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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

WC, are you going to throw Hal a going away party?

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.

???????? does Tony get a raise?