You don't have to wonder. Joe Girardi will be considered.
He has a history with Mozeliak, and good rapport. He has the familiarity with organization that the #Cardinals value, and there is a fondness for him already in the club. One question is his interest-level. #stlcardshttps://t.co/OX1v3pWd7k
While the Cards are likely a half-season away from selecting a permanent replacement (bench coach Mike Shildt was named interim manager), here are some candidates the franchise could consider as it prepares to enter a new era:
Joe Girardi
Could Girardi find his way back to the National League?
The 2006 NL Manager of the Year with the Marlins was unceremoniously let go last year by the Yankees after a playoff run that lasted much longer than many thought it would — the Bombers came up one win short of the World Series after being knocked off by the eventual world champion Astros in the ALCS. His final record with New York: 910-710 (.562 winning percentage).
Girardi has history with Cards president John Mozeliak — he played for the expansion Rockies from 1993-95 when Mozeliak was beginning his front-office career in Denver, and he ended his playing career with the Cardinals in 2003 when Mozeliak was assistant GM to Walt Jocketty. Given those connections and his clear desire to manage again, he will most likely get at least a phone call to gauge his interest.
Carlos Beltran
Beltran, who had two productive seasons for the Cardinals in 2012 and 2013, was a hot managerial candidate following the 2017 season. He interviewed with the Yankees to replace Girardi and was reportedly one of the final candidates in a search that turned into something out of "Survivor."
Beltran knows how to play the game and appears to be a fine example of the "Cardinal Way." He's also fresh off a World Series win with the Astros and is a beloved baseball figure and mentor. Beltran has often been hailed for his ability to communicate and guide young players, something in which the Cardinals appear to be lacking.
It's difficult to see the Cardinals hiring Beltran given his lack of managerial experience, but giving him a call would be a sexy move. They aren't known to be flashy when it comes to hiring managers, but it feels as though the organization needs a shot of energy, and Beltran would certainly help remove the staleness surrounding the franchise.
Raul Ibanez
Like Beltran, Ibanez has interviewed recently for managerial openings. The Rays and Yankees both expressed interest in him, and he was rumored to be a candidate for the Phillies' job last year before the club hired Gabe Kapler.
Also similar to Beltran, Ibanez doesn't have managerial experience, but he is often hailed as a bright baseball mind. The well-traveled Ibanez, who's four seasons removed from playing, will likely find himself leading a coaching staff in the future. Would the Cardinals — for whom Ibanez never played — give him that shot?
Jose Oquendo
Oquendo is the easy in-house nominee. He is in his second stint as the Cardinals' third-base coach (he was on the staffs of the 2006 and 2011 world championship teams) and he played 10 seasons (1986-95) for the Redbirds as the team's popular "Secret Weapon."
He interviewed to succeed Tony La Russa in 2011 before the Cardinals hired Matheny. He has also auditioned for the Mariners, Mets and Padres.
While it isn't quite big-league experience, he has managed major-leaguers before: He led Team Puerto Rico, whose roster includes Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, in the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
Oquendo makes a lot of sense given his history with the organization and intimate knowledge of the "Cardinal Way," and he'll likely get at least a second shot at a first (or third) impression with the front office.
Jason Giambi
Say what you will about Giambi, but he is considered destined for a managing gig at some point. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chief Roundup:
This seems like a horrible list to me.
While the Cards are likely a half-season away from selecting a permanent replacement (bench coach Mike Shildt was named interim manager), here are some candidates the franchise could consider as it prepares to enter a new era:
Joe Girardi
Could Girardi find his way back to the National League?
The 2006 NL Manager of the Year with the Marlins was unceremoniously let go last year by the Yankees after a playoff run that lasted much longer than many thought it would — the Bombers came up one win short of the World Series after being knocked off by the eventual world champion Astros in the ALCS. His final record with New York: 910-710 (.562 winning percentage).
Girardi has history with Cards president John Mozeliak — he played for the expansion Rockies from 1993-95 when Mozeliak was beginning his front-office career in Denver, and he ended his playing career with the Cardinals in 2003 when Mozeliak was assistant GM to Walt Jocketty. Given those connections and his clear desire to manage again, he will most likely get at least a phone call to gauge his interest.
Carlos Beltran
Beltran, who had two productive seasons for the Cardinals in 2012 and 2013, was a hot managerial candidate following the 2017 season. He interviewed with the Yankees to replace Girardi and was reportedly one of the final candidates in a search that turned into something out of "Survivor."
Beltran knows how to play the game and appears to be a fine example of the "Cardinal Way." He's also fresh off a World Series win with the Astros and is a beloved baseball figure and mentor. Beltran has often been hailed for his ability to communicate and guide young players, something in which the Cardinals appear to be lacking.
It's difficult to see the Cardinals hiring Beltran given his lack of managerial experience, but giving him a call would be a sexy move. They aren't known to be flashy when it comes to hiring managers, but it feels as though the organization needs a shot of energy, and Beltran would certainly help remove the staleness surrounding the franchise.
Raul Ibanez
Like Beltran, Ibanez has interviewed recently for managerial openings. The Rays and Yankees both expressed interest in him, and he was rumored to be a candidate for the Phillies' job last year before the club hired Gabe Kapler.
Also similar to Beltran, Ibanez doesn't have managerial experience, but he is often hailed as a bright baseball mind. The well-traveled Ibanez, who's four seasons removed from playing, will likely find himself leading a coaching staff in the future. Would the Cardinals — for whom Ibanez never played — give him that shot?
Jose Oquendo
Oquendo is the easy in-house nominee. He is in his second stint as the Cardinals' third-base coach (he was on the staffs of the 2006 and 2011 world championship teams) and he played 10 seasons (1986-95) for the Redbirds as the team's popular "Secret Weapon."
He interviewed to succeed Tony La Russa in 2011 before the Cardinals hired Matheny. He has also auditioned for the Mariners, Mets and Padres.
While it isn't quite big-league experience, he has managed major-leaguers before: He led Team Puerto Rico, whose roster includes Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, in the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
Oquendo makes a lot of sense given his history with the organization and intimate knowledge of the "Cardinal Way," and he'll likely get at least a second shot at a first (or third) impression with the front office.
Jason Giambi
Say what you will about Giambi, but he is considered destined for a managing gig at some point.
who’s list is this? Did you write this? You need to at least tell us where this is from. [Reply]
Think Ibanez is a good candidate if they dip into the pool with little experience. Great motivator, varied experience, smart and articulate. Can win over both young players and vets.
Not sure there’s a realistic “steal him” manager that’s a great upgrade. Better to go with fresh blood IMO. [Reply]
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals are seven games out of first place in the NL Central and four out of an NL Wild Card, which is by no means unreachable with a half-season of baseball remaining. After St. Louis dismissed manager Mike Matheny and hitting coaches John Mabry and Bill Mueller, we look at the possible long-term options for the Cardinals (in no particular order):
Mike Shildt
The 49-year-old has been a member of the Cardinals organization since 2004 and has served on the team’s Major League coaching staff the past two (2017-18) seasons. He has been named the interim manager for the time being, but could become the best option if St. Louis can't attract a big-name coach by the start of next season.
Jose Oquendo
Can the Secret Weapon also play manager? The 55-year-old former infielder may be the players' choice, as he has often received the praises of practically all of St. Louis' infield position players, including Yadier Molina, Kolten Wong, Paul DeJong and Jose Martinez.
Carlos Beltran
The former slugger for the Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets and Houston Astros was among the finalists for the Yankees' manager spot, this season. He took the 2018 season off, but the nine-time All-Star could be back on a managerial short list soon.
Joe Girardi
The Peoria, Illinois native will be among the most-likely of outside hires. He was a catcher for St. Louis in his final season as a player in 2003, before beginning a managerial career in 2006 with the Florida Marlins. After one season there, he managed the Yankees for 10 seasons, winning the 2009 World Series championship.
Mark McGwire
We've seen Big Mac back in St. Louis a lot lately, as he's the current bench coach of the San Diego Padres and each time he seems to receive a bigger ovation from the fans. McGwire was the Cardinals hitting coach between 2009-2012, then moved the Dodgers in 2013 and San Diego after.
Stubby Clapp
Last year, he was named the Minor League Baseball Manager of the Year, after leading the Memphis Redbirds to a league championship in his first season at the helm. And with the best record in the Pacific Coast League again this year, they could be repeat champions.
Terry Pendleton
The former St. Louis and Atlanta Braves third baseman was let go as bench coach of the Braves after th 2017 season. He has been on the shortlist of recent MLB managerial jobs inlcuding Atlanta in 2011, Washington Nationals in 2006 and St. Louis in 2012, after Tony La Russa ended his managing career with the Cardinals.
Willie McGee
Similar to Oquendo, he's a guy who almost every current Cardinals player would get behind – not to mention he's an all-time fan favorite. McGee returned to the MLB dugout full-time this season, after working as a minor-league instructor for the Cardinals in recent years.
Joe McEwing
Famouly known by St. Louis fans for his "Little Mac Land," McEwing is the current bench coach for the Chicago White Sox. He played just two seasons in St. Louis in the late 1990s, but did set a new record for the longest errorless games by a MLB outfielder (230 games) during that time. [Reply]
Just hire Stubby Clapp. A manager doesn't have to be great, just not a fucking moron. He's done very well in Memphis, and he's still a young guy. [Reply]
