“You can’t wear this jersey just because you like it. You have to be worthy. And we have too many guys who aren’t worthy.”
—Coach Oliver Marmol, after loss to Pirates
ST. LOUIS — The anger is no longer hidden. After a humiliating 4–1 loss to the Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals head coach Oliver Marmol took a direct swipe at his players’ self-esteem—a statement that many said could “rock” the entire locker room.
“Too many guys who wear red, but aren’t qualified to represent the Cardinals,” Marmol exploded after the game. Without naming names or beating around the bush, he delivered a warning to the entire team: “We have players who don’t play with the attitude that you need to play in MLB.”
The Broken Line: Who’s Being Targeted?
Although no one was named, it was clear to everyone: a shaky defensive line, lackluster goal-scoring, and a series of unforgivable errors had left the Cardinals stuck in fourth place in the NL Central.
Fans were immediately outraged:
“Are you talking about Dylan Carlson? Or Jordan Walker?”
“How did a once-great team fall into such a state of resignation?”
“Did Marmol cross the line by publicly disparaging a player in front of the press?”
Escalating tensions: Action or losing his job?
Some believe Marmol is risking his career to shake up the locker room. But with a 48–51 record, does he have time?
Former Cardinals coach Mike Shildt lost his job after internal disagreements – will history repeat itself?
Pride and the Pressure of the Red Shirt
With icons like Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols gone, the Cardinals are lacking in fiery leaders, and Marmol seems to be alone in his efforts to rekindle the fighting spirit that once made them legendary.
For the fans:
Do you think this criticism is necessary or destructive?
Which players should be cut?
Does Marmol still have the power to turn things around?
Leave a comment – because the Cardinals of 2025 aren’t just playing against other teams, they’re playing against their own shadow.