Cards meet with hopefuls

ST. LOUIS – A person familiar with the search told the Associated Press the St. Louis Cardinals have begun the search for manager Tony La Russa’s replacement by meeting with lower-key candidates Joe McEwing and Chris Maloney.

McEwing, a super sub with St. Louis in 1999, was hired as third base coach for new Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura earlier this week after success at the minor league level. Maloney has managed the Cardinals Triple-A Memphis affiliate the last five years.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the search is not public.