St. Louis Cardinal Fans...thoughts on managerial prospects other than TF

missouridawg

Junior
Oct 6, 2009
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1) Obviously, Francona is probably the golden goose here. He's been in much higher profile spots and knows how to deal with adversity (atleast he dealt with it for his entire career in Boston minus one month).

2) Oquendo deserves to get a look, but I'm not terribly excited about him running the team. If Pujols agrees to re-sign because Oquendo gets the job, I'm all for it.

3) Riggleman - No. Not a big fan of his.

4) Pendleton - Hell no.

Other thoughts:
If Pujols signs with the Cubs, the Cardinals HAVE to hire Ryne Sandberg. I will admit, Sandberg was my favorite player before I knew anything about baseball. We share the same first name and I always liked him until I was old enough to realize I lived in Cardinal country (probably by the time I was 8 or 9).

I've heard Joe Maddon's name tossed around is well... which I found to be interesting. I could see why Joe would want to leave TB considering the city doesn't support the team much... but he's had a lot of success there. I would expect TB to require some type of compensation for allowing the Cardinals to pursue him.

Those are about all of the names I've heard. This outta be an interesting search with Pujols lingering out there.

What if we let Pujols player/manage? I'm joking, but kind of not.
 

Indndawg

Senior
Nov 16, 2005
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Agree w/you on Pendleton and I'm very meh about Jose Oquendo. I've also heard Joe Torre's name bandied about; I like Torre but no...too old. I just can't see Sandberg doing anything for the Cards. Kinda like Johnny Vaught agreeing to coach MSU...just can't see it. Here's a name, the ever-volatile Ozzie Guillien.
 

jacksdawgs

Redshirt
May 18, 2009
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What Maddon has done in Tampa is more remarkable to me than what Francona did in Boston, I also think Maddon is just a better manager... best in baseball. I'd take either, although my gut tells me they give Oquendo the job.... I can certainly understand why.
 

vicious dawg

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
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...which isn't worth much.

I believe that Pujols will agree with Oquendo or Maddon. Part of me would feel bad for Jose if he gets overlooked here. He had been at it for quite some time and most of the "experts" would have you believe that he's ready for the job. I think that if Oquendo gets the job, there would be a great possibility of the rest of the staff staying in place, yes, even Duncan (though I believe he's gone too for family reasons).

I also think that Maddon is the best manager in the game. If the Cards hadn't madetheir run, I'd consistently put him above La Russa. He's areally smart baseball guy and apparentlyprofessionals love playing for him. Idon't think theCards would skip a beat. However, I do think that if he is a viable candidate, I think he brings his staff with him.I think that would mean that Duncan, McKay,Oquendo, and McGwire are all out.Maddon is a loyalist. I think he'd just as soon stay in Tampa and take his chances versus having to leavehis guys.

Francona is an interesting choice right now.He doesn't seem to have a good track record of pitching expertise of late. Duncan would help there, but I think Duncan is gone if Francona comes aboard. Yes, he's been in high profile situations, but IF he is responsible for letting his playersrun the asylum inBeantown....I really can't seeDewitt and Mozsigning offon him...unless Pujols demands it.

Riggleman....no chance unless Pujols demands it. Same with Pendleton.

Wondering how many people are chantingthe Wizard'sname in and around STL. MaybeOquendo gets the job, theymove Lillequist up, keep McGwire, and bring back Ozzie Smith.
 

Todd4State

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Mar 3, 2008
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Because he has the support of Tony, Pujols, Duncan, and the other players. It would make for a smoother transition- more than likely. Oquendo is also very popular with the fans. The loudest ovation in Game one when the players were introduced was for Oquendo. Jose has also managed Puerto Rico's team in the World Baseball Classic- led them to a fifth place finish including run ruling Team USA- and has also managed in Winter Ball.

Joe Maddon has said in the past that he would like to manage in St. Louis. Thing is, he will likely require some compensation to leave the Rays. I think he would be a great fit for the Cardinals and would do well there.

Terry Francona would be good, but after having given it some thought, Maddon and Oquendo are better fits.

Jim Riggleman- maybe if Memphis needs a manager. What has he done? He has been an average manager pretty much his whole career. He only gets mentioned because he was part of the Cardinals organization under Whitey Herzog.

Terry Pendleton- WTF? This is the guy that most Braves fans wanted fired. He's simply not qualified to manage a MLB team. I'm not sure that I would trust him with the M-Braves.

I think it will come down to Oquendo, Maddon, and Francona- and one of those will definately take the job.
 

jacksdawgs

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May 18, 2009
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And yes, what Maddon has done in Tampa and what he has turned them into is just as impressive as what Francona has done with the second largest payroll in baseball.
 

Todd4State

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Mar 3, 2008
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If they hire Oquendo, they are essentially going to be looking for a third base coach. I think Chris Maloney might get that job. They certainly could keep him at AAA. If they get Maddon, Oquendo may stay at third or take another manager job- like the Rays. With Francona, all bets are off.

I'm not sure that Ozzie would be a great coach- as far as I know, he has never coached before in the pro game. I'd take him all day as a spring training instructor to work with SS's on defense. Heck, a lot of Cardinals fans were skeptical about Big Mac as a hitting coach. Having a big name doesn't guarantee you favor as a coaching candidate in St. Louis at least.
 

Todd4State

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Mar 3, 2008
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I would not be surprised to see the Cubs fire Quade and hire Francona now that Theo Epstein is there.

You would have to think that would be a logical fit and could possibly happen.

New front offices in MLB usually mean big time turnover- and Epstein and Francona obviously have a connection. Also, Francona has broken curses before and once played for the Cubs. It seems pretty natural to me as a fit.
 
Nov 16, 2005
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1. Pujols likes him.

2. Dave Duncan likes him. Duncan said that he would like to continue as pitching coach for at least another season.

3. He is familiar with the roster and would probably retain most of the staff already in place that the players like.

I think Oquendo should get the job.
 

Ol Blue.sixpack

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May 1, 2006
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Todd4State said:
Because he has the support of Tony, Pujols, Duncan, and the other players. It would make for a smoother transition- more than likely. Oquendo is also very popular with the fans. The loudest ovation in Game one when the players were introduced was for Oquendo. Jose has also managed Puerto Rico's team in the World Baseball Classic- led them to a fifth place finish including run ruling Team USA- and has also managed in Winter Ball.

Joe Maddon has said in the past that he would like to manage in St. Louis. Thing is, he will likely require some compensation to leave the Rays. I think he would be a great fit for the Cardinals and would do well there.

Terry Francona would be good, but after having given it some thought, Maddon and Oquendo are better fits.

Jim Riggleman- maybe if Memphis needs a manager. What has he done? He has been an average manager pretty much his whole career. He only gets mentioned because he was part of the Cardinals organization under Whitey Herzog.

Terry Pendleton- WTF? This is the guy that most Braves fans wanted fired. He's simply not qualified to manage a MLB team. I'm not sure that I would trust him with the M-Braves.

I think it will come down to Oquendo, Maddon, and Francona- and one of those will definately take the job.
If TLR was involved in the search - which he says he won't be - he would be very supportive of Don Mattingly.
 

msu71

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
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Chris Maloney has been manager for the Memphis Redbirds and is well-liked around MLB. He has certainly paid his dues in the minor leagues and has been quite successful. I really believe that the Cardinal organization will soon give him a chance to manager or coach with the big league Cardinals.
 

Todd4State

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Mar 3, 2008
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In 2006, they let him be a coach in Sept.- basically as a bench coach, doing odd jobs sort of thing when the season was over.