Longtime St. Louis media sports-media institution explains what's been missing with the Cardinals over the last two seasons. Sure, it's about talent, and roster construction, and personnel decisions. Sure it's about managing and coaching and the importance ownership.

But LEADERSHIP in the clubhouse is essential, especially when a team is going through hard times. And leadership has been lacking.

Bernie points out how the 2006 and 2011 Cardinals had some great talent, and a Hall of Fame manager in Tony La Russa, but those teams had strong, strong leadership in the clubhouse -- guys who took charge by helping teammates, challenging teammates, and making sure the team was living up to the established standard of successful, relentlessly competitive baseball. And that really mattered when the 2006 and 2011 teams were in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

The last time the Cardinals won the division title was 2022. That team had Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. Coincidence? No.