Mark McGwire Player Coach?

by on 01/09/2010 in MLB Rants

Is this a publicity stunt? It sure seems that way. Mark McGwire, the new batting coach for the Cardinals could come off the bench as a pitch hitter. I think this is the biggest joke so far in 2010. Big Mac who’s 46 has not played in the majors since 2001 when he batted .187. Has Tony La Russa lost his mind?

McGwire is bad for the game period! He hasn’t been honest with himself, Congress or his fans. McGwire has been unwilling to answer allegations about performance-enhancing drugs. Big Mac may have to answer questions now that he is back in the spotlight.

I am not a fan of any player that cheated during the steroid era. It is a shame that Mark McGwire was part of this era as he and Sammy Sosa in a way, saved baseball during the Home Run Derby of sorts.

La Russa must be dreaming or did he pass out in his car again? Stop hitting up happy hour Tony! Do you really want that kind of media attention considering that you have only named him and not introduced him publicly as your hitting coach?

Here’s what other writers had to say courtesy of Yahoo’s blog by David Brown.

  • If McGwire did play, it would stop the clock on his Hall of Fame eligibility. N.Y. Daily News
  • And, as Matthew Leach notes, McGwire’s support ain’t so good right now. MLB.com
  • Jonah Keri is all for McGwire batting again, and not simply for the novelty. Such a move might circumvent BBWAA members who abuse their voting privileges. JonahKeri.com
  • Ah, c’mon, McGwire’s not coming back, Tommy Craggs writes. La Russa’s just messing with reporters he considers anti-Big Mac. Deadspin
  • You just never know with La Russa, though. Fans in St. Louis seem to be having a mixed reaction at this possibility. Cardinal Beat at StlToday.com
  • While pondering McGwire’s comeback, check out the Cardinals roster broken down into awesome pie graph form. Mmm, pie graph. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
  • Gwen Knapp wonders: If McGwire gets forgiven, what about Barry Bonds(notes)? S.F. Chronicle

Big Mac just needs to stay at home and hope he will be forgiven and maybe have a chance to be voted into the Hall of Fame.

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4 Responses to “Mark McGwire Player Coach?”

  1. A. Zuck

    Jan 10th, 2010

    Really, I find this mystifying. I think its a total pipe dream that McGwire is really coming back even in a limited capacity as a pinch hitter and I am not sure what message it sends by making him a batting coach either.

    Certainly, I am sure from a technical perspective McGwire would be a fine batting coach, but personal integrity matters. He really needs to come clean and that might be a step at least toward redeeming a legacy which to me is an open question whether it is repairable and to what degree if any.

  2. Commish

    Jan 10th, 2010

    Zuck,

    I feel this a stunt to fill seats. I am sure fans will be shouting, play Big Mac, etc.

  3. Teasastips

    Jan 21st, 2010

    I really dislike this era of steroid usage among MLB players. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth, as well as I refuse to spend my money on their games. Just can’t trust them anymore.

  4. Commish

    Jan 21st, 2010

    Teasa,

    It’s a shame we even had an era like this, but for now at least we are passed it.