The Cardinals officially commenced their search for a replacement to Tony La Russa on Thursday by interviewing AAA manager Chris Maloney and former Cardinal Joe McEwing. According to St. Louis Today and WEEI in Boston and They are continuing their search by meeting with former Red Sox manager Terry Francona on Friday.
Francona, who won World Series titles in 2004 and 2007 while managing the Red Sox, is considered a front-runner for the Cardinals job. Even Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein seems to think so:
"If that's the right fit for him, then I'd be happy for him, and he'd make them better," Epstein told Chicago media. "And he'd try to find a way to beat us and we'd go out, try to find a way to beat him. I certainly want what's best for him, and that's potentially a great fit for him. I'm sure he's at the top of (the Cardinals') list."
It seems Epstein truly wants the best for his long time friend. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have also scheduled interviews with third-base coach Jose Oquendo and former Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny.
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