Mastering the Cardinals' Bench in a Marathon Season
Strategies for the Cardinals to sustain success amidst a challenging upcoming itinerary
With the Cardinals hitting a grueling 28 games in just 29 days, the smart use of their bench is more crucial than ever. Here's how to ensure they ain't running on empty during this stretch.
First things first, the Cardinals have a trio of catchers: Pedro Pages, Yohel Pozo, and Ivan Herrera. Herrera typically plays once or twice a week, Pages most of the other games, and Pozo calls the shots for Matthew Liberatore. Now, I ain't saying this three-catcher model is unsustainable, but it sure does tighten the screws on bench utility. So, consider sending Pozo or Pages down to the minors to bring in fresh blood.
With Jordan Vilade on the roster due to Jordan Walker's absence, he'll likely head back to Memphis when Walker returns in a week. This means the bench squad will be one of Walker or Burleson, Gorman, Pozo, and Jose Barrero.
If a shake-up of the bench and a recall of Thomas Saggese, Michael Siani, or Luken Baker is needed, so be it. But if this is the gang they aim to roll with (provided no injuries pop up), they'll gotta make sure these backup players get a turn at bat or their regulars might find themselves in a world of hurt over the next four weeks of ball.
Unleashing Hidden Talent
Remember, it's all about making the most of your roster and bench players. Players like Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar could add a boost to the bench performance[1].
Be Prepared for Anything
To nail down a strong lineup, consider rotating the players effectively, allowing key starters to catch their breath and giving bench players a chance to shine. When it comes to player matchups, use data wisely to enhance the effectiveness of your bench[1].
Flexibility is Key
Embrace players who can play multiple positions. This versatility opens up opportunities for different lineups and helps keep the team strong, regardless of injuries[1].
Communication and Morale
Keep the lines of communication open with players to manage expectations and ensure everyone is in tune with their roles. A positive team attitude can work wonders during challenging times[1].
In the midst of the Cardinals' challenging schedule, fielding players like Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar could provide a much-needed boost to the bench performance. To reinforce the team's strength and maintain flexibility, consider rotating players effectively and utilizing data-driven decisions in player matchups.
