St. Louis Cardinals: Time to remove the interim tag from Mike Shildt
By David Hill
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the hottest teams in the game currently. Interim manager Mike Shildt is a major reason why.
The St. Louis Cardinals looked to be dead in the water heading into the All Star Break. The bullpen was a disaster, as Luke Gregerson and Greg Holland were ineffective. The clubhouse was a mess, with there being reports of a problem between closer Bud Norris and rookie Jordan Hicks. Manager Mike Matheny and outfielder Dexter Fowler did not see eye to eye, and reportedly refused to speak to one another. It was not a surprise that Matheny was fired, with baseball lifer Mike Shildt handed the interim manager role.
Shildt was expected to be a placeholder, someone who would keep the seat warm until, at worst, the end of the season. Then, at that point in time, the Cardinals could then begin their managerial search in earnest. Names like Joe Girardi were mentioned as probable targets, and it was likely that St. Louis would make a splash when it came to the managerial hunt as they set their sites on 2019.
Then, something unexpected happened. The Cardinals started winning. Slowly, they climbed their way into the postseason picture, even briefly surpassing the Milwaukee Brewers for the second Wild Card slot. St. Louis was 21-11 under Shildt heading into Monday night, returning once again to playoff contention.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Along the way, Shildt brought the Cardinal Way back. The Cardinals hang around after games, discussing baseball, just like players in the old days used to. Shildt projects a calm demeanor, a striking difference from the aggressive and intense Matheny.
The results have been noticeable. The Cardinals are far more relaxed on the field, as Shildt has empowered his players to focus on doing what they do best. Instead of being a taskmaster, he has just guided them to the best of his ability. At this point, it is difficult to question the results, even if his approach, particularly as it comes to the usage of Yadier Molina, is unconventional.
Nonetheless, his success speaks for itself. Sometimes, just having a different approach than the previous manager can be enough to catch lightning in a bottle. It worked for the Red Sox in 2013, when John Farrell won a World Series mainly because he was not Bobby Valentine. Maybe Shildt can have the same sort of impact in St. Louis.
Even if the Cardinals fall back over the remainder of 2018, there is no question that they have responded to his approach. A remade bullpen has helped, as has a more confident lineup, but Shildt has been the calming influence behind the turnaround. That performance should be more than enough for the Cardinals to remove the interim tag, and hand Shildt the reigns.
Next. Rosenthal planning showcase. dark
The St. Louis Cardinals are back in postseason contention, and Mike Shildt has been a major reason why. It is time to reward him for that effort, and take the interim tag away.