The baseball offseason is a hotbed of excitement as lot's of movement is expected.It starts from who will be the manager of the World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals and doesn't stop from there.
Let's take a look at some managerial prospects and teams that are in need.
St. Louis Cardinals
Tony LaRussa was one of those managers that retired at the right time. He won three World Series Championship's in a career that spanned over 3 decades. Two of those championships were won fairly recently.
There's enthusiasm in St. Louis. Nothing was expected from Lance Berkman and he was the comeback story of the year. Berkman has urged future hall of famer Albert Pujols to stay. Pujols has been with LaRussa throughout his entire career and is a free agent. A good manager would possibly entice him to go for back to back titles.
Possibilites
Terry Francona - The Cardinals are currently interviewing Francona for the managerial job. Francona was responsible for the Boston Red Sox winning their first World Series since 1918. In all, Francona helped the Sox win two World Series titles. Francona seems like a great fit. He needs a team that's eager to produce. Even though he's a respected manager, this past season, some of the Red Sox players took advantage of the loose ship that Francona was the captain of and the Red Sox practically gave away a playoff spot. I don't see that happening with the young up and coming players in St Louis and the established stars.
Jose Oquendo - Was a player for the Mets and Cardinals in the 1980's. He's been the 3rd base coach for the last 12 years. He's pushing 50 years old. Is this the time that he finally get's his chance?
Ryne Sandberg - Managed the triple AAA Philadelphia Phillies last season. He's a hall of fame 2nd baseman but then again, a great player doesn't always equal a great manager.
St. Louis has already interviewed Mike Matheny and Chris Maloney who have ties to the organization. They also interviewed former Cardinals player Joe McEwing.
I can't see any of these 3 guys getting the job unless other possibilities fall through.
Boston Red Sox
Here's a ball club that finished the season on a rotten note. They had the AL wild card sealed up and then they handed it to the Tampa Bay Rays on a silver platter. As I've mentioned earlier, there were rumors going around about players such as Josh Beckett, John Lackey, and David Ortiz taking advantage of "nice guy" Terry Francona.
Since then, general manager Theo Epstein has taken his services to the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs can use Epstein. They're a perenial loser that hasn't seen a World Series title in a lifetime.
The public is pretty down on the Red Sox. They have superstar players like Jacoby Elsbury, Adrian Gonzalez, and Dustin Pedroia. This is still a dangerous baseball club. This is a team that need's a disciplinarian like a Lou Pinella. The talent is there and the Sox don't want players like Jonathan Papelbon defecting to Florida (there's been whispers).
Possibilites
Sandy Alomar Jr.- Never fully lived up to his potential as a player but was still a legitimate hitter and has a good personality for a job like this. He's currently bench coach for the Cleveland Indians and will be interviewed on Wednesday.
Torey Lovullo - Managed the triple A Red Sox in 2010 at Pawtucket in 2010 and was 1st base coach at Toronto this past season.
Gene Lamont- Lamont has an extensive resume. He managed the White Sox from 1992-1995, Pittsburgh Pirates from 1997-2000, and has been the 3rd base coach with the Detroit Tigers since 2006.
I don't know if Lamont has the ability to make this team a winner and respect him.
Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum (decent major league hitter) have already been interviewed.
This job is wide open. Nobody that standouts from the crowd as of yet. The Red Sox will take their time.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs already have Theo Epstein, now they need a manager. Epstein (director of baseball operations) fired Mike Quade last week.
Pete Mackanin and Dale Sveum have already been interviewed by the Cubbies.
Possibilites
Mike Maddux - Is the Texas Rangers pitching coach and was interviewed on Wednesday. Maddux is responsible for the Rangers pitching staff lowering their ERA from 5.37 in 2008 to 3.79 this season. Maddux has pitched for many major league teams and is brother of former superstar Greg Maddux.
Maddux seems like a possibility. His success with Texas is undeniable but look for Epstein to find the exact guy that he wants
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee had a very successful season with the likes of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. At this point, Fielder's future is uncertain but the coaching staff's future is certain. Everyone will return for the 2012 season.
Stay tuned as I keep you up to date on breaking news involving managerial moves and candidates and various other topics in baseball.