December is traditionally the first full month of the offseason where news of last year is over and done with and nearly all the focus of the Major League Baseball world shifts once and for all to next year. The St. Louis Cardinals may have a lot of familiar faces returning for 2012, but this franchise has, in the span of a few weeks, undergone change of epic proportions. It’s something Cards fans have not witnessed since Bill Clinton’s first term as President of the United States.

First, some accolades are in order. The Cardinals are the only team to play in three World Series in the last 10 years, and are one of two to win it all twice. Except for a couple of lean years in 2008-09, 2003, and 1997-99, the Cardinals have been in the playoffs. They dominated the National League like the Atlanta Braves did when they rattled off their 13 division titles in a row. The difference being, of course, that the Cards won one more Fall Classic.

It would be foolish over-credit Tony La Russa for this run, but it would be equally foolish to under-credit him too. The fact of the matter is La Russa instilled a brand of baseball here that his players were able to parlay into historic success. And now that brand is gone. Well, maybe not gone entirely. New manager Mike Matheny thrived under La Russa, after all, and most of the coaching staff La Russa employed is still around. But Cardinal Baseball is going to be very different for the first time in 16 seasons. That’s a really, really long time.

Next, consider the players. Colby Rasmus, who we all hung so much hope on for the five or six seasons he was property of the Cardinals, is gone forever. Last year at this time we were worried about whether or not Albert Pujols would re-sign with the team. I guess some things never change. But how much better does this team look with guys like Lance Berkman, Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso, Jason Motte, and David Freese all guaranteed to be on the 25-man roster in 2012? It’s not enough to make you say “Albert who?” but it sure doesn’t seem like the team would fold without Pujols anymore, does it?

This time last year, no one thought about what the rotation would look like without Adam Wainwright. Even if he isn’t 100% by Opening Day, the prospect isn’t all that scary anymore, is it? And it makes having him back seem like winning the lottery.

John Mozeliak did what it took to build the 2011 championship team, and he deserves a ton of credit. He knew what the Cards’ needs were, and he addressed them accordingly. Some may have had their doubts about him, and there’s always the chance that Rasmus develops into a star that the Cardinals mortgaged for one year of glory. But Mo’s shrewdness can no longer be doubted. The roster is in good hands. He will go into the Winter Meetings and pick up the players needed. Even if it doesn’t look like they’ll work, and maybe guys don’t pan out, he’ll make the adjustments. This front office is not populated by fools. The 2011 team is a testament to that.

We witnessed one of the greatest eras in St. Louis Cardinals history, and the page has officially turned. But even though some faces have changed and some may still change, the story ends the same way: a success. It’s Cardinal Baseball through and through. Sometimes patience is needed, but the payoff sure is sweet.

Chris Reed also writes for InsideSTL Mondays and Bird Brained whenever he feels like it. Follow him on Twitter at @birdbrained.

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 31, 2011 – Tony La Russa, the winningest manager in St. Louis Cardinals franchise history, today announced his retirement after a record 16 seasons as the team’s manager. La Russa, 67, guided the Cardinals to their 11^th World Championship this season and leaves the game ranked 3^rd all-time in managerial wins (2,728) behind only John McGraw (2,763) and Connie Mack (3,731).

“My most prominent feeling today as I reflect back on my 33 years of managing and my 16 years as a St. Louis Cardinal is my overwhelming gratitude for the good fortune that I have had and the many people who helped me along the way,” said La Russa. “I had the opportunity to work for three organizations that were all very different, but very much the same in the most important way – their drive for success.”

“On behalf of the entire Cardinals organization and our tremendous fans, I want to thank Tony for everything he has done over the past 16 years to help keep the Cardinals among the most respected and revered franchises in all of professional sports,” stated Cardinals Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. “Tony leaves behind a legacy of success that will always be considered one of the greatest eras in Cardinals history; an era that began immediately with a Division title in 1996 and was capped off with a World Championship in 2011”

La Russa, who was named the Cardinals 48^th manager on October 23, 1995, guided the Cardinals to a franchise record 1,408 wins. He led the Cardinals to eight division titles (1996, 2000-02, 2004-06 & 2009), three National League pennants (2004, 2006 & 2011) and two World Championships (2006 & 2011).

“It has been a privilege and an honor to work with one of the greatest managers in the history of the game,” said Cardinals Sr. Vice President and General Manager John Mozeliak, “Tony has been a leader, an innovator and a friend.”

La Russa is 2^nd all-time in games managed with 5,097, including stints with the Chicago White Sox (1979-86) and Oakland A’s (1986-95). He ranks 1^st on the Cardinals all-time games managed list with 2,491 and his 16 years of continuous service were tops among active managers/head coaches in the four major professional sports leagues.

La Russa’s Cardinals teams finished above .500 in 13 of his 16 seasons. They recorded 105 wins in 2004 and 100 wins in 2005, making La Russa just the second Cardinals manager to oversee two 100-win seasons. This year La Russa became only the second manager to win two World Championships with the Cardinals, joining Billy Southworth (1942 & 1944). La Russa and Sparky Anderson are the only managers to have led both a National and American League team to World Series titles.

During La Russa’s 16 years at the Cardinals helm, the team surpassed 3 million in season attendance 13 times, including a franchise record 3, 552,180 fans in 2007. His Cardinals teams finished no lower then 3^rd place in all but three seasons.

1979 –FIRST YEAR AS MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER; WHITE SOX

U.S. PRESIDENT – JIMMY CARTER

PRICE OF GAS – 86 CENTS/GALLON

TOP FILM – KRAMER VS. KRAMER

TOP SONG – ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, PINK FLOYD

ESPN BEGINS BROADCASTING

SONY WALKMAN IS TOP SELLING TECH ITEM AT $200

1996 –FIRST YEAR AS CARDINALS MANAGER

U.S. PRESIDENT – BILL CLINTON

PRICE OF GAS – $1.22 CENTS/GALLON

TOP FILM – THE ENGLISH PATIENT

TOP SONG – MACARENA; LOS DEL RIO

EBAY WEBSITE LAUNCHES

DVD’S FIRST INTRODUCED IN JAPAN

Throughout the course of this off-season a lot of attention has been placed on upgrading the St. Louis Cardinals middle infield. And for good reason; the middle infield was a liability for the entire 2010 season. The positions were no longer hitting for average and the defense was leaky. In response, General Manager John Mozeliak signed SS Ryan Theriot this off-season, hoping to boost the offensive production of that position and address some chemistry issues.

A lot has been said about that signing, both good and bad. But, there is still a glaring problem the Cardinals are going to have deal with sooner rather than later; the third base quandary.

Everyone remembers the years of “MV3”. That trio consisted of 1B Albert Pujols, 3B Scott Rolen, and CF Jim Edmonds. That combination produced four division titles, two NL pennants, and one World Series championship. Cardinals fans look back longingly on those days. What that lineup had is what the Cardinals of the last four years have been missing tremendously; a threat at third base.

Since Rolen’s trade to Toronto, the Cardinals have floundered at the hot corner. The position has become a turn style for injuries, mediocre players and long shots. It’s been a chink in the armor of some otherwise good Cardinal teams. Without a quality anchor in the infield and at the plate, the Cardinals have struggled to reach the heights of the 2000’s.

In 2010, it was suppose to be different. The player who was dealt to the Cardinals in the Jim Edmonds trade was finally going to be given a shot. His bat and glove were supposed to stabilize the ship. For the first half of the 2010 season, it appeared this was the case. From April to June David Freese hit .296/.361/.404 with four homers, 12 doubles over 240 at-bats. More importantly, he hit for .324 with RISP. Because of that, he drove in 36 runs, providing some relief for the middle of the order.

His glove became a solid addition as well. Yeah, there was that brief melt down in Milwaukee on April 11th when he committed multiple errors that lead to runs (I remember vividly because I was at that game). However, David did a tremendous job of showing poise as he regrouped himself and became almost flawless in the field the rest of his season. That is, until tragedy struck at the position again.

Freese suffered a bone bruise on his right ankle in June. He went on the DL on June 29th. While on the DL he hurt himself again by dropping a weight on his left foot. His eventual rehab with Double-A Springfield only lasted a game as he suffered another ankle injury. The season was over for him when it was determined another surgery was required on his ankle.

Entering the 2011 season, Freese is again projected to be the starting third baseman. If Freese stays healthy and builds on his success from last year, this could be a great thing. A lineup with Pujols, Holliday, Berkman, and a healthy Freese could do a lot of damage to opposing pitchers. The key is if Freese stays healthy. Depending solely on the health of Freese is not the safest of options.

If Freese once again gets injured, what will Mozeliak & Tony LaRussa do? Their options are limited yet again. The organization does not have a lot of depth at the position, obviously. A veteran utility player would help on the bench in case of another injury to Freese. But, at the moment there is no one to fill that role. And coming out of winter meetings it is clear this is not a priority.

An opening at third base could help provide more playing time for Allen Craig. In his time at Memphis, Craig has torn the cover off of the ball. But in the big leagues he has suffered from spot duty playing time, which affected his plate performance. Playing regularly at third along with Freese could help Craig find his rhythm and provide more punch to the lineup.

Another option the Cardinals have is turning to a thin minor league system. Players like Ruben Gotay and Zach Cox are third basemen in the making. Both offer promise of someday filling in as the “anchor”. But at this time are they big league ready? Of the two, Gotay has the most experience. He hit .285 with Memphis but has not posted big league numbers since 2008.

Zackary Cox offers a lot of promise but needs growth. He was drafted by the Cardinals in 2010. After signing, he hit .400 at the plate and fielded 1.000 while playing with the Gulf Coast League Cardinals. He could be the future but he shouldn’t be rushed through the system to help in 2011.

Another option would be to play Daniel Descalso at third. In 2010 he played 11 games with the big league club. He hit .265 and drove in four runs. Though, I am not sure if I would classify him as a true third baseman.

That leaves adding a third baseman via the trade route. As Cardinals fans last year found out, the organization doesn’t have a lot to deal. Therefore, the prospect of gaining an impact player is small. Nothing exemplifies this better than the trade made last year for Pedro Feliz. The Cardinals gave up a live arm in reliever David Carpenter for the “bat” of Feliz. It was a desperate move done by a desperate team. Not surprisingly it didn’t pan out. Feliz hit an anemic .208, making third base a liability rather than a strength once again.

There is still a lot of time left before the season begins. “Mo” might once again turn to picking some “low hanging fruit” to give third base some stability should Freese not be able to stay healthy the entire 2011 season. Let’s hope something is done to provide depth to the position. Without a solid presence at the third base position, the Cardinals will find it difficult to field a productive lineup again.

Pop Warner

On Monday, I explained to you Why Tony La Russa Must Go. I strongly encourage you to look back and read it before you continue with the rest of this article.

I received tons of great feedback, and I think everybody is starting to realize that Tony cannot be the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. He is simply hurting the team. Some of the decisions he has made this season are just ridiculous, and the funny thing is that I have always been a Tony La Russa supporter. Until a couple weeks ago, of course.

I urge you to click on the link above so you fully understand my feelings about this situation. The franchise can no longer afford for TLR to hurt this team. It’s been fun, but enough is enough, and it is time for the La Russa era to come to an end. The question I have gotten from several people following my piece on Monday is, “Who replaces Tony?”

The answer is not so simple considering many teams are going to be searching for a manager this offseason. If La Russa does not come back, the Cardinals will join the Cubs, Braves, Mariners, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Astros as teams that could be looking for a new skipper. Due to talent already on-hand, fan support, payroll, etc., one would think the St. Louis job is one of the top two positions available, along with Atlanta. Hopefully that means the Redbirds can sign one of the top managers available to take La Russa’s job. But who is included in that list? I wish I knew. But I’ll give you my list.

Bob Brenly, 57 years old, Cubs TV analyst
Even though he hasn’t managed in six years, Brenly has certainly had success as a MLB manager in the past. In four seasons managing the Arizona Diamondbacks, he led the team to a 303-262 (.536) record, two division titles, and a World Series Championship. Brenly is big into playing the game the “right” way and could be a great choice if management wants to go with somebody a little more seasoned and experienced.

Joey Cora, 45, White Sox bench coach
Nobody outside of Chicago is very familiar with this one, but there is no doubt that he will be a manager in 2011. Cora is in his eighth season as a White Sox coach. He has become famous in the past couple days as being Manny Ramirez’s “interpreter” (even though Man-Ram speaks fluent English). Cora managed Chicago’s Venezuelan Winter League team to a 31-31 record. He was also part of the 2005 World Series club.

Fredi Gonzalez, 47, unemployed
Gonzalez was one of several managers fired this season, but I highly doubt he’ll be without a job for long. However, if the Cardinals are hoping to get him, I hope they don’t lose too much sleep when the Braves move in on him. They think very highly of him, and will probably succeed Bobby Cox. Gonzalez has spent the past four years managing the Marlins. He compiled a 276-279 (.497) record but was the Sporting News Manager of the Year in 2008.

Jose Oquendo, 47, Cardinals 3B coach
If the Cardinals plan on hiring from within, Oquendo will definitely be one of two guys they consider (I’ll get to the second later in this post). He’s been coaching in the Majors for 12 years, but also has managing experience in the Cardinals Minor League system and as Puerto Rico’s manager in the World Baseball Classic.

Ryne Sandberg, 51, Cubs Triple-A Manager
Wouldn’t this be something? Sandberg has no MLB managing or coaching experience, but has been groomed to be the Cubs manager when Lou Pineilla retires. Now that he has retired, oddly enough, something tells me Sandberg will not make it to the Majors. Going to St. Louis would be the ultimate betrayal, but what if the Cubs pass on him? Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but maybe the Hall of Famer will consider the Cards.

Bobby Valentine, 60, ESPN baseball analyst
Even though he hasn’t managed in eight years, Valentine will probably be high on more than one MLB team’s list of potential replacements just from the success that Valentine has had. The only thing that scares me about this one is that he kind of reminds me of La Russa. Valentine has a very stubborn coaching style, and I can’t think of a better way to describe TLR. As a 15-year manager in the big leagues, Valentine has gone 1,117-1,072 (.510) while winning one National League pennant with the Mets. He even managed a very successful team in Japan for six seasons.

Ron “Pop” Warner, 41, Cardinals Double-A Manager
I saved the best for last. Believe it or not, ladies and gentlemen, this is who I want to be the next manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. He is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the most underrated Minor League coaches in baseball. Sadly, most Cardinal fans hardly know him. Luckily for those who are a little unfamiliar with him, I’ve got your back. Pop Warner has been the manager of the Springfield Cardinals since 2006, and was the Palm Beach manager in 2005 and 2006. In his first season as a professional manager, Warner led the Single-A Cardinals to the team’s first ever playoff and Championship series appearance. In 2008, Warner finished the season at Springfield with 78 wins, which is still a franchise record. He’s young, and if management wants to go with a younger, newer presence, he better be at the top of the list. Pop has been at the helm both in AA and AAA for more than five seasons now and has a combined record of 438-387 (.531), but it is the way he coaches that I have fallen in love with. He’s a no-nonsense manager who focuses on player development. Warner’s also a stickler for consistency and fundamentals. 24 of Warner’s Springfield players have gone on to play in the Majors. He may find himself there one day, and it could be very soon.

Justin Hulsey covers the Cardinals for i70baseball and his blogs, Cardinals Front Office and Rising Redbirds, that are also dedicated to Cardinals baseball and their minor league system.You may follow him on Twitter @JayHulsey by clicking here