The Cards' search for a new manager

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona is among the candidates for the St. Louis Cardinals' vacant managerial position, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Post-Dispatch also reports that a search committee headed by chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak will begin face-to-face interviews Thursday.

According to the Post-Dispatch, Cardinals Class AAA manager Chris Maloney, minor league instructor Mike Matheny and Chicago White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing will also be interviewed. Cardinals third base coach Jose Qquendo also is expected to be considered.

Earlier Wednesday, the Philadelphia Phillies granted the Cardinals permission to interview Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who is managing the Phillies' Class AAA affiliate.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon is a popular choice among several members of the Cardinals’ organization, according to the Post-Dispatch, but he is not in play, sources told the newspaper. The club has not sought permission to interview Tampa Bay bench coach Dave Martinez.

The Cardinals want to have their new manager in place before the annual general managers’ meetings will take place on Nov. 14 in Milwaukee.

[RickD]

What better way to tweak the Cubs than to sign Ryne Sandberg.

[Mickey Mental]

What better way to tweak the Cubs than to sign Ryne Sandberg.

I just get the feeling that they'll go with someone with ML experience.

[OutfieldGrass]

David Eckstein made a comment about Oquendo being a guy that could keep Pujols in town but that has been downplayed by others around the game. He could be an interesting choice but I agree that they will go with something that has major league experience. Ryne Sandberg sure would be a good choice though.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

On Tuesday, the Cardinals interviewed someone with Major League experience for the first time. Two time World Series winner, Terry Francona was interviewed by the Cards.

[astrosfanatic]

i think Francona has this one in the bag. Pujols probably doesnt want to play for a manager that is inexperienced. He would probably want someone who could come in right away and continue the winning that has gone on in St. Louis since Pujols arrived. Clubs like St. Louis usually get the cream of the crop when it comes to managers because of the history and blah blah blah....

[yankeebiscuitfan]

It's possible that I have missed something, but did the Cards sign Pujols already? I don't expect it to happen, but why wouldn't he sign with the Cubs?

[OutfieldGrass]

I think Francona has it in the bag as well. Perfect fit for that team after losing a legend like La Russa. There would be way too much pressure on an inexperienced manager in my opinion.

As for Pujols I really don't think there is another option outside the Cardinals. The Cubs fit on paper but I don't see them spending that kind of money when one bat is not going to put them into contention. The Cardinals need Pujols back and I honestly think they will get him locked up.

[astrosfanatic]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/72...am-new-manager

Looks like Mike Matheny is the man in St. Louis

[RickD]

Wow, surprised they went with someone with so little experience.