So the title is a bit misleading, because I'm not sure the Cardinals can be fixed this year. But, here's a few ideas from a lifelong fan that will make the game more interesting to me, and likely help the team in the long run:
Manager: LaRussa needs to go. He just doesn't seem to care anymore. Of course, if you've read my posts in the past, you know that I think he's never really cared about StL. There's no real need to fire him, but he needs to quit as soon as the season ends to give the next guy time to settle in. So who's the next guy? THE FREAKIN SECRET WEAPON! JOSE OQUENDO!
Coaches: When LaRussa is replaced by Oquendo, he'll obviously replace some of the coaches. I think this is the perfect time to make a grab for the 80's Cardinals glory. Make Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee the 1st and 3rd base coaches, get Van Slyke to leave Detroit and be the hitting coach, and talk Bob Forsch into being a pitching coach. He was an extremely consistent pitcher who got good results with average stuff, and would be a good tutor for the current crop of pitchers.
Infield: leave 1B, SS, and 3B alone. there's no reason to screw with a good thing. As for 2B, we should have kept Ronnie "tons of fun" Belliard, but we didn't. So, maybe find a veteran, such as Belliard or Grudzielanek, who can play every day and hit for a respectable average. They don't have to be a stud, just consistent. Kennedy and Miles are not meeting that criteria right now.
Outfield: the outfield is in shambles. You can't dump Jimmy, and I get that. Duncan is a defensive liability, but can hit. As long as Jimmy or So is in center, they can make up for his mistakes. As for right field, call up Ankiel early and deal Encarnacion for anything you can get. I know that Ankiel can't be sent back down without clearing waivers, but would it be so horrible if he got 3 whole months in the bigs without being sent down? Don't LaRussa and Duncan owe him that after almost ruining his life?
Pitching: I got nothing. your guess on this is as good as mine. I think they should scrap Kip Wells, but apparently Tony LaDuncan doesn't agree with me. Assuming no more injuries, next year's rotation of Carpenter, Mulder, Maroth, Wainright, and Looper should be decent enough to contend if the hitting is back to 2004-2006 standards.
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