"Now that Tony LaRussa surprisingly has decided to retire as St. Louis manager, don't be surprised if the Cardinals place a phone call to Braves coach Terry Pendleton.

Pendleton for a time was considered a candidate to replace the eventually retiring Bobby Cox — before Fredi Gonzalez became available. He spent the first seven seasons of his major league career in St. Louis. He is liked and respected by players. He's a leader. He certainly showed that on the field as a player with the Cardinals and the Braves. His acquisition was key in the Braves going to the World Series in 1991, his first season in Atlanta.

Pendleton told our Carroll Rogers that he has not yet been contacted by anybody in the organization."