Cards Notebook: Some Nolan Gorman optimism, the catcher playing time problem, a polite suggestion for Jordan Walker

Plus notes on the schedule ahead

The sequencing of the four-game series split with the Cubs – the Cardinals won the first two, Chicago the last two – makes it feel like a worse outcome than it really is. In truth, managing an even split against a superior team while being without your best hitter (Iván Herrera, who’s on the IL with a hamstring strain) is no cause for moping.

I continue to think the third and final wild-card spot in the NL is the most realistic path toward postseason play for the Cardinals. On that front, it’s worth noting that while the Cardinals were splitting with the Cubs, the Giants were getting swept at home by the Marlins. The Cardinals are now one game behind the Padres for that final spot and a half-game behind the Giants. Also, the Brewers, in the second spot, are just a half-game clear of the Padres. It’s a jumble out there.

Speaking of which, here’s the Cardinals’ strength of schedule ranking to date:

• .509 opponents’ average winning percentage, second highest in MLB.

And here’s their strength-of-schedule ranking over the remainder of the regular season:

• .490 opponents’ average winning percentage, 26th in MLB and lowest among current wild-card contenders.

Those remaining 80 games include 25 contests against the Rockies, Pirates, A’s, Marlins, and Nationals. No, the margins aren’t huge – that’s the nature of the MLB schedule – but there’s some opportunity there.

Now let’s move on …