Willie McGee named as Special Assistant to the GM

Rafael Furcal was supposed to have met with Dr. James Andrews this morning. Nothing has been announced with regards to that meeting.
Mar 1, 2012; Jupiter, FL. USA; St. Louis Cardinals guest instructor Willie McGee throws soft toss to hitters during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Bernie touches on the Cardinals history at shortstop. I may have mentioned it the other day but even though he retired at the end of the 2011 season, letting Edgar Renteria walk was the worst idea ever. Bernie pinpoints the end of the 2007 season when the shortstop problem starts. He’s absolutely right. The Cardinals really haven’t had an anchor at that position.

Even trading for Furcal, who is on the upper side of 30, would not solve the problem in the long term. Maybe the answer is Pete Kozma. Maybe it’s Jake Lemmerman. Or Greg Garcia. Who knows. It could end up being 2012 draft pick Alex Mejia. But one thing is true here. Something has got to give.

Willie McGee has rejoined the organization as a special assistant to the General Manager. The former National League MVP has served in the past as an instructor during spring training. Under his new job, he will be working with the minor leagues.

"“We are pleased to announce Willie’s return to the Cardinals organization,” said Cardinals Senior Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Willie has a wealth of experience in the game and he is eager to pass on his observations and teachings.”"

Three players were recently re-assigned from the big league camp to the minor league camp: catchers Adam Ehrlich and Jesus Montero and infielder Starlin Rodriguez. Minor league pitchers and catchers reported on Monday while position players reported today.

In an exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox, Mitchell Boggs pitched the 8th inning for Team USA and struck out two batters.

In an article on ESPN Insider, it is being predicted that the Cardinals have the best offense in the National League for this season. This alone is pretty telling:

"The totals that include their pitchers’ at-bats — a .270/.338/.419 slash line, a .331 wOBA and 805 home runs — don’t stack up against New York’s numbers, but eliminating those at-bats from players who are not paid to hit makes a big difference. Just focusing on the results from their position players, the Cardinals’ team average jumps to .278 (No. 1 in MLB), their OBP jumps to .348 (No. 1, edging out New York’s .347), and their slugging percentage jumps to .433 (No. 7)."