Sure, this has been a disappointing season for the Cardinals. They have hovered around .500 during their transition year. They shifted into spring training mode for September, testing various prospects and potential depth pieces.

But this franchise -- and its fan base -- has not suffered through Atlanta Braves-level adversity.

The long-mighty Braves lost twice to the Mariners by the combined score of 28-4 over the weekend to fall 15 games under .500.

In the team’s latest setback, catcher Sean Murphy, a player Cardinals fans coveted a few years back to succeed Yadier Molina, shut down to undergo hip surgery.

Murphy was hitting just .199 this season, albeit with 19 homers. Drake Baldwin (.276, 15 homers, 64 RBIs) carried much of the load behind the plate this season.

Back in 2023, Murph

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