It's not about how we got there

Many times I have heard the phrase, "It just don't matter how you finished, just as long as you got there." To that philosophy, which had to have come from the Ozarks, I would have to boldly disagree based on the recent events surrounding my beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Yeah, I know. We're only a few days into the season, but already it is plain to see what is going to take place come the end of October. (Now see; you can't call me a pessimist. I did put us playing into the playoffs!) And I honestly don't intend to be negative, I just see a glaring problem that has hounded us before and believe it is time to do something about it, no matter how early in April it is.
During game three of the Cardinal's season-opening series in Cincinnatti, a game St. Louis found itself going for the sweep of the Reds with newly-acquired lefty Brad Penny, a managerial move by Tony LaRussa resulted in a ninth-inning loss as the Reds used the long-ball to celebrate and give the Cardinals its first loss of the young campaign, 2-1.
So do you see the inherent problem I speak of? Was it Brad Penny and his one-run allowed seven inning gem? No. Was it the Cardinals lack of run support? Maybe, but I am going with no. Was it Tony LaRussa over-managing by bringing in late-game relief pitching? Probably, but that's the way this manager manages, and since he is the second-highest winning active manager, I think we will let that slide, as well.
The problem comes with those fellas sitting out in the fenced-in play yard who have been trained to do a "specialty". And that specialty is pitching the Cardinals to victory when handed the ball and the lead by their fielding teammates and their manager. Yet, this is the only spot that in recent years has kept us from achieving that which is most desirable in the world of baseball, a World Series championship.
I know, I sound petty and greedy. Wouldn't you rather be a known as a petty and greedy Cardinals fan rather than a "not won a pennant" Chicago Cubs fan, though?
So I say gimme, gimme, gimme. Gimme a nine-inning winner. Gimme a bonafide closer, not an upadn--comer from Memphis. And most important, gimme the right to share my opinion. Why? Because I live and die by what happens on that field for nine months!