It's that time of the year: Part I

Dillard won't return as River Bandits manager

The Quad-Cities River Bandits will have a new manager in 2010.

Steve Dillard, the manager of the River Bandits the past two years, said he has been informed by the Cardinals that his contract is not being renewed.

"They didn't really tell me much other than they were letting me go," said Dillard, who became the Midwest League franchise's career wins leader earlier this season.

Dillard had worked for St. Louis the past four seasons, spending 2006 as a hitting coach with Quad-Cities and 2007 in the same position at high-A Palm Beach before named to the River Bandits managerial post before the 2008 season.

Cardinals director of minor league operations John Vuch confirmed Dillard's exit from the organization but declined to discuss details.