Mabry becomes Cardinals' hitting coach

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals have promoted John Mabry to hitting coach to replace Mark McGwire, who told St. Louis he won't return after three seasons and appears headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mabry, whose 14 major league seasons included three stints with St. Louis, and was assistant hitting coach last season.

St. Louis also promoted Blaise Ilsley to bullpen coach as the replacement for Dyar Miller, who was not retained after one season under manager Mike Matheny. Ilsley was pitching coach for the Class AAA Memphis affiliate the past five seasons.

The team extended offers to pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, bench coach Mike Aldrete, third base coach Jose Oquendo and first base coach Chris Maloney to return next season.

-- Associated Press