The Cardinals could very well impress in the London Series, but Oli Marmol looked downright awful before first pitch.

Oli Marmol is squarely on the hot seat, as his St. Louis Cardinals entered the season as NL Central favorites. Instead, they sit in last place for a reason, and have struggled to climb from the basement of a weak division.

Prior to the London Series against the Chicago Cubs, Marmol already had an excuse in mind.

So…Marmol is already making excuses for possible errors in the field of play? A quick reminder — this occurred prior to first pitch. Yes, artificial turf is dangerous for all athletes, and ought to be outlawed entirely. Had Marmol made a point about knee injuries, for example, that would have been well-taken. Instead, Marmol has a scapegoat in mind already — it's all the turf's fault.

Cardinals: Watch Nolan Arenado school Oli Marmol

So, how would one go about fixing the St. Louis baseball team? Nolan Arenado has some ideas…

While an optimistic approach isn't one Cards fans can relate to after watching this team for three months, it's refreshing to hear someone speak out of turn, and not in a cliche, for once. No, patience isn't the answer. Adjustments — specific changes, from Arenado's point of view — are needed to right the ship. At least Arenado offers up some ideas, while Marmol continuously says the wrong things in press conferences.

There's a reason why Rays manager Kevin Cash was compared to Marmol for benching one of his best players, Wander Franco. And trust me, that wasn't an ideal comparison for Cash, who is otherwise a much better manager than the Cardinals skipper.

Earlier in the season, Oli Marmol was rightly torched for calling out Tyler O'Neill to the media for a perceived lack of hustle. Cash just did the same with Franco, arguably the team's most talented player.

In the span of a few hours, Marmol blamed the field turf prior to first pitch, and was schooled by one of his best players about the Cards turnaround plan.

Keep it going, Oli.