So the Cardinals pulled the plug on the Mike Shildt era. While completely un-Cardinal like, it was the right move. Which is why it's so surprising. The usual "philosophical differences" was given as the excuse for the firing with something occurring in the past few days according to Cardinals' de facto GM Bowtie Mozeliak. Could that something have been pitching Alex Reyes in the 9th inning of the wildcard game? Reyes, a blessing to every struggling hitter in the NL for the past 2+ months, obliged by serving up his specialty on a silver platter. The meatball of meatballs was gratuitously deposited in the Dodger Stadium bleachers, thus eliminating the Cardinals from any wild playoff dreams.
And it wasn't just that Reyes tossed the gopher ball. He was put into a situation that was unfair to him and the team. Shildt, like any fan 10 or older, could have predicted the result. Reyes has made the dinger his specialty despite pitching very well early in the season. But he never should've been out there to begin with. If Shildt wasn't just a "guy" but a real manager instead, he would've realized that. It was all hands on deck in a wildcard game from the bullpen but the one hand that should've been tied down was the right hand of Reyes.
As dumb as it was, there has to be more. Those very close to the situation have told me the Cardinals were in negotiations with Shildt for a new contract. One source told me that was disappointing because the players couldn't stand Shildt. While I've never been a fan of allowing the players to dictate team policy it's pretty obvious they didn't respect a guy who's done nothing but kiss their asses for three years. This is the guy who kept trotting Matt Carpenter out for another embarrassing performance. Like a lot of today's managers, Shildt seemed clueless when it came to handling a pitching staff. He never struck me as a leader of men and, while some think that overrated, I don't. If the guy in charge doesn't command respect the ship is doomed. So who to replace him. You hear the typical names: Mark McGwire, Skip Schumaker, even Joe Maddon. All three would be disasters for different reasons. Very few successful Major League players have had much success as a manager. Scratch McGwire. Schumaker doesn't inspire the fan base and, all of a sudden, that's become important. Cardinal fans have stayed away from this boring onfield product. Schumaker wouldn't inspire anyone to run out and buy season tickets. Joe Maddon Please. The guy was gifted a Cubs roster of great young talent and won once. Those players didn't get better under his leadership and the Cardinals' young core probably wouldn't either.
If the locker room was toxic and players went to management and requested this change, shame on the Cardinals for accommodating them. Again, show some leadership. There aren't any Billy Martin's or Whitey Herzog's out there who command respect. I've always thought it was much more difficult to hire a baseball manager than a football coach. If I captained this ship, I'd explore the availability of A. J. Hinch of the Tigers. He led the Astros to two World Series' in three years, one title and three consecutive AL Championship series. I'm guessing the Tigers have him locked in but there's always a deal to be made. Chances are it would be expensive but the Cardinals have shown the cheap act doesn't play for the past two managers, Mike Matheney and Shildt. Get a proven winner. You're the Cardinals, for God's sake. Not the Seattle Mariners. Reward the 3 million fans who, until this year, have shown extraordinary patience with a franchise that hasn't dazzled for some time. And then get some players with the rest of the money you'll have after clearing payroll this year.
Will they do it? I'm from Missouri. Show me!!