I am mystified about a new report that the St. Louis Cardinals are already talking to manager Oli Marmol about an extension. I cannot come up with a good reason to explain the reason why.
I just came across this article from MLB Trade Rumors that appears to be based off of a Derrick Goold story from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It infers that the St. Louis Cardinals have started what is termed preliminary extension talks. The word “preliminary” is key or at least I hope so. While I’m not among the full-on Oli Marmol haters, I cannot understand the logic behind this.
If you look at Oli Marmol’s performance, he has an overall record of 325 wins and 323 losses during his 4-year tenure as the St. Louis Cardinals manager. That’s practically the definition of mediocre. But, instead of focusing on bullpen management or other managerial performance to debate whether Oli Marmol is worthy of being offered a new multi-year contract, I think an issue the St. Louis Cardinals really need to face is marketing. Surely they are aware by the huge downturn in attendance last season that there is mammoth fan discontent with the previous direction of the team and Oli Marmol is a big part of that.
I have been impressed with new President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom and his ability to communicate a new direction for the Cardinals and his actions of already dealing Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. That’s why I am mystified why he would even consider extending Oli Marmol during this key time. Why not just let him complete his current contract for the upcoming season and see where the St. Louis Cardinals are in a few months? This just makes no sense to me. Let’s hope that word “preliminary” is accurate and this isn’t a deal that will be completed anytime soon. Otherwise, I predict you’re going to see a next-level fan revolt.
