It’s being reported by Jon Morosi of FOXSports that the defending World Champion St Louis Cardinals have named former Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny as manager. The hiring may come as a surprise to some, who considered long-time Cardinals coach Jose Oquendo as the odds-on favorite to be named the successor to Tony La Russa, who retired this month after leading the Cardinals to their victory in the World Series over the Rangers.
Matheny retired from baseball in 2007 due to post-concussion syndrome, and was an adviser for the Cardinals. He is apparently very well liked by the Cardinals players. It was initially thought that if Oquendo was named the Cardinals manager, star first baseman Albert Pujols would “definitely” remain in St Louis. It’s unknown whether or not the hiring of Matheny would change his plans.
Matheny was known as a defensive catcher during his playing career, winning four Gold Glove awards while only compiling a .637 OPS during his career. He played with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants.
