No Media Circus According to TLR

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  To some Mark McGwire will always be associated with the steroid era in baseball.  Now that he's coming back to the game as Cardinals hitting coach, there are bound to be media questions for Big Mac about his potential use of performance enhancing drugs.  Tony La Russa and the Cardinal front office acknowledged that during Monday's new conference announcing the manager returning, along with pitching coach Dave Duncan and the addition of McGwire.

  I asked La Russa after the news conference during a live interview on FS Midwest about the potential for a media circus to take place when the team goes to a new city.  In particular, the usually difficult media mecca of New York City.  La Russa told me that there are always distractions, but when they go on the road Mark McGwire is the hitting coach.  They will not be allowed to cause a media circus.

  That statement said it all.  The job is perfect for McGwire.  He has very little need to interact with the media.  When reporters are allowed in the clubhouse or on the field, the hitting coach is hard at work.  A built in alibi. 

  That is why McGwire will, and needs, to talk with the local media sooner rather than later.  He will answer their questions and move on.  The national media may come around from time to time.  The local media on road trips may ask for a few minutes.  But McGwire will have said all he has to say, and will burry himself in his new job.

  It's the perfect fit.