St. Louis Cardinals: What is this team's identity?

The St. Louis Cardinals fell to the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon and have suddenly lost four straight and are now 2-4 since the All-star break.  Anytime the Cardinals lose to the Cubs, fans become enraged. They become even more enraged, and actually, appalled, when the team brings in an attitude like A.J. Pierzynski, who the club is reportedly signing to a deal, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  He carries a "reputation" and some Cardinals fans are worried that he is going to ruin the clubhouse and team chemistry.

But I can not help but ask myself, what team chemistry?  What clubhouse? As far as I am concerned, this clubhouse is not worth a damn thing right now anyway, so what damage could Pierzynski really cause?

What is this team's identity anyway?  Is this an explosive team? No. Is this a patient team? No.  Is this a disciplined team?  No.  So what are the Cardinals of 2014 all about?

Sure, there are a great group of guys on this roster that generally like each other.  The whole #MemphisMafia thing (made up of Matt Carpenter, Daniel Descalso, Jon Jay, Allen Craig and Jason Motte) is fun. It is great to see some of Adam Wainwright's dance moves and Joe Kelly's antics. It is nice to have a manager like Mike Matheny that lives a quality Christian lifestyle.  There are multiple sets of teammates that were the Best Man in each other's wedding.  It is clear that this team likes each other.

But do they hold each other accountable too?  Is this team truly focused at the task at hand?

There are two very serious occurrences that suggest that its possible this club as a whole simply is not focused. The first happened on Wednesday night when Jon Jay struck out with a 4-2 count.  The player didn't realize it, which means he wasn't paying attention.  The manager didn't realize it, which means he wasn't paying attention.  Nobody on the bench mentioned it either. The second occurrence happened Friday when Kolten Wong made a huge base-running gaffe on second base by running on a ball in front of him. This is not a mistake that happens if a team is truly locked in and holding itself accountable.

I am NOT suggesting that this team is not trying.  I am NOT suggesting that this club does not want to win.

I am suggesting that maybe this clubhouse needs a swift kick to the groin and maybe bringing in a personality like Pierzynski is Mozeliak's way of kicking.

I have no idea if this Pierzynski move will work out.  But I am confident that this team lacks an identity and if the presence of a guy like Pierzynski does not rattle some cages and get the attention of this complacent group, than nothing will.

Its nearly August and it is still unclear what this club is about.  We know they are about liking each other, but are they about winning?  Hopefully, we find out soon.

Thanks for reading, @CoreyRudd