Cardinals reportedly will hire Mark McGwire as hitting coach

Sporting News staff reports The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Tony La Russa will return for a 15th season as Cardinals manager. Perhaps more intriguing, the Redbirds reportedly have hired Mark McGwire to be La Russa's new hitting coach. McGwire would replace Hal McRae, who the Post-Dispatch says was fired Friday. The newspaper cites "multiple" sources saying McRae had been dismissed. It also says a club source has confirmed McGwire's hiring, which apparently would be formally announced Monday along with La Russa's return. If McGwire returns to baseball, he no doubt will be asked to comment on allegations of steroid use as a player. He has been silent on the issue, including his noncommittal testimony at a congressional hearing in 2005. McGwire also has resisted previous invitations to rejoin the Cardinals organization he left with his retirement after the 2001 season. McGwire has, however, worked with current and former Cardin...