Cards Managerial Search

[love_that_reefer]

The Cardinals' won't expand their candidate list beyond Mike Matheny, Terry Francona, Ryne Sandberg, Jose Oquendo, Joe McEwing and Chris Maloney, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com, who's hearing great things about Matheny and wouldn't be surprised if Matheny were named the next skipper in an upset.

I'd say Francona and Oquendo are the true front runners with Matheny right on their tails. I have always loved Matheny and I know he could do a good job but maybe he can be a coach first for the Cards. Oquendo does have managerial experience in the minors, Winter Ball and the WBC plus he's been a coach with the Cards since 1999. I'd say he's paid his dues. I also think that's who Pujols wants. I expect a decision sometime next week.

[Tobywan]

Congrats to Mike Matheny!

[HollywoodLeo]

I'm still not used to seeing Jonathan Coachman on ESPN.

[love_that_reefer]

WOW! I am really shocked and find this to be sort of a slap in the face to Oquendo. Oquendo has been a coach since 1999 and Matheny...well has never coached. I loved Matheny as a player and do know he has a high baseball IQ, he just didn't pay his dues anywhere. I am interested to hear Pujols' and Oquendo's thoughts.