Cardinals Rumors: Does Tyler O'Neill have an effort problem?

Oli Marmol received some flack early this season for benching Tyler O'Neill for a perceived lack of effort. This was despite the fact O'Neill was coming off a season in which he played just 96 games, and struggled to stay healthy. O'Neill has a long history of lower-body issues, making him a curious choice as their long-term choice in the outfield.

"He didn't think I gave the best effort," O'Neill said. "I'm out here every day grinding my ass off, giving it my all and trying to stay on the field for 160 games out here."

Marmol doubled down after benching O'Neill, even calling him out publicly to the media. This, more than anything, was a learning experience for the young manager.

"That's not our style of play as far as the effort, rounding the bag there," Marmol said. "It's unacceptable."

While we disagree with Marmol's choice to air his grievances with O'Neill to the media, his finer point could have some value. Is there a perception among the Cardinals players and fanbase that O'Neill isn't giving it his all? J.T. Buchheit of Redbird Rants suggests that O'Neill 'reluctance' to play at anything less than 100 percent has rubbed some folks the wrong way.

"Players are going to be banged up, and the ability to play through pain is a core facet of being an athlete. O'Neill's refusal to play unless he feels completely pain-free likely does not endear him to his teammates who battle through their injuries and give their best effort on the field. Nor would it seem to please manager Oliver Marmol, who plans on how to construct the lineup and utilize the designated hitter spot and the days off for other players," Buchheit wrote.

Fair or not, O'Neill has earned his reputation as being an oft-injured player. Ideally, the Cards outfielder will shake that in 2024.

Cardinals Rumors: What's wrong with Dylan Carlson?

Dylan Carlson has been sidelined by an oblique injury. Frankly, he wasn't playing that well to begin with, so a trip to the injured list could be a nice refresh for the former top prospect.

John Mozeliak opted to keep Carlson at the trade deadline despite rumors connecting him with the New York Yankees and more. Carlson is under contract through 2024, and St. Louis still believes in him to some extent. As Zach Pressnell wrote on Sunday, Carlson could quickly be playing his way out of the team's plans for next season, especially with their outfield surplus.

"On the season, the 24-year-old is only slashing .219/.318/.333 with 14 extra-base hits in almost 80 games played. But this year has only gotten worse for Carlson, especially after the trade deadline. Since Aug. 1, the outfielder's slash line is .105/.217/.211, going 2-for-19 with two doubles and three RBIs. His poor play this year could be cause for the Cardinals to explore more trades with him in the offseason and then into next year."

With Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar, as well as O'Neill and more likely preferred over Carlson at this point, one has to wonder why Mozeliak held onto him in the first place. Carlson's talent is undeniable — it's why St. Louis reportedly did not want to involve him in Juan Soto trade talks. Eventually, potential has to turn into reality, and Carlson has looked anything but productive of late.

Cardinals Rumors: What's with the Adam Wainwright disrespect?

Changes may be coming to the St. Louis rotation, especially after another dreadful start by Adam Wainwright. The 41-year-old came back for one final season, and it hasn't exactly gone as planned — the Cardinals won't make the postseason, and he has look far from his usual self.

Oli Marmol even went as far as to admit a change could do the Cards some good, especially as they try to figure out their 2024 rotation.

"It's delicate, to be quite honest," Marmol said via The Athletic. "He's a pro, and we've had some really honest conversations. Is it ideal? No, it's not."

Wainwright, however, is adamant he wants to refocus and find a way to end his career on a high note. 200 wins, for one, would be a start. He's just two victories short on that note.

"I'm hesitant to admit it — and I've heard this from older guys who retired — but when you know you're done, you could lose an edge," Wainwright told The Athletic. "I was really resistant to that because I thought I would fight like crazy till the end. But I'm going to have to refocus and get real serious about ending strong because I don't want to go out like that. I mean, that's just embarrassing."

Wainwright has earned the right to go out on his own terms, even if that means getting shelled a few more times this season. Cardinals fans — and even his own manager — are going to have to deal with that fact.