And it's definitely been blown out of proportion — by proponents and critics alike. The Cardinal Way never has been about this organization smugly touting its system as being above all others. But that perception sticks.

"I don't even want to use the 'Cardinal Way' term anymore," Matheny said. "But that whole idea is really something to be inside this clubhouse and inside more importantly the minor league clubhouse. About what it's supposed to look like and not really for commercialization or for promotion.

"I think it got out of hand to the point where it's ugly to people outside of this organization. No good comes from it. And I think it's put people on the offensive. And they have all the reason in the world (to want to beat the Cardinals) … you know, it's like we're out there running, carrying this big banner and that's not necessarily – not at all – who we are."

I appreciate Matheny's decision to clear the air on this polarizing topic. By the way, he did so unsolicited. I had asked a question about the Cards' rivalries with the Reds, Pirates, Brewers and Cubs. Matheny used the question as a platform for speaking out on the recent Cardinal Way conundrum.