Bernie Miklasz from St. Louis Post-Dispatch summed up this game pretty succinctly from the Cards perspective: “A copy of this Cubs-Cards game should be sent to aspiring managers. Like the videos they show to scare the kids in driver’s ed class.” BRUTAL.

I couldn’t believe Matheny batted Rosenthal in that spot…then he says if it were 1 out Kozma would’ve batted instead of Rosenthal. Why does that matter? Aren’t you trying to win the game in that inning whether it’s one or two outs? Worry about next inning, next inning…it’d be different if there wasn’t an arm left in the pen.

He also double switched Peralta out of the lineup in the top of the 8th when he brought Siegrist in for Martinez when the pitcher’s spot was due up first bottom of 8. Why do that? For Descalso’s defense in a tied game? DD isn’t that stellar at SS to take Peralta’s bat (even if struggling) out of the lineup. Peralta’s average sucks but he could end it with one swing. You could’ve just PH DD, Robinson or Kozma in the pitcher’s spot to start off the 8th.

Questionable all the way around with subs and bullpen usage is pretty much becoming the norm with Matheny. I also don’t get why they get CMart loose and bring him to throw 20 pitches when he’s capable of throwing more since they had him stretched out to be a starter from the get go.

Oh, and why use John Jay’s PH for a bunt? That would’ve been a great time to use DD (if he wasn’t already used), Koz, or one of your pitchers since Jay can actually swing the bat. Again, just brutal managing.