Renewed Transparency Revitalizes Cardinals' Enthusiasts and Organization
The St. Louis Cardinals are stirring up excitement among fans in 2025, as they battle for the division title and more than just their on-field performance is catching eyes. In stark contrast to their tight-lipped past, President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak, and manager Oli Marmol, have been refreshingly candid this season.
Before the season even began, Mozeliak was forthright with the press about the Cardinals' expectation of this being a transitional year. Unlike his usual reserved demeanor, Mozeliak engaged in some lighthearted interviews with local media hosts, causing some to question if the Cardinals would return to their secretive ways once the season started. However, it seems those worries have been laid to rest.
As the season unfolds, Mozeliak has taken a back seat, allowing Marmol to grab the spotlight for his daily management of the team. Marmol is continuing where Mozeliak left off, providing clearer and more straightforward communications with the media compared to years past. Gone is the enigmatic platooning of Jordan Walker, as Marmol clarified his use of Walker and Alec Burleson in Katie Woo's latest article from The Athletic (subscription required). Marmol stated that while Burleson is being utilized solely against right-handed pitchers, Walker will be in the lineup against both left- and right-handers.
One of the appealing aspects of the 2025 Cardinals is their unwillingness to break their promises. Marmol is keeping his promise by giving Walker playing time despite his struggles, expertly balancing the "runway" promised to Walker while still fielding a competitive lineup. When compared with how it was handled last season, when there was an obvious disconnect between Marmol and Mozeliak regarding Walker's usage, the difference is significant.
Marmol has also followed through on his promise to add Matthew Liberatore to the starting rotation. Fans were skeptical if Liberatore could handle a starting role after several unsuccessful attempts, but Liberatore has exceeded expectations this year. If Liberatore had struggled again, Marmol may have reconsidered and reassigned him to the bullpen. However, given the Cardinals' "transitional" mindset, Liberatore might have received a longer leash than expected.
Marmol has been open about his lineup shuffling. In Woo's article, Marmol discussed the allocation of playing time for Walker, Burleson, Ivan Herrera, and Willson Contreras while acknowledging that Nolan Gorman has been receiving fewer opportunities. Marmol admitted that this balance act hasn't been easy, but fans can see the positive results so far.
Another staff member speaking about the changes to the franchise is Assistant General Manager, Rob Cerfolio. Cerfolio has featured on various podcasts, including Dealin' the Cards, discussing his ambition to help the Cardinals reclaim their status as a premier pitching factory and detailing some of the steps involved in the process.
It's unknown if the Cardinals would continue this openness if they were struggling, but there's a real possibility that the team's candid communication is a part of their recent success. The organization seems to have addressed any inconsistencies in how messages were communicated and received, improving the chain of communication between leaders and fans[1][4][5].
Mozeliak frequently appeared to "talk down" to fans in the past, provoking criticism. But now, the duo's readiness to open up more allows them to connect with fans on a more personal level[1][5]. Even when fans disagree with one of Marmol's decisions during a game, they can appreciate his perspective when he clarifies his thought process, leading them to be more supportive of the team.
The Cardinals are on the right track, both on and off the field. The organization seems to understand that open communication with fans is essential in maintaining support, so here's hoping the team keeps this honest approach, even when Chaim Bloom takes over from Mozeliak in 2026.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The increased transparency of the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2025 is primarily attributed to a conscious shift in leadership communication style under executive John Mozeliak and manager Oli Marmol. Both Mozeliak and Marmol have been more forthright about the team's direction, challenges, and strategies, openly addressing how the organization plans to handle the current state and future of the franchise[1][5]. This approach is seen as refreshing by fans and analysts and has helped to reinvigorate interest and trust among the Cardinals' fanbase.
The transparency is also part of a broader effort to navigate a period of transition for the team. As the Cardinals integrate more young, homegrown talent into the major league roster and potentially face a regime change after the season, being open with fans about plans and expectations helps set realistic benchmarks and foster patience with the team’s development[1][4]. The intentional candor from Mozeliak, Marmol, and presumably other leadership figures like Rob Cerfolio (though specific mentions of Cerfolio’s role are less prominent in current coverage), is intended to rebuild or strengthen the relationship between the organization and its supporters amidst a roster and organizational overhaul[1][5].
In summary, the reasons for the increased transparency are:- Leadership Communication Shift: Mozeliak and Marmol are openly discussing the team’s status and plans.- Rebuilding Trust: Transparency is used to reconnect with fans after previous frustrations and rebuild confidence.- Transition and Youth Movement: The organization is in a rebuild phase, integrating young players and preparing for future changes, making clear communication especially important[1][4][5].
Football has not been a significant topic of discussion for the St. Louis Cardinals, but if they were to venture into American-football,they might adopt the new approach to sports-analysis that has been working well for them in baseball. The increased transparency under John Mozeliak and Oli Marmol, who have been forthright about the team's plans and strategies, could offer a refreshing take on NFL strategy discussions, as they navigate the team's transition and youth movement. As the Cardinals' success in baseball demonstrates, open communication can be crucial in rebuilding trust and positively impacting the team's performance, which could translate to a successful venture into American football.
