Could it be...

Atlanta Braves 1st base coach Terry Pendleton: Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

So it came down to game seven to determine the champions of the baseball world for 2011. The St. Louis Cardinals captured their 11 World Series crown in franchise history as they downed the Texas Rangers four games to three. The Rangers fell to defeat for the second straight year, as the San Francisco Giants defeated them last year. So, as the Cardinals sat on top, so did manager Tony La Russa, who decided this is the best time as any to hang up his managerial cleats, after he captured three titles as a manager, one with the Oakland Athletics (1989), and two with the St. Louis Cardinals (2006, 2011). So now the Cardinals are forced to look for another leader in the dugout for the 2012 season. So a historical franchise as the Cardinals, will more than likely look for a manager that will take them back to the promise land again.

The first person that came to my mind is former third baseman Terry Pendleton. Pendleton was drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1982 draft. He spent seven years (1984-1990) with the red birds, and from 1991 until 1995, and parts of 1996 playing third for the Atlanta Braves. After Pendleton retired, he came back and joined the Braves coaching staff under soon to be hall of famer Bobby Cox as Cox's hitting coach. Some say it's a promotion, but I say it's a demotion, but this year under new manager Freddi Gonzalez, Pendleton was the Braves first base coach. To me, preparing your players for hitting, and getting them out of slumps, and showing them better ways to swing, is more difficult than giving signals and telling the players when, and when not to run. But that's just me.

So I haven't heard any word yet. But if the Cardinals came knocking at Pendleton's door for this job opening, it would be foolish for him not to accept, or at least interview for the position. Pendleton has been quoted many times here in the Atlanta area that the right position would have to come around, because him and his family are settled here in Atlanta. Well buddy, can I call you buddy? This is a perfect position for you. I'm not saying this because I want you out of Atlanta. You have been awesome as both a player and coach here, this would be a great move for you.

The Cardinals have currently been in talks with former Boston Red Sox skipper, Terry Francona. If those talks fizzle out, don't be surprised if a phone call from the Cards to Pendleton will be in the works. Good luck Pendleton!!!