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“font-family: Verdana;”>Now that the Tony La Russa era is over, it didn’t take long for the Cardinals to find their man. Former Cardinal Mike Matheny was tabbed to be the new manager, with a raised eyebrow by some. That contingent obviously does not know Mike Matheny. If there was ever a person who was right for this job at this time, it is Matheny.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Now before you start to question what about Oquendo or Francona who were finalists, let’s talk about the guy who got the job.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Mike Matheny is a pro in everything he does on and off the field. He is an exceptional athlete who made himself into a Major League player who played for 13 years, a multiple Gold Glove winner respected by teammates and his peers around the league. Matheny reeks of leadership.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The reason why this situation works is simple. His recent removal from the game still gives him cachet with this team’s veterans whom he played with or against. They know what he will be about and what will be expected. Fortunately, the Cardinals have a collection of professionals who get what it takes to be successful. To challenge authority here will not be an issue by the pros on this team.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As for the young players, Matheny is familiar with them from his minor league instructional involvement. He will still be able to build and enhance relationships and – more important – get the best out of them.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Now for the “but” factor.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>There are some who raise the legitimate question of no formal coaching or managerial experience on the professional level anywhere. The answer is simple. The Cardinals needed to make sure that they hired a guy who does not insist he has to be the smartest guy in the room every day, along with surrounding himself with competent people who share many values and philosophies. No problem.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The pitching situation is in good hands for at least one more season as Dave Duncan will continue to run that department. As for the rest of the staff, there are a number of people who have proven their worth. With that said, expect some changes as new blood will also be needed, as it is the manager’s right to have some of his crew around him as well. The Cardinals have people in the organization as we speak but still it is also a good idea to look outside. If Matheny has a slow leak, there will be someone there to put air in the tires to keep Cardinal Nation happy.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As for the finalists, all are capable but all may have had issues. I understand the Francona issue, as he may have been burnt out along with with him having to adapt to Cardinal Nation and vice versa. Francona also may have wanted too much, too much control and/or money. As for Oquendo, it may have been just guilt by association. Being under the same manager for so long lends the feeling that nothing was going to change. Even La Russa thought the messages were perhaps getting old. To put Oquendo in that position would have been difficult, as he would have been put in the middle of being Tony II or Jose Oquendo.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Oquendo can be part of any staff I would have, as he is an outstanding baseball man and deserving of a manager’s position. This particular one would have been a lot to chew on. Do I think he was capable? No doubt. Was it unfair? The question should be: Is it a business? Then you have your answer.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As for Matheny the person, you cannot know a better person. Unlike Tony La Russa, who was criticized for not being more of the fabric of the community (which I found unfounded), Matheny and his family have been part of St. Louis for over 20 years. He is involved in a variety of community ventures and is truly as they like to say “one of us.” He has heard the concerns and whispers about what the Cardinals need and will deal with it accordingly.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>I like the hire of Mike Matheny. It makes more sense than you think. I like the fact that the Cardinals went in a different direction for a change. No recycled has-beens, a fresh start. I will caution everyone that as with any coach or manager it will take take time. No, not a three-game series against the Cubs or seeing what they do against Dusty and the Reds, but the whole season. Dealing with injuries, slumps, under-performance, egos, hurt feelings, execution breakdowns, and things out of his control will start to sum up Mike Matheny’s body of work. It will take at least a season to know if this hire is the right one.
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“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>We have nothing but time here, so you will need to give this situation just that … time.
