by John Devine Just a Thought , Monterey County Herald

But there should be.

The former Monterey High star and Giants outfielder has spent the last two years working with a handful of hitters for the Cardinals, as well as breaking down players' swings on videos.

Aldrete's methods with the hitters he worked with were successful. Which is why Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa is still high on Aldrete, even though he brought in Mark McGwire to replace hitting coach Hal McRae.

Aldrete would be a good fit for a Giants lineup that has little punch. He is a teacher, who fine tunes swings, works countless hours with his pupils, and is respected among his peers.

As a player, Aldrete lasted well beyond others expectations in the majors leagues by learning to hit the ball to all fields, rather than trying to hit for power.

Aldrete did it the natural way as a player. He wasn't a power hitter. And let's be honest, the Giants don't have any power.

But there are players with potential to hit for higher averages contact hitters still learning the game Aldrete's speciality.

Plus Aldrete, 48, has roots with the Giants , having played a significant role on the 1987 National League Western Division title team. And he has a World Series ring from his final season as a reserve outfielder with the Yankees in 1996.

Aldrete was a student of hitting, which has enhanced him as a coach. He spent the last two summers working under LaRussa. Is there a better manager to learn a craft from?

He could bring something to the table that the Giants lacked last year and that's confidence at the plate.

Aldrete just didn't work with hitters in the cage. He broke down swings during the game, tirelessly watching video of each swing in between innings, finding flaws. His position in St. Louis was created for him by LaRussa.

Before Aldrete left the game for a year to spend more time with his family in Salinas, he was on a path to becoming a major league manager.

He was thought of that highly.

Aldrete has made it no secret of his desire to return to the West Coast.

The Giants , who fired hitting coach Carney Lansford two weeks ago, need a hitting coach with Aldrete's attitude and fortitude. Their lineup likely isn't going to change much for 2010.

It's a punchless group in a spacious park. Why not land a hitting coach that can teach these kids to hit to all fields and utilized AT&T Park's dimensions?

It wouldn't take much to bring Aldrete in for an interview. He lives down the coast about 100 miles south of San Francisco in the off-season.

LaRussa found him two years ago.

John Devine can be reached at jdevine@montereyherald.com and 646-4405.

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