Probably, but that's because he's shitty. No Cubs fans I've talked to want him.

Bernie says that Francona is the easiest choice here. I agree. If he wants the job, give it to him and move on. Duncan likes him, I like him and I think 38pitches likes him. Job done. Go sign Pujols.

I am not on board with Sandberg.  I really dont know what kind of manager he is but the idea of him being the manager does thrill me. 

I wouldnt mind Oquendo and see that as the easies path.

I am not a big fan of Francona.  He fits all their needs.   A proven winning manager to take over a team that is in win now mode.


I like the idea of giving it to both Mike Matheny and Joe McEwing.  I really like the idea of Matheny and am thrilled to see his name on the list.  I know Duncan said he wants a proven manager but I would have to think he would enjoy having Matheny around.  Still both guys would be risky.

Bernie also brought up Don Mattingly as a name.  I doubt that happens but I would be on board with that as well.

APRTW wrote:

I like the idea of giving it to both Mike Matheny and Joe McEwing.

When and where did Little Mac enter the equation???

FWIW, it seems to me like the simple choice would be Francona, but DeWitt and Moz might be thinking about empire building, in which case it is far better for narrow-minded egocentrism to promote a lieutenant than to bring in yet another emperor.

Max wrote:

APRTW wrote:

I like the idea of giving it to both Mike Matheny and Joe McEwing.

When and where did Little Mac enter the equation???

FWIW, it seems to me like the simple choice would be Francona, but DeWitt and Moz might be thinking about empire building, in which case it is far better for narrow-minded egocentrism to promote a lieutenant than to bring in yet another emperor.

I dont know why I dontreally like Francone.  Maybe it is just my Cardinals homerism that I think the best guy would be an ex-Cardinal or current coach.

forsberg_us wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised if they go outside the organization and hire a first year manager who will feel indebted and won't question the front office's moves.

that's my concern.  the temptation to convert success into empire building is too great not to tempt both dewitt and moz.

it won't play well with duncan, and the loss of duncan won't play well with the pitching staff.

forsberg_us wrote:

No inside info, but I don't think Oquendo gets the job. Reading between the lines, I think Dewitt wants someone who will embrace the Luhnow side of the organization. Mozeliak did a pretty nice job of bridging that divide the past couple of years, but I suspect they're looking to narrow that schism.

Oquendo is a holdover from the Larussa regime, and that probably doesn't help his standing. If they promote from within (which I don't think happens), I think they go with Maloney (the AAA manager). But I wouldn't be surprised if they go outside the organization and hire a first year manager who will feel indebted and won't question the front office's moves.

If it is put with the old and in with the new I would assume Oquendo would have to be gone as well.  I dont think having the new camp with the old camp will work.  I would assume Matheny would be the guy to bridge that gap if anyone could being that the club respects him. and he has Cardinals history.  I dont really see Mcewing as some the Cardinals see as in the family.

Cards interview Matheny: interesting clips from the story

*Matheny described his lack of managerial experience as "the elephant that walked in with me" to the interview. However, Matheny was made to feel the issue is of less significance than even he had hoped.

"That was defused right away," he said. "They made it clear that this is a leadership position and that what they were looking for to fill the role is a leader. Yes, there are the baseball things and the knowledge of baseball, but we talked a lot about the characteristics that are necessary to be a leader at this level and a leader of that clubhouse."


*The Cardinals spoke to Matheny last winter when searching for a bullpen coach, and Mozeliak has frequently sought his opinion about minor-league players.

*The Cardinals want to more closely integrate their next manager into a top-down organizational chain of command and philosophy. Since being named general manager in October 2007, Mozeliak has tried to create a more linear chain of command that brings the major-league clubhouse in line with the front office and player development.

*Matheny, who departs for the Dominican Republic today, retains a strong bond with Molina and free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols, with whom he has participated in numerous faith-based charitable endeavors. Matheny is accompanying a West County baseball team to the Dominican, where it will compete against local talent. Pujols is expected to be on hand as well.

Max wrote:

APRTW wrote:

*The Cardinals want to more closely integrate their next manager into a top-down organizational chain of command and philosophy. Since being named general manager in October 2007, Mozeliak has tried to create a more linear chain of command that brings the major-league clubhouse in line with the front office and player development.

Read: no more "future HOF" managers who run things the way THEY want to.  It's gonna be linear, and it's gonna be top-down.  I call the shots and YOU dance to the tune.

It won't be Francona.

Exactly how I read it.

The other interesting part of that story was that Francona's interview, rumored to be scheduled for Friday, didn't happen.  Made me wonder if Francona didn't decide to bag it.  Seemed eerily similar to 2007 when a number of the rumored candidates to replace Jocketty suddenly cancelled their interviews when they learned that Luhnow was going to be calling the shots when it came to the draft and player development.

Having said that, Matheny might turn out to be a really good choice.  Catchers seem to have an inordinate amount of success as managers, and Matheny always struck me as someone with above-average baseball intellect.

A little more on my opinion of the head butting between TLR and the front office.  Looking back on the season and thinking about whos way lead to the world series it is hard to really say.  TLR wanted guys like Franklin and Theriot around who hurt the team.  Then on the other hand Berkman and the Rasmus trade play in TLR favor.  It might be the blend and the head butting that made this season work.

APRTW wrote:

forsberg_us wrote:

Having said that, Matheny might turn out to be a really good choice.  Catchers seem to have an inordinate amount of success as managers, and Matheny always struck me as someone with above-average baseball intellect.

Those things I highlighted were some stuff I ment to post more on but didnt have time.  IMO Mathey has the job.  The fact they they spoke to him about the bullpen coach job means to me that not only did they think he was qualified to do that job but they were also setting up a resume for him to replace TLR.  Him being ask about minor league players by the GM also means alot.  Why would a guy outside the club be asked about talent within the club?  They have minor league coachs for that.  That shows me just how much the front office trust him.  I question the motives of this possible decision.  However, I am on board with it. 

I think the front office think Oquendo is to close to TLR's controlive ways.  Like others have said, Mo is DeWitt's yes man.  In order for that to work Mo needs his own yes man.  We can all complain about it but I am going to cut the front office alittle slack.  After all they did just win a world series.

La Russa deserves a little credit, especially down the stretch.

Max wrote:

APRTW wrote:

It might be the blend and the head butting that made this season work.

Whether it's the Beatles, or the Cardinals, some head butting among creative geniuses can produce much better results than when one mind has complete control, or did you like Wings better than the Beatles?

The Beatles sucked and Wings was a lame TV show.