If anyone needed to be reminded about why St. Louis has a commanding lead over the Cubs in the NL Central, we’ve seen more evidence recently.
Talent and good health are crucial factors, but what role does attitude play in a winning equation? We’ve seen a profound Cardinals-Cubs contrast this week.
When the Cardinals acquired Larry Walker from Colorado, third baseman Scott Rolen volunteered to move out of the fourth spot for his new teammate, although manager Tony La Russa decided to use Walker in the No. 2 hole. But that means La Russa moves Edgar Renteria to sixth in the lineup and the shortstop is fine with it.
Rolen and Renteria put the team first.
But in Chicago, manager Dusty Baker told reporters that he didn’t want to upset Sammy Sosa by moving the slumping slugger out of the fourth slot. After Sosa went 2-for-24 on a recent trip, Baker met with Sosa to discuss the situation but didn’t amend the lineup. “We can’t lose (Sosa) psychologically and spiritually.”
Let’s ponder this … the Cubs are in a tight race for the NL’s wild-card playoff berth, and Sosa won’t put his ego aside? Surely, the other Cubs are noting this. Sosa’s me-first stance can only lower team morale.
That’s not an issue in St. Louis.
The unselfish Rolen will relocate if requested. “Whatever is best for the team, that’s good enough for me. . . . Tony can bat me eighth or ninth if he wants to. Let’s just keep winning. What else matters?”
And Renteria is even more gracious. He moved to No. 2 when it became a problem spot for the Cardinals and he didn’t whine, even though the change cost him RBI opportunities in a contract year. (Renteria is a free agent after the season). Again, Renteria put the team’s concerns ahead of his own.
As a team, the relentless Cardinals remain focused on the daily responsibility of winning games. Not so with the Cubs.
