St. Louis Cardinals have their swagger back heading into 2018

The St. Louis Cardinals are energized and have found their swagger of old heading into 2018.

The St. Louis Cardinals lacked a particular something in 2017, which hindered them from returning to the postseason. Even though they were a young squad, it’s their youth which sparked their late season run, that ultimately come up just short. Others like to blame Mike Matheny, but he was far from the primary issue.

The Cardinals were missing the “it” factor. Swagger. Confidence. Well, what they were lacking a year ago seems to be in full effect to begin 2018. John Mozeliak, President of baseball operations for the Cards, loves what he sees in his team thus far — which ought to make the Cardinals faithful excited for what’s to come this season. Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the St. Louis Post Dispatch gives us the inside scoop.

Outside of Tommy Pham, the Cardinals “it factor” was non-existent. But, Pham’s swagger seems to have spread to the players and the entire coaching staff.

"“There just appears to be a bounce in this camp. I think it’s a reflection on Mike Matheny and the new coaching staff. I think just doing things a little bit different than we have in the past is something that is welcoming.”"

Ortiz points out five aspects in which the St. Louis Cardinals are clicking on all cylinders.

1. Energy
2. Attitude
3. Intentional
4. Athletic
5. Depth

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It’s refreshing that Mike Matheny and the entire coaching staff realizes that baseball needs to be fun, especially with 162 ( and hopefully more) games played. Even though I believe Matheny is the man for the job, there is no denying he needs to improve in many areas — bullpen use and providing a consistent every day line up, in particular. Matheny embracing the new mentality of fun for the Cardinals is a great sign moving forward.

Mozeliak mentioned that the entire roster understands that they all have “something to prove,” meaning they are hungry and determined coming into Spring training. With a loaded and deep roster, “friendly” competition is pushing players to the next level of their game.

Along with that depth, is a team with athleticism, which you can never have enough of at the MLB level. Speed kills and if Matheny and company utilize it correctly; the Cardinals will be one of the elite offensive teams in all of MLB. Plus, the Cards have a unique blend of young and veteran players, a combination which generally leads to winning results.

Next: Dexter Fowler expects to have a tremendous 2018

It’s early in the Spring training process, but, if the St. Louis Cardinals continue embracing this new attitude and maintain that swagger, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers won’t know what hit them in 2018.