ATLANTA — The best managers have an acute attention to detail, can identify an issue in its infancy and push the right buttons to solve the problem. And there was Mike Shildt during the Cardinals' workout Wednesday, unwaveringly making a managerial decision that would affect the entire team.
DJ requests aside, the forever problem-solving Shildt is equipped for postseason baseball, even if Thursday's Game 1 of the National League Division Series is his first playoff game as the Cardinals' skipper.
See, he's been battle-tested over the years as a minor-league manager in playoff situations. He's proven his savvy this season, in which he'll likely finish in the top three for manager of the year (if not winning the hardware).