Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak will not speed up the process just to get something done, but he realizes finding a manager before the start of the G.M. meetings next Monday could be a bonus. Especially with the Albert Pujols, free agent derby expected to start heating up.
Pujols will certainly be interested in who the Cardinals bring in as manager and many believe the free agent talk will heat up during the meetings. Having a manager or being very close in the process will help Pujols in his decision making. It might also allow time for the new skipper and Pujols to meet or at the very least talk.
The Cardinals have already interviewed Mike Matheny, Joe McEwing and AAA Memphis manager Chris Maloney. The club is expected to meet with Ryne Sandberg this week and Terry Francona is still on their list. Third base coach Jose Oquendo has not had his formal interview yet.