MILWAUKEE • The Cardinals advanced further into the post-La Russa era Wednesday by announcing manager Mike Matheny's coaching staff, a six-man team that includes two internal promotions and the transfer of longtime bench coach Joe Pettini and first-base coach Dave McKay.

The club announced that Mike Aldrete would serve as Matheny's bench coach after a four-year term as assistant hitting coach and that Memphis Redbirds manager Chris Maloney will take over the first-base coaching box.

Matheny retains the rest of Tony La Russa's staff: pitching coach Dave Duncan, third-base coach Jose Oquendo, hitting coach Mark McGwire and bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist. Oquendo was one of six candidates to succeed La Russa as manager but made clear he wished to remain as coach if not selected for the job.

"It was important for the manager to be comfortable with the people around him, but it was definitely not a staff you wanted to implode because of the success we've had," Mozeliak said."

Staffing apparently was determined shortly after Matheny accepted the job.

Though the coaching staff bears a heavy organizational imprint, Mozeliak insisted Matheny "was definitely part of it."

Mozeliak acknowledged Maloney's promotion would have happened even if La Russa returned as manager. Aldrete had meanwhile accepted a full-time post as Oakland A's hitting coach but reconsidered when approached about the bench coach's role. Matheny contacted Aldrete about the position last Sunday.

"From my standpoint, it's what I've wanted to do for a long time," Aldrete said. "This is really a good opportunity with a really good organization to do something that really appeals to me."

Aldrete, a northern California resident with two children attending nearby colleges, probably would have followed through with his earlier commitment to the A's had Mozeliak not offered him a job with greater responsibility.

"The idea of going home was a huge plus. It carried a lot of weight," Aldrete said. "I didn't demand or even request the (bench) job. Just given the option, I probably would have taken the hitting job in Oakland."

The bench job has received heightened scrutiny given Matheny's absence of professional managerial experience. Mozeliak and Matheny have voiced confidence in the new manager's ability to run a game; however, all parties recognize there is a transition involved with orchestrating spring training as well as overseeing a major-league clubhouse during a six-month season.

"There is a lot more responsibility to this job than the one I've had the last four years," Aldrete said. "I'm not afraid of the responsibility. I would also say one of the most important parts to being a bench coach is serving as liaison between the manager and the clubhouse. I think I'm very qualified to be that guy."

Added Aldrete, who also played for La Russa: "One of the most valuable things I learned from Tony is not to run from pressure, but to embrace it."

Unlike his new post, Aldrete's position as assistant hitting coach did not include benefits and did not count toward his pension.

Aldrete, who had previously served as first-base coach with the Seattle Mariners and hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks, enjoys strong support among the clubhouse. Following a 10-year playing career as an outfielder-first baseman that spanned six teams and both leagues, Aldrete managed for two seasons at Class A.

Maloney has served within the organization for 17 years, including the last five as Memphis manager. The Redbirds won the Pacific Coast League championship in 2009 and returned to the finals in 2010. Maloney, 50, is the only two-time recipient of the organization's George Kissel Award, given annually to a coach or manager for excellence in player development.

"He's had responsibility for our Double-A team and our Triple-A team and is someone we've felt deserved a major-league opportunity for the first time. I think it speaks well for the organization," Mozeliak said.

Pettini and McKay will remain with the organization in hybrid roles. Mozeliak said he expects both to actively participate in spring training and then assist player development and scouting during the season. McKay accompanied La Russa to St. Louis from the A's in 1995.

Pettini, 56, served as acting manager last May when La Russa took a leave of absence to receive treatment from shingles. A minor-league manager for eight years within the Cardinals system, he had served as La Russa's bench coach for 10 years and was also responsible for constructing the spring training schedule as well as assisting in infield instruction.