was trying to make in spring — and early spring, he was having a little bit of difficulty transferring it into the game, although his work leading into the games looked really good. And as we got further into spring, you look at the contact rate, and it was in the mid 70s (percentage), and then if you take that two-week span leading up, it was like at 80-something. So the contact rate was increasing. And he’s the type of guy because of his swing plane and what the ball does when it leaves his bat, there’s a lot of power there with just more contact. So we were able to see that (Sunday).â€
Indeed, Gorman mashed on Sunday. Four at-bats, three hits — two singles and one home run. Crushed it — 103.6 mph off the bat. And even his out was well-hit, leaving his bat at 98.7 mph.
It was an impressive day. And it showed that he’s mentally in a good spot (again, it’s just one game). It was encouraging. And perhaps just as important as the home run was the fact that he didn’t strike out. Last year, he struck out 37.6% of the time.
Since 1900 in Major League Baseball, only four times did a batter with 400 or more plate appearances have a single-season strikeout rate worse than Gorman did in 2024.
“I saw a guy that stuck to his game plan,†said Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore, a longtime friend of Gorman’s. “You know, I think he’s at his best when he’s swinging at good pitches and laying off other pitches, forcing guys to come in the zone to him. And, as a pitcher, when you’re forced to come into the zone to anybody, but especially, a guy like that that can do that kind of damage on one swing, it makes it a lot easier for him to, you know, execute and do his job. I saw him go up and take a few really good pitches that in the past I’ve seen him swing at. I think, when he stays in the zone like that, he’s a really tough out. So I’m excited for him.â€
Personally, I’m not yet sold on Gorman as a standout starter. I’ve written as such. But I do believe the Cards need to find out. We’re talking about a first-round pick they’ve developed for a while now. He turns 25 in May. Clearly, there is power in his swing when he connects. And anecdotally, Gorman has spent ample time working with new hitting coach Brant Brown.
Is Burleson his direct competition? In a way, sure. But as Marmol pointed out Monday, “Both guys are focused on what they need to do. I don’t know if they would view it as like competing against each other. They are both very clear on what gives them success, and they’re working hard in between starts to maintain that and improve upon it. And I really like the way they’re using their downtime to prepare for games at the moment.â€
Photos: St. Louis Cardinals open series against the Angels
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn walks away in frustration after striking out to end the game on Monday, March 31, 2025, as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe runs toward teammates to celebrate a 5-4 win at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker talks with coachng staff on Monday, March 31, 2025, in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera looks on as Los Angeles Angels batter Luis Rengifo crosses home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman watches play from the bench on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar is congratulated at the plate by teammate Willson Contreras on Monday, March 31, 2025, after a called home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reacts after flying out Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Willson Contreras makes a line drive catch on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the fourth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas throw on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar watches the flight of a ball hit on Monday, March 31, 2025, ruled a home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan rounds the bases on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan flaps to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II celebrates at second base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a double in the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar celebrates a called home run on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado flaps away from home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting a hit and subsequently being called out at second base in the fifth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker returns to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out on strikes as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe throws into the horn in the ninth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Masyn Winn removes the helment after grounding out on Monday, March 31, 2025, to end the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Jordan Walker checks in his pads at first base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting his second his in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II tosses a bat he broke on a single on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Roycroft throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the sixth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Brant Brown talks with Brendan Donovan on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado argues the call on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out at second base by Mike Muchlinkski in the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan shatters his bat on Monday, March 31, 2025, swinging in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Fernandez throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker swings and misses on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
'We're kind of holding hands,' Masyn Winn says of struggling alongside Cardinals' Willson Contreras
Lars Nootbaar: 'It's just a matter of time' for Cardinals' Masyn Winn to break out
The Cardinals end their 3-0 opening win streak with a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Sparse crowd sees Cardinals misplace lead in 7th, tumble in 10th for first loss, to Angels
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reacts after flying out Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
When the rain clears on opening day, the Cyldesdales, red jackets, and 2025 Cardinals will take center stage in St. Louis for what's become a civic holiday. And yet, outside of the pomp of the opener, the real circumstance facing the Cardinals entering the regular season is how they've faded from relevance in the National League and NL Central.
ESPN baseball writer Jesse Rogers, in town to cover the Cardinals' opener against the Minnesota Twins, joins the Best Podcast in Baseball and host Derrick Goold to discuss a national perspective on the Cardinals and the curious case of their "transition." For a youth movement, the Cardinals don't have a rookie on their opening roster for the first time since 2007. For a "reset," the roster is more of a copy -- with 25 of the 26 players on the active roster returning from 2024.
The duality of the Cardinals' dilemma is as clear as the rain delaying the opener.
Rogers also discusses what it will take for the Cardinals to elbow their way into the NL Central race. The two writers pick their division champ for the NL Central. And Roger gets a peek into how rivals see Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as he arrives at his final opening day in charge of baseball operations in St. Louis.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, sponsored by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, , and Derrick Goold. The podcast is in its 13th season and welcomes feedback on why you listen and what you'd like to hear next.
ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ
After spending all weekend unveiling and improving upon their recipe to win games, the Cardinals had to show Monday they could improvise one, too.
A lead misplaced in the seventh inning became a game that lingered into the 10th inning and tumbled into the Cardinals’ first loss of the season, and all of it happened in front of the smallest non-pandemic crowd in 20 seasons of Busch Stadium III. The Los Angeles Angels scored two runs in the top of the 10th without a hit against JoJo Romero and the Cardinals could not answer, even with MLB’s extra-inning head start of a runner at second base.
The Cardinals eked out a run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning but got the potential tying run only as far as first base in a 5-4 loss.
After a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk to begin the 10th, Mike Trout brought home the Angels’ second run of the 10th inning with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. A nifty pivot by the Cardinals caught a runner trying to advance from first base and ended the 10th with a double play that gave the Cardinals less of a gap to close in the 10th.
The Cardinals set the pace early with solo homers by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan to lead off the game and the second inning, respectively. Nootbaar regained a two-run lead by working a walk, luring a balk, and scoring on Nolan Arenado’s two-out single in the fifth. The Angels chipped away at the Cardinals’ bullpen from there.
Kyren Paris’ RBI triple off Ryan Fernandez in seventh inning leveled the game, 3-3, and sent the tie into the late innings to be decided in a final at-bat.
In the ninth, the Cardinals got the potential winning run into scoring position when Willson Contreras, hitless so far this season, dropped a bunt that nudged Nootbaar to second. When the Angels walked Arenado, the game came to Pedro Pages. The Cardinals’ catcher entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh, but had two at-bats that otherwise would have gone to Ivan Herrera.
Smallest crowd at Busch
A chilly Monday night game on the final day of March also drew only 21,206 tickets sold for the smallest crowd in Busch Stadium history for a non-pandemic game, and by a good margin.
The Cardinals entered the season braced for such numbers due to reduced expectations for the team, sluggish ticket sales a year ago, and not exactly a fan-friendly schedule with a six-game home stand against American League clubs to being the schedule. The Cardinals prefer to open on the road each in season to limit early games on school nights in unfavorable weather.
The crowd Monday was the smallest by more than 5,000 off the previous low, and St. Louis City SC had more at its sellout Sunday, with 22,423.
Launch codes for lefties
For the third time in four games this season, Nootbaar scored in the first inning — and this time he took care of the RBI, too.
For the first time in his career, Donovan added to the lead with a homer off a lefty.
Angels starter Tyler Anderson force-feeds change-ups into the zone, relying on that off-speed pitch for nearly two out of every five pitches he throws. Anderson saved his first change-up of the game Monday for his fourth pitch — and then watched it sail out of the park. Nootbaar lined a 1-2 change-up over the right field wall, just low enough and into the signage that it was initially not ruled a home run.
In committee, the umpires reconsidered.
That call gave Nootbaar his sixth career leadoff homer and his seventh homer off a left-handed pitcher in his career and the Cardinals’ 1-0 lead. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ would have the lead at the end of 32 of their first 33 innings played this season.
Donovan doubled that lead when he opened the second with a solo homer off Anderson. Donovan’s first homer of the season was also the first of his big league career against a left-handed pitcher. The home run came in his 336th plate appearance against a lefty in the majors.
Roycroft holds, then bullpen leaks
When Mike Trout — of Mike Trout fame — came up in the sixth inning for his third look at starter Miles Mikolas, he could also see the tying run on base. Mikolas walked a batter earlier in the inning to invite trouble and allowed a single on his 80th pitch. That would also be his last pitch.
Rather than leave Mikolas in for the at-bats that could decide his inning and secure the win, manager Oliver Marmol went to the bullpen.
Chris Roycroft entered his highest-leverage spot yet.
Eager to get a ground ball to cleanup up the inning, Roycroft held Trout instead to a fly out to center. The former MVP’s sacrifice fly trimmed the Cardinals’ lead down to, 3-2, but it also gave Roycroft control of the inning. He struck out Jorge Soler to leave, as Mikolas did after 5 1/3 innings, with the lead.
That was not the case for the next Cardinals’ reliever, Fernandez. The back half of the Angels’ lineup turned a walk and a triple into a tie game and blown hold on Fernandez. Paris hit a ball that pinballed around left field and Nootbaar to bring home Luis Rengifo and tie the game, 3-3.
Bench warming
With lefty Anderson on the mound, Marmol had a handy reason to get the last of the Cardinals’ position players to appear in a game into the lineup.
Luken Baker started at DH, but he kept the bench warm.
In their first starts off the bench this season, Pages and Nolan Gorman both had three hits Sunday and a home run. In his first swings of the season, Baker singled twice and reached base in all three of his plate appearances. Marmol batted Baker, one of the Cardinals’ top sluggers in spring, third in large part to force the Angels to make a decision in the middle innings. With Baker batting third and from the right side — instead of Donovan from the left — that would mean the Angels stick with Anderson for a third time through.
Or, if they turned to a right-handed reliever at that point, the Cardinals had Alec Burleson or Gorman to counter as a pinch hitter.
Angels manager Ron Washington sided with Anderson facing Baker a third time.
Baker fouled off a couple of pitches to stay in the count against Anderson before working a two-out walk. That walk preceded Arenado’s RBI single that gave the Cardinals’ their one-run lead going into the bottom of the sixth inning.
Photos: St. Louis Cardinals open series against the Angels
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn walks away in frustration after striking out to end the game on Monday, March 31, 2025, as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe runs toward teammates to celebrate a 5-4 win at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker talks with coachng staff on Monday, March 31, 2025, in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera looks on as Los Angeles Angels batter Luis Rengifo crosses home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman watches play from the bench on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar is congratulated at the plate by teammate Willson Contreras on Monday, March 31, 2025, after a called home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado reacts after flying out Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Willson Contreras makes a line drive catch on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the fourth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas throw on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar watches the flight of a ball hit on Monday, March 31, 2025, ruled a home run in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan rounds the bases on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan flaps to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a home run the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II celebrates at second base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after hitting a double in the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Lars Nootbaar celebrates a called home run on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado flaps away from home plate on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting a hit and subsequently being called out at second base in the fifth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker returns to the dugout on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out on strikes as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe throws into the horn in the ninth inning of a game at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Masyn Winn removes the helment after grounding out on Monday, March 31, 2025, to end the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Jordan Walker checks in his pads at first base on Monday, March 31, 2025, after getting his second his in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Victor Scott II tosses a bat he broke on a single on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the eighth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Roycroft throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the sixth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Brant Brown talks with Brendan Donovan on Monday, March 31, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Nolan Arenado argues the call on Monday, March 31, 2025, after being called out at second base by Mike Muchlinkski in the fifth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals batter Brendan Donovan shatters his bat on Monday, March 31, 2025, swinging in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Fernandez throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the seventh inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero throws on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Luken Baker swings and misses on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Busch Stadium.
