The best replacement would be Willie McGee

They know he will always have their back and that he deserves this job more than anyone else in baseball He has paid his dues and it is time. If not for the Cardinals, it will be elsewhere.I am changing my pick for the next pitching coach. I had Marty Mason pegged as the man behind the binder for the Cardinals, but not anymore.Mason deserves to be a pitching coach, but he is far too valuable in the bullpen for the Cardinals. For the starting staff, the Cardinals need a completely different voice. He isn't Dave Duncan, but when you list the best pitching coaches over the past two decades, Peterson's name isn't too far behind Duncan.It is true the Milwaukee Brewers are trying to obtain Peterson for their vacancy, but the Cardinals could pull him away. If they cannot pull him down, they need to stay outside of the organization.The other top candidates would be: Mike Matheny (have to start coaching somewhere), Todd Worrell, John Farell, Leo Mazzone, John Wetteland (if Mason is promoted to pitching coach, Wetteland would be the bullpen coach), and Dennis Eckersley.For hitting coach, the Cardinals could run into severe problems.

I had Hal McRae pegged to retain his job, but things change over eight months. The obvious choice, no matter anyone's sentiments towards him, would be Mark McGwire. Can't go wrong with the first three.Johnson would be an interesting pick. He has been with the Rockies system for several years and would represent a changing philosophy on hitting, something that needs to happen after three lackluster years under McRae.Joe Petini should remain as bench coach. He handles the job well, the players trust him, and is connected with Oquendo. A change there is not necessary.First base coach is a different story Dave McKay should not be replaced, but he will be. Not for any reason you can think of, but for one that some did not see coming: retirement.McKay is looking to retire after the season, and he more than likely will if Tony La Russa moves on, even if Oquendo takes over.The best replacement would be Willie McGee.

Fans would welcome this addition to the coaching staff with open arms, and McGee is a great influence on players, even as a coach.If McGee will not take the job, or is not offered the job, this spot will be filled from within Petini would be represent the best Plan B. Along with Petini, Derrick May (Double A Springfield's hitting coach) and Chris Maloney (Triple A Memphis' manager) would be candidates for the job.At third base, Ron Warner (Springfield's manager) is the best and only choice. This is "realistic" because of Walker's preference to travel rarely because of his children being younger, the same for Matheny. Also taken into the equation is McGee probably not wanting to be a Major League coach.Manager: Jose OquendoPitching: Rick Peterson or Marty MasonHitting: Reggie Sanders or Jimmy JohnsonBench: Joe PetiniFirst & Third: Derrick May and Ron WarnerThe next to Sanders is there because Sanders could very well take the job. He would be welcomed by the fans, and the players remember him well. Mueller probably will not want to jump ship from the Los Angeles Dodgers front office because of his knee issues.The Cardinals have a very important off-season coming up. Don't think it only consists of player free agents, as their future will not only be based on the player aspect, but the coaching staff changes as well..