As manager of the Cardinals, Mike Matheny was fired because a winning ballclub and culture had become unrecognizable.

No, missing the playoffs in 2016, 2017 and ultimately 2018 doesn't cancel out Matheny's impressive run in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. He won numerous playoff rounds as the Cardinals manager and, famously, one pennant.

But the way it all spiraled downward, and with the talent on the team, makes one hesitant to champion the hiring of him in Kansas City, especially as the leader of men who haven't yet won.

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As a catcher, he was famous for handling and understanding pitchers, but as a manager, he just couldn't seem to consistently handle a bullpen.