A Recap of The Cardinals Wild Offseason
If the Cardinals’ 2011 season was the batman of craziness, then the following offseason was Robin.
The offseason was so crazy you may have forgotten everything that happened. Fear not, as here is a list of all the major things that happened in this crazy offseason, in no particular order.
- Cardinals win 2011 World Series in 7 games vs. Rangers
- Two days later Tony La Russa retires
- Backup catcher Gerrald Laird signs with the Tigers
- Mike Matheny is hired as manager
- Albert Pujols signs with the Angels
- Nick Punto signs with the Red Sox
- Jeff Luhnow is named new Astros’ GM (formerly Cardinals’ Director of Pro Scouting)
- Cardinals sign six-time all-star Carlos Beltran
- Cardinals sign ex-Cub, catcher Koyie Hill to minor league deal
- Cardinals sign veteran left-handed reliever J.C. Romero
- Dan Kantrovitz is hired as Director of Pro Scouting (replacing Luhnow)
- Cardinals sign Rafael Furcal to two-year deal
- Ryan Theriot signs with the Giants
- Cardinals sign Jason Motte to one year deal
- Cardinals sign relief pitcher Scott Linebrink
The Cardinals coaching staff is notably different with only two returning coaches (Mark McGwire & Jose Oquendo). Here’s a look at where everyone went:
- First base coach Dave McKay and bench coach Joe Pettini relieved of their duties
- Former AAA Memphis manager Chris Maloney replaces McKay
- Former AAA Memphis hitting coach and assistant MLB hitting coach Mike Aldrete replaces Pettini
- Cubs hire to Dave McKay to same position
- Astros hire Joe Pettini to same position
- Former Cardinal John Mabry is hired by his old team as assistant hitting coach
- Dave Duncan takes indefinite leave of absence (When/if he will return is unknown although we know it won’t be in 2012)
- Bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist named Duncan’s successor
- Dyar Miller replaces Lilliquist as bullpen coach
Like I said, what a crazy offseason, but finally the best 8 words have been spoken: Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training.
Baseball’s back. We missed you.
Thanks for reading.
-Zack
