The St. Louis Cardinals shocked many around the baseball world when they named Mike Matheny as their manager, but it is more of a move of confidence rather than most realize.

Matheny, a former catcher, spent 13 years in the big leagues, including playing for the Cardinals from 200-04. He won four gold gloves and was known for his ability to handle a staff. However, he has never managed or coached at any level.  Matheny spent this past season as a special assistant to Cardinals’ General Manager John Mozeliak and has also worked as a catching instructor for the organization.

Matheny was one of six candidates interviewed to replace La Russa, who retired Oct. 31 with the third-most wins as a major-league manager.

So how do you go from a guy who had managed 5,097 regular-season games and reached six World Series to someone whose managerial resume is blank?

Mozeliak, who helped build a World Series champion in just his fourth season as GM, opted for youth over experience. The 42-year old now has a 41-year old manager. It is a trend that younger GM’s prefer to go with younger managers who are less resistant to front office interference.

"I think a lot of people would have said the simpler choice would have been to go with someone with experience," said Mozeliak, aware of an initial groundswell for Francona, who guided the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. "We looked at this as someone who could have short-term success with this current club but also someone we believe in for long-term success. When we tried to balance that we really felt comfortable with Mike taking over."

Another trend is that of a former backstop filling out the lineup card. Matheny becomes the 10th active manager that played catcher at either the Major League or minor league level.  Many former catchers over the past decade plus have hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy, including Joe Torre, Bruce Bochy, Mike Sciosscia, Jim Leyland, and Jack McKeon.

It will be interesting to see how this all works out for St. Louis, particularly in their bid to resign free agent Albert Pujols.  When you are the defending World Champions you do get the benefit of the doubt.

MLB st. louis cardinals, mike matheny, john mozeliak