Baseball, softball coaches have chance to chat with Cardinals’ Flores – STLtoday.com

Cardinals Winter Warm-Up came and went, but the march toward baseball continues as spring training nears.

Next up: A chance to chat with Cardinals scouting director Randy Flores.

Flores is a featured speaker at the second annual Midwest Baseball and Softball Coaches Convention, a not-for-profit event that benefits St. Louis Challenger Baseball.

The former Cardinals reliever will participate in the convention’s Talkin’ Baseball and Softball Q&A on Friday night at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. It’s one of many coaching-centered sessions convention director and major league agent Mark Leinweaver has folded into the two-day clinic held Friday and Saturday in St. Charles. Joining Flores will be Los Angeles Dodgers Class AA manager and former major leaguer Ryan Garko, Toronto Blue Jays player development advisor Eric Wedge and professional softball player Ashley Burkhardt.

Flores, 41, spent eight seasons in the majors as a relief pitcher. Five came with the Cardinals, one of which included a World Series championship in 2006. He returned in August 2015 to join the baseball operations department. He oversees all aspects of the club’s scouting department, including the amateur draft.

“I have known Mark for a long time from our early beginnings in the minor leagues,” said Flores. “I look forward to to contributing to an event that is near and dear to me, the education and growth of the coaches that serve our young people.”

Garko will also host a one-hour discussion on how to control the game from behind the plate. Wedge will offer his thoughts on game management. Kirk Champion, minor league field coordinator for the Chicago White Sox, will break down curveballs, sliders and cutters. The softball schedule includes Washington University coach Michelle Venturella on creating team culture, and University of Missouri St. Louis coach Amanda Scott on practice habits.

Interested coaches and players can view the full schedule and register for the event here: www.midwestbaseballandsoftball.com