ESPN has reported on Sunday that the St. Louis Cardinals do not intend to renew the contact of 64-year-old hitting coach Hal McRae, a member of Tony La Russa’s staff for the last five seasons.
That in itself is hardly news, as the former Royals and Devil Rays manager has been on the hot seat as the team’s offense sputtered down the stretch and in the post-season despite the addition of three new, high-profile players.
What is news however, is that ESPN is labeling secluded slugger Mark McGwire as the leading replacement.
On one hand, that is not new either, as La Russa has stated on several occasions that he has tried to get his former first baseman into coaching. Yet becoming the full-time hitting coach would be light-years ahead of what appeared to be the previous target – just getting Big Mac to show up at spring training camp as a special instructor.
In fact, McGwire actually agreed to assist La Russa in spring training 2008, but had to back out at the last minute, reportedly over a family matter.
There are a number of reasons the 46-year-old McGwire would be a good and inspired choice to replace McRae.
- Freshness in the coaching ranks. The continuity that La Russa has fostered in his staff is admirable and a contributor to the team’s success. Yet, no turnover could lead to some stagnation. McGwire, while a long-time La Russa favorite, would clearly change that.
- Coaching familiarity. Though he has no formal professional coaching credentials, McGwire has worked with current Cardinals Matt Holliday and Skip Schumaker and former Redbird Chris Duncan in California in recent off-seasons. All have been very positive about the instruction given.
- The Holliday factor. In his evaluation of where to sign a new contract, impending free agent Holliday might give a slight increase in consideration to the Cardinals with McGwire in the dugout. I don’t want to oversell this however, as I sincerely doubt agent Scott Boras cares one way or another enough to increase the value of any “hometown discount” for Holliday’s continued services.
- The Pujols factor. Albert Pujols came up from the minors in spring training, 2001 and learned the ropes of being a major leaguer at the knee of McGwire, who was then starting what would be his final season. In fact, I have often wondered if Pujols hadn’t learned how to deal with the media from Big Mac, too. Then there is that not-so-little issue of Albert’s contract extension. Having McGwire around again every day surely couldn’t hurt Pujols’ feelings about the Cardinals’ commitment to win.
So, what is not to like?
It’s that 800-pound gorilla in the room – McGwire’s unwillingness to discuss the past. Those darned media types won’t let him alone. And that is the problem, a huge one.
Unless Mac deals head on with the questions that have smudged his reputation since his appearance in front of a congressional committee in March, 2005, his mere presence as a coach could turn the 2010 Cardinals into either a circus, a high-security prison camp or both.
There are two ways this could go. In their zeal to get McGwire out of hiding, the Cardinals may have decided to take the careful path – not addressing the off-field issues directly. Instead, they could decide to build an even stronger protective cocoon around McGwire than they did when he was an active player.
I think most of us can imagine what a distraction that could become and ultimately, how unsuccessful it would be.
The other way to move ahead is for McGwire to do precisely what even La Russa himself suggested this past spring – for Big Mac to provide some closure to the open questions about his past.
“I think if he came to spring training and was seen, so the writers and the fans could say, ‘There’s Mark,’ and answer whatever they want, I think that would go a long way, in my opinion,” La Russa told the New York Times in January.
It is an interesting theory that the prolonged delay on the part of La Russa to announce his return as manager for 2010 is not totally due to his own indecision, but instead to buy time to come up with a workable plan to get McGwire onto his coaching staff.
Here is hoping it is successful, but only if McGwire steps up and allows us all to move ahead.
Update: The Cardinals will be holding an 11 a.m. press conference on Monday. Subject not disclosed.
If NY could win the series, the A-Rod acceptance might signal the softening of public sentiment on the juicing issue. It is likely that he doesn’t decided until he sees how he might be treated by the media this week. Before anyone starts ragging on his students, Chris D had the best technical swing on the team. That excludes Albert’s special style with considerations of course. Tony’s deal is likely to be 2 years I would think.
If I were Albert and I wanted to take control of this situation, I renegotiate the next two years, add two, and then sell the records chase to the highest bidder down the road. 100 million ought to do it through 2014. He doesn’t need money. He is seeking leverage and that would surely give it to him.
I don’t see the Cards giving Albert $68 million for 2 years. Maybe $58 million on a good day.
Tony gets on a plane heading to ST Louis………to see a Springstein concert, and maybe talk a little baseball. He is carrying a bit more confidence than a man that doesn’t know something. My guess is that Albert’s surgery resolved a little more than just a healthy future. Albert/Tony resolved some point of contention with BD/Mo to their advantage. That video must have been a duooozzie.
They would be getting a deal. 20 20 30 30…………… Albert breaks the ego barrier set by A-Rod by getting the highest yearly salary. BD gets through this political cycle and gets better leverage on C. Village, and Albert still keeps the record setting years to negotiate. He would also be stealing they’re dry powder stores. I think they pay that way or face the unknown.. This sweet taking to Tony has nothing to do with Tony’s managerial skills. Tony is smart, and continues to play smart………..I hope you all recognize the DD play now, for what it was. A gun not fired. Much.
???????? does Tony get a raise?
This is one of the best rumors Jumbo Shrimp has heard in years. It would be fantastic, if McGwire joined the staff. Just Fantastic. I cannot overstate how nice this would be. The world as a whole has so many difficulties that it is heartening if a true hero came back to the game.
McGwire has been in retirement, a private citizen, with absolutely no responsibility whatsoever to chat with reporters about ancient history.
If this rumor were true and McGwire hires on as a batting coach, it will manageable for McGwire to hold a press conference. Who remembers what A-Rod blabbed in a tv interview? Nowadays its all about how A-Rod is Mr. October. We can hire some P.R. guy to work with McGwire’s attorney’s and write up some opaque words for the great man to utter.
Then the issue will shift , immediately, from McGwire is not talking to he said something about something, so now he has talked, so the issue is gone.
Tony goes to $5 million per – my BOLD prediction kkkkk
This is pretty great news. Nice to have some lately.
WC, are you going to throw Hal a going away party?
Agree, CC, $5M sounds about right. Not very bold, though…
Jumbo, there is no reason McGwire couldn’t have followed your blueprint at any time over the last 4 1/2 years… Why leave his career legacy in limbo?
Sounds like Westie’s #1 prediciton for the off season is about to crumble. He has already started the spin on how things changed. His spin would make the DeWitt’s proud.
Re 8: Brian, I do not need to know why McGwire chose privacy. I value his privacy and everyone else’s for that matter.
Maybe McGwire is just a nice guy, not on fire to pump up a career legacy.
Maybe he is just a private guy and was waiting for some of the nonsense to blow away, so he was not singled out and attacked, just he was a wonderful target for politicians looking to advance their own careers. If there is Salem witch-craft hysteria about steroids, focused on you, not Ryan Franklin or Gary Bennett among others, because who cares what the steroids they got, then it makes some sense to retreat and let the storm dissipate.
The need for Mac to say something is more important to media than to fans. If he’s man enough to step out onto the field on opening day willing to accept the verdict of the fans, then I’m willing to say awe shucks lets move on. Never in a million years did I think I’d ever see the #25 McGwire jersey in the Cards dugout again. (even more so after the $30m comment). This causes optimism on the Holliday front, this and Westy’s prediction.
bb, I do not know to which audience Mac coming clean would be more important. I can assure you there are many fans that are not on McGwire’s side, including plenty of Cardinals ones. Is it a majority? I have no idea, but it is a divisive issue and as such, I am quite sure it needs to be cleared up before Big Mac can effectively do this new job if offered and accepted.
What constitutes ‘cleared up’ is where the difference will lie. Short, very short, and sincere will be enough for the fans, 60 seconds at the press conference. Some media types, and other assorted windbags, will rant and demand this and demand that, but 40,000 out of however many are in the stands each night won’t care.
There have been dozens of apologies by notable players including Jason Giambi and A-Rod. For most, then the issue goes away. Mac did make his own problem worse by letting it fester so long.
It will be interesting to see if Mac is at the press conference tomorrow and if he speaks/takes questions or if they hold the apology for another time and place.
I remember MM from his Oakland days, pretty weak trail there. Didn’t he refuse to take questions at the congressional hearing? He seems so mild mannered, its interesting to contemplate a return. How about the road press just antagonizing? I see Tony making this effort, and I also see MM struggling with the idea. Wouldn’t it be easier just to come in as a consultant, and then maybe step up in 2011. Tony is making a statement about MM which is admirable. I hope its not all thats going on in Tony’s camp. On one plane of consideration, it would be a welcome diversion from the Albert crisis.
If he’s there, he will surely say something. It would be awkward to have a news conference and not allow questions of one attendee. It will probably become known whether he’s in town or arrives in the morning. Oh, happy day!
BB, i wish Hal all the happiness in the world. It was never personal…………..that he sucked as a hitting coach. And all, don’t forget to remind me of the specific prediction you’re teasing me on. Thanks.
TLR and Mark McGuire are making this shrimp very happy. This is great, fantastic news. It cheers things up immensely.
I’m not that happy Jumbo. These are the low budget decorations. I actual feel like Tony is doing this because he knows they aren’t signing much, and that in the end the team rallying around MM might be good medicine, especially for #5.
Westie, I worry about my morale more than yours. This makes me very happy, even though I liked Mr. McRae. Its the return of a wonderful player for the Cards. Hal McRae was a great Red, not a Cardinal.
Mark sure owes Jumbo no apology for just doing his best to compete, during his playing days, when there was no PED screening program and everybody was boosting their bodies.
Many fans have modest understanding of PEDs. There is a lot of misinformation and many agendas, some dishonorable. Owing to this confustion, of course people have concerns. To address these honest concerns from good people, Big Mac should say something suitable to them.
Maybe Mark wanted to return while TLR is still in the saddle. TLR is not going to work forever, so now was a good time to return and test the waters. Its a great move.
Westy, in my present state of irrational euphoria, I’m hoping you’re All wrong about Holliday. Hopefully, Mo has Lohse texting him daily about the dangers of listening to Boras, and Mac is promising him 1000 virgins.
bb, I respect not only your keen insights as regards bears, but also your strong support for Mark McGwire and the Cardinals. Awesome!
Jumbo, I could care less about the juice. The whole thing is BS. Its good to have rules, and its healthy to follow them. Now, everyone has to. Enough said.
BB, you underestimate the power of Scottie Boras. It is his sole purpose to get him to unrestricted free agency. His reputation is made there. Holiday is the big lure that has everyone calling him. He sells his other players from that platform. The Cardinals have a number of players to relay messages. I have mixed emotions about Holiday. I’m just watching with interest. Lets suit up MM.
I read where Lohse had a baby girl this week………… that will soften him up.
Westie, we do not agree on everything, but you seem deeply correct as regards the Salem witch-hunts.
I’d like to see McGuire back as a hitting coach-pinch hitter. Give him the 25th slot on the roster. That would be awesome!
Bears, in their dens, tremble at his approach.
Did you see that its a 1yr deal with a mutual option for Tony? I’m going to have to think about that.
Isn’t every year a mutual option for TLR anyway? Do I want to come back, does ownership still want me, do the players want me, etc……..
The off-season dominoes are all falling into place now for the Cards.
1. The issue of Albert’s elbow (part 7). The fertilizer is exceptional in St.Louis because everything is so rosy on this front. Video’s of Pamela Anderson in her Baywatch costumes haven’t looked as good as this new one of Pujol’s famous ligament.
2. Is the pitching coach leaving? I had him leaving. Oops! He’s staying if TLR is. If that wasn’t your first clue; Sherlock’s not your middle name.
3. Is the manager returning? Yep! Was there really any doubt? He was already annointing David Freese as his 3b and even hinting that Brendan Ryan could possibly, all things being equal, just maybe, might have earned, against his better judgement, even though he still has his doubts, but you could reasonable deduce, that if the moon and stars all properly align, that the possibility exists that Brendan could without trepidation, have a shot at more playing time at shortstop in 2010 if he wins the job in Spring Training.
4. Who will be the new hitting coach? Big Red’s stocking up on video’s of current Cardinals swings. What you’ve all failed to realize (and shame on you for not seeing this earlier), is that Larussa’s loves him a good Dog and Pony show. Put him on all fours and grow him a mane and McGwire’s as big as a Clysdale. Welcome aboard Mark! Cardinal fans won’t give a rats patutty about Andro if we lead the league in hitting. Hint! Hint!
5. And this could be the most important one so far; The signing of Jason Larue! That backup catcher issue haunts the organization to no end and that is why it’s always dealt with first.
6. A slugger to protect Pujols; TBD – Where’s Adam Dunn when you need him? Sign a free agent now MO, don’t wait to trade off your best youth again. Trading Lance Lynn, Daryl Jones, Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Descalso for a 3 or 4 month rental won’t be as well received next year.
7. Number 3 & 4 starting pitchers; TBD – There are some reasonable talents out there that Midas Duncan can weave into gold. Escobar could be had cheap for a base and insentives.
8. A bench that doesn’t belong in AA ball; TBD – Warning MO; don’t listen to Oquendo’s recommendations this year!
9. A good veteran utility man to play everywhere; preferably a lefty bat. Mark Teahan of the Royals would fit just nicely for my liking. Good insurance for Freese, Ludwick and Pujol’s (if his elbow flares up. Nah! What am I talking about; it couldn’t be better!)
10. Hire a poker player to make the trades for MO. Seriously John; stay off the riverboats!!!
11. Just in case, keep Larry Walker on speed-dial.
His staying is still tied to Albert, but the cost is fixed on the option year Brian. Thats all a mutual option does. In theory, Albert said don’t bother me till Feb. Whether he does any interviews at all this winter will tell if his anger has subsided, or was just a show. If one of Tony’s conditions involved Chris Duncan being resigned for any reason, it could only mean that Tony has BD’s mother as a hostage and threatening to return her.
Axcion, glad you are enthused about this move, like myself. Since McGwire will be able to personally supervise each of Schumaker’s at bats, I am hoping for Skip also to break Roger Maris’ record, though I don’t know if he can catch Barry’s single season total of 73.
The Cards have been having a streak of uncheerful news. Troy Glaus hurt his shoulder, Khalil hurt his mindset, DeRosa his wrist. Albert got off to a monster start, but was slowed by bone chips like a mere mortal. Holliday lost a white ball in twilight white lights. Carpenter gave up a 2 run homer on his 3rd pitch.
Unearthing McGwire is uplifting to the spirits. A great move by Tony.
Heh. If Skip could reach double digit four-baggers, I’d be mightily impressed.