Richard Dean
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:42 am GMT
Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is setting his sights on a strong finish to the 2024 season, focusing on small but critical aspects of his game. With a determined approach, he aims to contribute effectively in the final stretch of the season after facing significant time on the sidelines due to injuries.
Striving to Finish Strong
As the St. Louis Cardinals push through the closing weeks of the regular season, Nootbaar’s commitment to improving key elements of his performance is evident. After missing 49 games this season—primarily due to two trips to the injured list—Nootbaar understands the importance of making an impact on the field. He has been vocal about concentrating on the “little things” that can enhance his overall contribution to the team.
“Just making sure I’m having good at-bats, playing good defense, taking advantage of base running opportunities — that’s something that I want to get better at,” Nootbaar explained. He believes that prioritizing these details could lead to larger successes as the season comes to a close.
Injury Setbacks and Steady Progress
Nootbaar, 27, has shown glimpses of his potential in previous seasons, though his progress has often been hampered by injuries. He commenced the season with a frustrating setback, fracturing two ribs during spring training, which kept him out for the first 13 games. Later in the season, an oblique injury sidelined him for an additional 36 games. Despite these challenges, his performance metrics indicate a player who is able to remain effective when healthy.
Entering a recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Nootbaar boasted the second-highest walk total in the league, just behind injured catcher Willson Contreras. This ability to draw walks highlights Nootbaar’s skill set; however, his offensive statistics underscore the need for consistency. With a batting average of .246, an on-base percentage of .339, and a slugging percentage of .400 over 94 games, he is still working toward a breakout performance.
Adjusting to Improve Performance
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol is hopeful for Nootbaar’s continued growth at the plate as the team focuses on refining their play. “More consistency with how he misses,” Marmol said, speaking about Nootbaar’s offensive strategy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper swing plane and aiming to elevate the ball more effectively, rather than hitting grounders to the pull side.
Nootbaar expressed agreement with Marmol’s observations, noting that improving the quality of his misses is crucial for his success. “Better misses for me may mean line drives to the left side or through the middle as opposed to those groundballs to the right side,” Nootbaar stated. His focus on understanding how pitchers are approaching him plays a significant role in his at-bats.
Analytical Approach to Hitting
Nootbaar’s analytical mindset towards hitting illustrates his commitment to bettering his game. He recognizes that developing a systematic approach can enhance his performance, leading to greater consistency in his swings. “It’s making sure my misses are correct and staying through the ball a little bit better,” he explained.
The key to his anticipated progress lies in executing a sound plan at the plate so he can respond more effectively to varying pitch types, thus providing opportunities to generate runs for his team.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
The Cardinals, in anticipation of maximizing their pitching effectiveness, are implementing a six-man rotation strategy as they proceed through the season. The rotation includes Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Miles Mikolas among others, indicating a structured approach to manage player workload. Marmol expressed the importance of maintaining performance across the board, especially for players like Andre Pallante, who have shown consistent results.
In this transitioning phase, the Cardinals are eager to utilize their assets effectively, with several pitchers under contract for the next season, including Gray and Mikolas. Marmol clarified that the recent decisions regarding the bullpen are based solely on immediate needs, and not indicative of future plans.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cardinals navigate their schedule, they are poised to face several competitive teams, with critical matchups against the Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The pressure is on, and players like Nootbaar understand that every contribution counts as they aim for a strong finish.
Nootbaar’s determination to enhance his performance through focus on the finer details reflects the mindset of the team as they push to improve their standings in the league. With continued effort and strategic adjustments, the Cardinals are looking to make the most of the remaining games in the regular season.
As the team keeps playing, fans can’t wait to see if Nootbaar and his friends will step up and end the season on a high note.
