ST. LOUIS – For folks with the baseball equivalent of a sweet tooth, specifically one group of analysts at MLB Network, this year’s St. Louis Cardinals are a confectionary delight.
The Cardinals are a National League-best 33-18 since Mother’s Day. The surge helped them rise to a season-best six games over .500 on Monday and jump into the NL’s second Wild Card spot as the MLB All-Star break nears.
Some may convince you that times are sweet for the Cardinals, perhaps a candy-store kind of sweet. MLB Network aired a segment Tuesday morning comparing the recent rise of the Cardinals to the thrill of a candy shop.
Both the Cardinals and candy shops offer plenty of variety. The Cardinals in the experience and strengths of their roster. Candy shops in the abundance of treats and flavors to enjoy.
According to MLB Network’s segment, shared to social media platform X, this year’s Cardinals stars compare to the following candy shop treats…
The starting rotation key members (Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson and Miles Mikolas) were dubbed the Four Muskateers, a loose extension of the Three Muskateers. It represents how surprise contributions of all four have carried the Cardinals to wins.
Paul Goldschmidt was compared to Snickers. It represents how the former MVP always satisfies the team’s needs, even during times of struggles.
Michael Siani was compared to Hershey’s Kisses. It represents his distinctive defensive abilities, like a distinct shape of a Hershey’s Kiss.
Alec Burleson and Nolan Gorman were compared to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It represents a pair of bona fide sluggers, like the pair of peanut butter cups.
Masyn Winn was compared to Starbursts. It represents his standout abilities on offense, defense, speed and throwing, like the four unique flavors.
Brendan Donovan was compared to Skittles. It represents his versatility on defense and offense and his consistency while shuffled around, like a pack of Skittle flavors.
Willson Contreras was compared to Sour Patch Kids. It represents his passionate emotions he often shows during key stages of games.
Nolan Arenado was compared to Hot Tamales. It represents how he usually handles the hot corner with ease.
And last but not least wasn’t necessarily a comparison of candy, but to a face for the candy. MLB Network aired a photoshopped picture of Cardinals manager Oli Marmol portrayed as Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The candy comparisons are intriguing given how one Cardinals rookie tradition played out last year. During the team’s last roadtrip, the rookies will generally dress up in costumes or silly attire.
The Cardinals did just that with a Willy Wonka theme last year. All of the team’s rookies dressed as an Oompa-Loompa aside from Matthew Liberatore, who dressed up as Willy Wonka. Liberatore told Bally Sports Midwest, “Wasn’t something I really had a say in, but was happy I was Willy Wonka.”
MLB Network took that concept a step further while describing Marmol as Willy Wonka or the opener of the candy shop.
“Oli Marmol’s offense is giving me a sweet tooth right now because they’re on fire,” said one analyst. “They’re an interesting team now, especially in that division. They’re built for the 162.”
Now one week away from All-Star break, the Cardinals are 48-42 with a 3.5-game cushion for a postseason Wild Card spot.
The Cardinals postponed a home game Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals due to weather, which will instead be played as part of a doubleheader Wednesday. Those games are scheduled for 12:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. CT.
