Evaluating the 4 strongest St. Louis Cardinals managerial candidates

Stubby Clapp

Stubby Clapp, the Cardinals current first base coach since 2019, has the resume to be a big league skipper. Like Marmol, he has extensive experience coaching and managing in the minor leagues. Unlike Marmol, he has experience coaching and managing in organizations outside of the Cardinals, such as Houston and Toronto.

Because of his playing days in AAA Memphis and his short run with the Cardinals in 2001, Clapp would certainly be a fan favorite if he got the job. In fact, he is the first player in Memphis Redbird history to have his number retired. As manager of the Redbirds, he led them to two PCL Championships.

Among the players he has coached in the minors are Tommy Edman, Tyler O’Neil, Paul DeJong, and Harrison Bader. It’s believed, like Marmol, that Clapp is highly respected inside the Cardinal clubhouse. Again, hiring Stubby Clapp would make the transition from Shildt easier on the players.