It looks like an old Cardinals friend will be in spring training with the team again.
As reported by Joe Strauss in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jim Edmonds is set to become a spring training instructor for the Cardinals. Well, that’s what the headline says anyway.
The actual article is a little less definitive:
The move, yet to be announced or even completely defined by the club, might lead to deeper involvement with the organization, possibly in a consultant role to general manager John Mozeliak.
Mozeliak said Wednesday morning that he was not prepared to comment publicly about Edmonds’ responsibilities but confirmed he has invited him to camp.
Initially reluctant, Edmonds has told associates he feels that a year of de facto retirement is enough separation for him to return to the game in another capacity.
That’s certainly clear … or something.
What is more definitive in that article is that John Mozeliak hired Ryan Franklin as a special assistant … back in December, at the winter meetings in Dallas.
So that’s one move that’s not even completely defined yet plus one that was made two months ago, all reported in the same article.
Anyway, Frankie will “advise Mozeliak on personnel and perform regional scouting chores based out of his Oklahoma home,” according to Strauss. And, based on a couple emails I received yesterday, Cards fans are very glad he won’t actually be with the team. Apparently a World Series championship isn’t enough to erase the bad feelings some people have about Ryan. (Right, Miranda?!? But you weren’t alone … Right, Jim?!?)
In addition to Jimmy Edmonds, there are several others former Cardinals who will be in Jupiter also:
Whitey Herzog and Ozzie Smith are expected to attend camp this spring along with fellow Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Red Schoendienst.
“It’s really about extending the olive branch to some people who have played a big part in Cardinal history,” said Mozeliak, well aware of longstanding differences between Smith and La Russa. “We wanted them to feel welcome if they wanted to re-engage.”
Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.
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Haha! Well bless Frankie’s heart! Hopefully all that bad Joo Joo I fear is all gone!
But yay for Jimmy… Whatever he is doing!
Haha! Well bless Frankie’s heart! Hopefully all that bad Joo Joo I fear is all gone!
But yay for Jimmy… Whatever he is doing!