Mark McGwire's performance as the hitting coach of the Cardinals this season could have an affect on manager Tony La Russa's future in St. Louis. La Russa will operate under a one-year deal in 2010 and Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes: "I think much will be predicated on how this season develops. TLR's preference for a one-year deal says much. He is currently the game's highest-paid manager. That carries some smack. However, if this McGwire thing becomes a distraction, I can see it complicating any decision. TLR put himself out there with this move. I think he recognizes that."