Well brian getting better players is fine if you have competent coaches and ownership. 7 million doesnt buy jack anymore far as players go but getting pujols could have been a boss move. I have no ideal how he will do as a manager and he def wouldnt be able to come in here and magically take this team to a world series right away but he could help grow a young team into it as well as grow himself. Plus it would bring positive attention to the team which could improve their perception as well as attendance for a minute anyway. You have to create a buzz.
People say only winning will do that. Well first off the cardinals were within sight of a playoff birth a good part of the season, almost til end really. Did that improve attendance, no clearly not. Fans are tired of the do just good enough and then hope n pray. Its not hard to see that. I dont think being thr cincinatti reds of 2025 in 2026 will do anything to move the needle. To the reds credit, they at least fired their manager before this season so they at least on perception are moving forward. Cardinals cant even get perception part right.
Those saying pujols wouldnt make a good manager because great players tend not to be able to coach well might be right. However esp in todays game, having strong leadership skills is more important than being able to coach other players and there are other coaches on the team to do the individual coaching. Secondly pujols was a little different great player from lots of past great players. Those players tended to rely on their exceptional skills til they got old, pujols was always studying and working on improving. Watching every at bat, every pitcher so hes more of an exceotion than the rule which is why i think he could be a good manager in time.