ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Cardinals say they aren't worried Mike Matheny has never filled out a lineup card for a major league game.
The World Series champs hired the former big-league catcher to a two-year contract as their new manager, with a club option for a third season.
"Many people may question this hire for his lack of experience," general manager John Mozeliak said at a news conference Monday to introduce Matheny, 41. "All arrows pointed to Mike. In the end, the decision became very clear."
Matheny replaces Tony La Russa, who abruptly retired after the Cardinals won the World Series last month.
Mozeliak said Matheny, who won three of his four Gold Gloves with the Cardinals from 2000-04, stood out from a group of candidates that began with about 35 names and a final list of six that included Terry Francona, Ryan Sandberg and longtime Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo.
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Mozeliak envisioned Matheny as manager material when he rejoined the organization two years ago. Matheny was a special assistant in player development last year and previously had been a minor league instructor.
"I would say to the Cardinal fans, I can't tell you how excited I am about this opportunity," Matheny said. "I know there's a high level of expectation. If I didn't think I could do it, I certainly wouldn't have walked into the interview process."
NL Rookie: Kimbrel
Atlanta Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel overpowered hitters with his rocket right arm, then overwhelmed rivals in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
Kimbrel unanimously won the NL honor on Monday.
Kimbrel set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 46. He earned all 32 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and outpointed Braves teammate Freddie Freeman.
Kimbrel was dominant for much of the year, chosen as an NL All-Star during his streak of 38 straight appearances without allowing a run. But that streak ended in mid-September and the 23-year-old Kimbrel struggled as the Braves frittered away a 10 1/2-game lead in the NL wild-card race.
AL Rookie: Hellickson
Tampa Bay pitcher Jeremy Hellickson was a clear choice as the top rookie in the AL.
Hellickson went 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA in helping the Rays take the AL wild-card spot. He drew 17 of 28 first-place votes and finished well ahead of Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo.
The 24-year-old Hellickson was a big reason the Rays were able to erase a nine-game deficit against Boston in the last 3 1/2 weeks to win the AL wild-card spot.
He was unbeaten in five starts against AL East teams in the final month.
Phillies sign Papelbon
Jonathan Papelbon and the Philadelphia Phillies have completed a $50 million, four-year contract .
The former Boston Red Sox closer receives the largest contract ever for a reliever. Papelbon turns 31 on Nov. 23. He had 219 saves over seven seasons with the Red Sox, including 31 this year, when he made $12 million.
Inside pitch
• The Chicago Cubs have picked Shiraz Rehman as their assistant to the general manager, reporting to Jed Hoyer. The 34-year-old Rehman joins the Cubs after six seasons with the Diamondbacks, most recently serving as the club's director of player personnel.
