Cardinals coaches Lilliquist, Ilsley won't be back in 2018
ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Derek Lilliquist and bullpen coach Blaise Ilsley will not return to the team's coaching staff next season.
John Mozeliak, the team's president of baseball operations, says both coaches will not have their contracts renewed following a second straight year of missing the playoffs -- the first time St. Louis has missed the postseason in back-to-back seasons since 2007-08.
Lilliquist had worked as the pitching coach since August 2012, helping the Cardinals to four straight playoff berths and a National League-best team ERA of 2.94 in 2015. That rose to 4.08 in 2016 and was 4.01 this season as St. Louis' pitching staff battled numerous injuries, including a season-ending elbow injury to top prospect Alex Reyes during spring training.
Ilsley just finished his fifth season with St. Louis after 12 seasons coaching in the team's minor league system.
-
2024 MLB City Connect uniforms: Tigers share their Motor City-inspired look
Everything to know about FOX Saturday Baseball: Mariners-Astros, Mets-Rays
2024 World Series odds: Dodgers remain atop oddsboard after sweeping Braves
-
Ranking the 10 best catchers in MLB 2024
MLB Rookie Power Rankings: Who takes top spot one month in?
Ranking the 10 best closers in MLB 2024
-
Ranking the 10 best third basemen in MLB 2024
Three reasons why Brewers' William Contreras is the best catcher in baseball
Ranking the 10 best first basemen in MLB 2024
-
2024 MLB City Connect uniforms: Tigers share their Motor City-inspired look
Everything to know about FOX Saturday Baseball: Mariners-Astros, Mets-Rays
2024 World Series odds: Dodgers remain atop oddsboard after sweeping Braves
-
Ranking the 10 best catchers in MLB 2024
MLB Rookie Power Rankings: Who takes top spot one month in?
Ranking the 10 best closers in MLB 2024
-
Ranking the 10 best third basemen in MLB 2024
Three reasons why Brewers' William Contreras is the best catcher in baseball
Ranking the 10 best first basemen in MLB 2024