Yadi

[suzybuck]

Yadier Molina grew up under Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan, two of the savviest baseball minds of the modern era. When they left, other managers and pitching coaches came along, but pitchers and catchers always went first to Yadi for help and advice. He was a pitching coach in uniform. He is universally loved in St. Louis and respected throughout baseball. If the Cardinals let him get away to another organization, it would be their worst personnel decision in memory (and they have made many).

[imadangman]

I think Yadi would make a much better pitching coach then manager, for what you outlined. Someone else as manager with Yadi as pitching coach would be a very good setup. And you are right, nobody on this planet is more skilled to teach the Dave Duncan pitching philosophy than Molina. I guess that opens up questions like, is that what Bloom wants?... is the philosophy relevant (and important) today? Trusting the defense seems good since the shift has been banned. But a lot of hitters go for uppercut launch angle swings now, so pitching low isn't always the safe zone. Certainly, there was a lot more to DD/Molina pitching philosophy than that. Chris Carpenter's wiki page says DD taught him to throw breaking balls in fastball counts. Molina picks up on a lot in-game, can share a lot of observations about opposing hitters etc. He would be pretty valuable, if he is committed to the job.

Seems like Mo put an awful lot on the shoulders of Molina during his last few years. And then the first year Contreras got here, it became clear that Mo probably didn't even realize how heavily he was leaning on Molina to get something out of his (bleep)-[shirt] pitching staffs. It's a positive about Molina, but let's not make him the crutch again. Let's get a good team.

[TheFantasyStud]

Pujols as manager
Molina as pitching coach
Oli as bullpen / bench coach

That’s the ticket. Winners win.

[bartleby the scrivener]

Pujols as manager
Molina as pitching coach
Oli as bullpen / bench coach

I enjoy these suggestions and would add Wainwright dancing/singing on the dugout roof with a Mr. Microphone!

Disclaimer: The video above is hosted on Youtube, and has not be reviewed by the staff of the Post-Dispatch.

[bccardsfan]

I believe Yadi still has kids at home so he probably doesn't even want a full time managerial gig right now. Just guessing...

[Cardinals4Life]

Pujols as manager
Molina as pitching coach
Oli as bullpen / bench coach

That’s the ticket. Winners win.

God NO!!!!