AT Hooks posted on August 27, 2010 00:00
You wanted proof. Tangible, real proof that the Cardinals weren't that good. Proof that those pre-season expectations of championship #11 were nothing more than cockeyed optimism. Proof that this collection of men didn't want to play postseason baseball.
A 3 game losing streak against the 2 worst teams in the National League? That's proof.
Many of you aren't going to agree. You're going to point to the fact that there is over a month of baseball is left and that nothing is guaranteed in this sport. You're going to talk yourself into that 3 game series over Labor Day weekend as the make or break moment
for the Cardinals. You're going to call reactionary articles like this one a pile of bullshit.
Go for it. We'll remind you of this one when we're wondering just what the fuck happened on fan appreciation night.
What is more angering than just about anything is that we don't have anyone to blame but the guys sucking ass on the field. Bill DeWitt spent the money in the off-season. Tony LaRussa has made some questionable calls, but nothing too outlandish. Worst of all, 4 players on the 25 man roster will be in the top 10 of MVP votes and Cy Young votes when we close the books on 2010.
Seriously... what the fuck.
Baseball, more than any other sport, besides golf, is a game where concentration over extended periods of time is a key factor in winning. Lapses in focus don't happen quickly and then disappear. It's a conscience effort by players to not be able to bear down and beat inferior teams. The reasons why this happens can be hazy, but the side-effects it produces are unmistakable: losses against teams you have to beat.
The 2010 edition of the Cardinals is a loathsome bunch. They don't seem to give a shit that they spent 4 extra innings to lose to an awful team. They can't really get fired up after losing 2 of 3 to the Pirates at the same time their whole organization is in turmoil from having confidential financial information leaked. It's just one big 'awww gezzz' Mr. Media man, we'll get 'em next 
time.
Fuck man. Let's talk turkey. These guys got no sack. The apple bag is empty.
The main reason the Cardinals don't have a shot at hell at the playoffs is simple- no one on this roster is man enough to lose their shit at their teammates. To call their slack ass play out. To put some heat on in the kitchen. It's excuses and more excuses. What is it really? Pathetic.
The Cardinals have just now pissed away another year of Pujols' prime with a group of guys that wouldn't fight you if walked up and punched them in the face. Who knew just how spineless this bunch would become. For the love of all that is sane... the fucking RAMS were more interesting than the Cardinals in the heat of a playoff race. The RAMS might not win a regular season game in 2010!
Time to start putting those moving trucks on reserve, Johnny Mo. I speak for many in Cardinal Nation when we say we'd rather have guys that want to fight. And if it means shipping out most of the guys you're paying now to make that happen? Go for it.
You can't grow a spine in the off-season.
@athooks is on Twitterand CardsDisapora.com and STL SB Nation.