Sports

The Ol’ Switcher-roo: Big Changes for Cardinal Baseball

October 11, 2007

By Whitney Shaw

The St. Louis Cardinals are without a general manager (GM) this week after the dismissal of Walt Jocketty. Jocketty has managed the team since 1994, the longest GM term in the history of the club. His conflicts with the new management led to his being let go last Friday, a year before his contract was up. Many fear the effect this decision will have on the Cardinals in future seasons.

In Jocketty’s 13 years in St. Louis, the team has made two World Series appearances and several trips to the playoffs. He was also the man responsible for bringing in players such as Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, Darryl Kile and Scott Rolen, and he hired fellow manager and good friend Tony LaRussa. Many believe the success the Cardinals have seen the past 13 years has been due largely to Jocketty. However, the differences in philosophies between himself and chairman Bill Dewitt were obviously too much to overlook.

LaRussa’s future with the Cardinals is still in question. Jocketty and LaRussa’s relationship started prior to their work with the St. Louis team, and fans are waiting to see whether their loyalty to each other will outweigh LaRussa’s loyalty to the Cardinals. In the meantime, assistant general manager John Mozeliak has been named the temporary manager as the club begins its search for Jocketty’s replacement.

#   #   #