Report: McGwire to become Dodgers' hitting coach

LOS ANGELES -- Mark McGwire has told the Cardinals he intends to accept an offer to become the next Dodgers hitting coach, according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

McGwire, a former USC star who lives in Orange County, informed St. Louis he will not continue as its hitting coach, according to a press release issued by the Cardinals on Monday.

McGwire would replace Dave Hansen, who was dismissed last month, and would become the seventh hitting coach in eight seasons under general manager Ned Colletti.

Hansen took the blame for a disappointing offense that never overcame the hamstring and shoulder injuries that hobbled the lineup's focal point, Matt Kemp.

Even with the second-half additions of All-Stars Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez and Shane Victorino, the Dodgers' offense repeatedly failed to mount a consistent attack. Los Angeles' offense finished 13th in the National League in runs scored and RBIs.

McGwire, a 12-time All-Star, was hired by former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa to coach St. Louis hitters two years ago, and the St. Louis offense has been productive during McGwire's tenure. The slugger -- who in 2010 admitted using steroids during his playing career -- retired as a player after the 2001 season with 583 career home runs, currently 10th on the all-time list.