Mike Shildt’s non-comment about Cardinals exit speaks volumes

Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt wouldn’t comment on his exit yet again, but did say he’d love to be a skipper again at the MLB level.

Shildt was let go due to ‘philosophical differences’ with the organization…whatever that means.

The Cards decided to separate then, rather than further down the road. Oli Marmol has done a fine job in his first year in St. Louis, while Shildt is the bench coach with the Padres. However, he has the urge to be a big-league manager once again.

“I’ve won my whole life,” Shildt said. “I’m more convinced now that I’m ready to manage again. And win.”

Shildt won in St. Louis. He can win again. But he doesn’t want to discuss his Cards exit, and would rather not burn a bridge. It’s likely for the best.

“I don’t want to rehash a whole lot publicly,” Shildt said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “A combination of things happened. Another time. I don’t think this is it.”

Cardinals: Where will Mike Shildt manage next?

As an available veteran manager, Shildt will surely receive another opportunity. He won NL Manager of the Year in 2019, and made the NL Playoffs in 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately, the disconnect between himself and the St. Louis front office proved too much to overcome.

Shildt was reportedly less open to analytics — a frequent issue between veteran skippers and the front office these days. Unless you’re Joe Maddon, odds are a veteran manager would rather rely more on the eye test than what any analytical mind would tell him. Schildt is no exception to that rule.

In terms of his Cards exit, Shildt has moved on and then some.

“The past is the past,” Shildt said. “It’s time to move on.”

Yet, by even commenting on matters at all, you can tell it still stings. Shildt did not expect to be fired, and can you blame him? He lead his team to the postseason three straight seasons.

A change of scenery did Shildt some good. In terms of his next move, we’ll have an eye out, just like everyone else.