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Good article on Cardinals bench coach - Joe Pettini

Pettini Begins Another Season By Nick Bedway / Wheeling Intelligencer

Looking forward to his seventh season as Manager Tony LaRussa’s bench coach and his 24th year overall in the Cardinals’ organization, Pettini said he will be attending day-long meetings of the coaching staff Thursday before the pitchers and catchers report for the official opening of camp early Friday morning.

Pettini said a lot of attention will be given to Colby Rasmus, a highly-regarded prospect who has yet to play higher than Class A baseball.

The native of Phenix City, AL who broke Bo Jackson’s state high school home run record while playing for national champion Russell County in 2005, Rasmus combined to bat .288 with 16 long balls in 131 games split between Quad Cities and Palm Beach. He also drove in 85 runs to lead all Cardinals farmhands which helped earn him the organization’s minor league Player of the Year tag.

‘‘He’s just 21 years old but if Colby is ready to take a huge step into the majors, it would allow Tony to move Rick Ankiel to right field and make us stronger overall,’’ Pettini said. Ankiel, the one-time pitcher turned outfielder, returned to the show last season and gave the Cardinals a big lift in the Central Division pennant race before allegations of steroid use got into his head and affected his play on the field.

Now 53 years old, Pettini still loves what he is doing but admits still holding thoughts of getting an opportunity to manage in the majors.

‘‘It is something you always want to do but managing jobs aren’t easy to come by. You can’t really campaign for one. Somebody higher up has to notice you and think you might make a good manager.