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08:18 AM ET 04.04 | In the wake of Tony La Russa's departure, John Mozeliak embraced change and hired Mike Matheny. He'll have to hope that the variables break his way. Luck is always a factor. But an effective baseball manager must first establish an identity for himself, then set a clear path for his men to follow. Matheny already has been typecast as a kinder, gentler version of La Russa. He seems to have put an emphasis on player relations, which is important. A manager has to make an accurate read of his team, developing a sense of what each player needs from him. The touchy-feely Matheny stuff received a lot of media play in spring training, but don't make the mistake of underestimating Matheny's toughness.

Mike Matheny, Icon Sports

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April 4, 2012 09:06 AM ET

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He's plenty tough enough. He'll be fine, and I think this will turn out to be a very good hire by Mozeliak.

ElevenRingsSTL

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April 4, 2012 09:50 AM ET

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We get to find out starting today.

CardinalPride25

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April 4, 2012 09:51 AM ET

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Not a micro-manager?

AllStarz Ruinating…

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April 4, 2012 10:07 AM ET

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I wonder if he falls asleep drunk at the wheel too?

h2opololpunk

Gainesville, FL

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April 4, 2012 10:12 AM ET

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Do it your way Mikey, atta boy.

Yogi-Zen

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April 4, 2012 10:48 AM ET

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He sounds like a Terry Francona.

THE BISHOP!

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April 4, 2012 12:00 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:50 AM ET 04.04 by CardinalPride25

We get to find out starting today.

the cards would be fine, there can't be anything negative about the new manager, in the last 3 years or so there had being alot new managers in more than ten teams!!!

alacran

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April 4, 2012 12:48 PM ET

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Finally a good article. Matheny will have his learning experiences....but he was a LEADER when he played and he will learn the LEADERSHIP skills needed by a MLB manager. Might have been easier with Dave Duncan on his shoulder...but he will do fine.

Royals85

O'fallon, IL

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April 5, 2012 03:22 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 05:39 PM ET 04.04 by Prayin' Utleys

I don't remember him............I looked him up .239 career batting average, now I know why I don't remember him.

MLB record consecutive errorless innings by a catcher , 4x Gold Glove winning NL catcher 00,03,04,05 , ties MLB record no errors - 04. Bet you remember Chris Carpenter from last October don't ya?.................Anything to help out a mentally challenged Sillies fan!