Cardinals’ Skip Schumaker chosen as Marlins new skipper

It’s another season, and another Cardinals bench coach is leaving for a managerial job.

Cardinals first-year bench coach Skip Schumaker was hired as the new manager of the Miami Marlins. Schumaker takes the reins from Don Mattingly.

Marlins insider Craig Mish was the first to report the news:

In a press statement, Bruce Sherman, the Marlins chairman and the principal owner, said Schumaker “has an incredible passion and winning spirit that will set the course for the Marlins franchise.” That passion and winning spirit have endeared Schumaker to Cardinals fans for many years.

Marlins general manager Kim Ng said that Schumaker “will be a tremendous example to our players. His leadership style, teaching skills, and attention to detail made him the clear choice as the club’s new manager.” This is a fantastic opportunity for Schumaker. What Ng lists as Schumaker’s assets will be what the Cardinals will miss most from him.

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell, former manager Mike Shildt, current manager Oliver Marmol, and Schumaker have all flipped their jobs as Cardinals bench coaches into managerial roles the following season.

Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp could be a favorite to take on the bench manager position. He’s had several roles throughout the Cardinals organization, including manager of the AAA Memphis Redbirds. Clapp is a legend in the Cardinals organization and would be a sure success.

Memphis Redbirds’ current manager Ben Johnson could also be in line for a promotion with a shot at bench coach. Third base coach Pop Warner filled in for Schumaker on a couple of occasions in 2022 and could be another option the Cardinals consider. Other options from a fan’s view could be Matt Holliday or Yadier Molina.

The Cardinals have not commented on Schumaker’s departure or what might be next. John Mozeliak, Cardinals president of baseball operations, is scheduled to meet with the media on Wednesday.

This will be his first meeting with the media since the end of the season. It will be interesting to hear from Mozeliak regarding his plans for the next season and the bench coach role. Even more intriguing will be how he comments on the Cardinals’ season. The Cardinals organization had as high expectations as the fan base. Fans will not be happy with a status quo statement after that disappointment.

Mozeliak’s statement will likely determine how long an offseason Cardinals Nation will endure.