It’s Not Exactly a Welcome Matt

The Bank One Ballpark fans have been tough on Arizona Diamondback third baseman Matt Williams, booing him practically every time he makes an out.

“To hear that from the home fans is very discouraging,” Manager Bob Brenly said. “It stings me personally because Matty is such a big part of our team and we know what he has gone through and how he has persevered.

“I’m sure he’s anxious to go to St. Louis, where the boos will come from the enemy, not the home fans.”

Williams, despite being slowed by hamstring and hip injuries this season, managed to hit .275 with 16 homers in 106 games.

He’s 0 for 7 against the Cardinals with three strikeouts.

Asked about the rough treatment, Cardinal Manager Tony La Russa was less sympathetic.

“Yes, it’s surprising because we all know what a pro he is,” he said. “But this is the big leagues and people get booed. If you’re upset and want to boo, it’s better than staying away [from the ballpark].”

*

La Russa benched Mark McGwire on Wednesday in favor of Miguel Cairo.

McGwire, who had off-season surgery on his right knee, hit .164 in September and went hitless in three at-bats Tuesday.

“It’s hard for me to watch because I know what he’s going through on an everyday basis,” center fielder Jim Edmonds said. “It’s hard to rehab during the season and [pitchers] start to figure out what your weaknesses are. He’s such a big attraction, I think he’s almost embarrassed and wants to become himself again.”

Cairo went 0 for 3 but earned La Russa’s praise before the game. The Cardinals picked him up on waivers in August and he hit .333 for St. Louis in 27 games.

“We could tell from watching him with the Cubs that he knew the game,” La Russa said. “Since we’ve gotten him, we’ve been even more impressed. He has a nice stroke, can hit all over the park and knows when to be aggressive or take a pitch.”

Said Cairo: “When I got here, I was going to play the same way as I did in Chicago, whether it’s to pinch-hit, pinch-run or play some defense.”