Nolan Arenado’s hot streak and 2 more reasons the Cardinals can turn things around
By Kevin Henry
After a horrific and drama-filled start to the 2023 season, are the St. Louis Cardinals finally turning things around? Here are three reasons why it’s very possible.
Let’s face it … there was plenty of panic sneaking into St. Louis after the Cardinals started the season with a 13-25 record and were settled into the bottom of the National League Central standings. However, after a four-game winning streak (including a three-game road sweep of the Boston Red Sox and a mauling at home of division rival Milwaukee), the Cardinals are suddenly showing some of the swagger everyone expected them to have this season.
So can the Cards keep the momentum going? Here are three reasons why it can happen.
St. Louis Cardinals reason for hope: Willson Contreras issues working themselves out
Oh the drama there has been around the biggest signing of the offseason for the Cards! However, things seems to be settling in for Contreras as he has returned to handling duties behind the plate.
Monday’s start for Jack Flaherty was not only a good sign for the pitcher, but also for Contreras who, in the span of roughly a week, went from primary catcher to secondary catcher but primary designated hitter to primary catcher again.
Deeply, deeply funny that after all that handwringing, this was the Cardinals’ first start with Contreras back at catcher pic.twitter.com/iQsYa7rUje
— Jon Becker (@jonbecker_) May 16, 2023
With the cloud perhaps lifted over the future of Contreras in the Gateway City, the Cardinals can focus on other things, like making sure their pitching improves as much as Flaherty’s did on Monday.