NBCSports.com Reports A Rumor That La Russa May Be Leaving The Cardinals

[Tim McKernan]

http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/20607408/

[Master Splinter]

What happened?

[beercats2000]

I'm not ready to see him and Dunc leave.

[Luca Toni]

He's trying to get fired imo....

I'm ready for a change....and no I don't want Osamabama as coach....

[bill s preston esq]

I wouldn't blame him one bit. He took a team that pretty much nobody thought would contend for anything and kept them in the hunt for a long time and all this without any help from the front office when it was clear they needed bullpen help. In my opinion, they pretty much crapped on him by not doing anything.

[TyWebb]

I'm not ready to see him and Dunc leave.

Why? I honestly think managers in general get way too much credit for what happens with a team.

[CashFlow]

Don't you think some team would let him be both GM and Manager?

[Bmac]

Don't you think some team would let him be both GM and Manager?

He's not Mike Martz. Let's get real here.*

[Lief]

I wouldn't blame him one bit. He took a team that pretty much nobody thought would contend for anything and kept them in the hunt for a long time and all this without any help from the front office when it was clear they needed bullpen help. In my opinion, they pretty much crapped on him by not doing anything.

Well said. I think he may be tired of the front office and their promises every year to go out and get quality players.

[TyWebb]

Don't you think some team would let him be both GM and Manager?

No way. I don't think it's possible from a logistics standpoint.

[blazedays]

http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/20607408/

Why is a national media source reporting this and not someone from St. Louis? Is NBC pulling this out of their ass, or do you guys suck that much?

[Master Splinter]

Maybe he can coach the Rams.

[CashFlow]

No way. I don't think it's possible from a logistics standpoint.

I guess, but it happens in other sports

[DailyBalance]

I don't think it's true. He'd have to cut and comb his hair.

[TyWebb]

I guess, but it happens in other sports

True, but other sports don't play every single day.

[RolandC]

This wouldn't shock me. I think he "gets" the fact that we aren't going to spend on this team and he isn't interested in almost making the playoffs year after year. I look forward to the day when the fans clue into this too.

Oh wait...they will come this winter.

[beercats2000]

Why? I honestly think managers in general get way too much credit for what happens with a team.


I've seen too many teams with a lot more talent not do near as much as what TLR seems to do with less talent. I'm guessing Cubs fans wish he would have been there instead of Dusty for a few years. And, can you even debate what Dunc does with pitchers? How many guys pitch well here and then suck elsewhere?

Hell, even position players seem to play better here for TLR and then when the club doesn't want to pay them, they go elsewhere and don't produce quite as much. However, there aren't as many examples of this as there are for Dunc.

[Goosie]

he isn't interested in almost making the playoffs year after year.


2007 NL Cent 78-84 (.481) 3
2006 NL Cent 83-78 (.516) WS
2005 NL Cent 100-62 (.617) DIV
2004 NL Cent 105-57 (.648) NL
2003 NL Cent 85-77 (.525)
2002 NL Cent 97-65 (.599) DIV
2001 NL Cent 93-69 (.574) WC
2000 NL Cent 95-67 (.586) DIV

How is making the playoffs in 6 out of the last 8 years "almost making the playoffs year after year".

[TyWebb]

I've seen too many teams with a lot more talent not do near as much as what TLR seems to do with less talent. I'm guessing Cubs fans wish he would have been there instead of Dusty for a few years. And, can you even debate what Dunc does with pitchers? How many guys pitch well here and then suck elsewhere?

Hell, even position players seem to play better here for TLR and then when the club doesn't want to pay them, they go elsewhere and don't produce quite as much. However, there aren't as many examples of this as there are for Dunc.

Dusty is an exception. That man is borderline retarded.

[007]

The blog author cites Baseball Prospectus as the source...

John Perrotto (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8042)

NL Rumors and Rumblings: There is a growing belief that Cardinals manager Tony La Russa may step down at the end of the season to pursue a general manager's job. ... The Diamondbacks are so happy with the job that Adam Dunn is doing at first base that they are considering re-signing him as a free agent in the offseason. ... Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent is expected to retire at the end of the season, regardless of whether or not he is able to return from knee surgery to play again this year. ... The Padres plan on giving third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff some starts at first base to showcase him for a possible trade, which would allow rookie left fielder Chase Headley to move back to his natural position of third base. ... The Marlins are considering moving third baseman Jorge Cantu to first base next season, playing Dallas McPherson at third, and trading first baseman Mike Jacobs in the offseason. ... Reds left-handed reliever Kent Mercker, who has been out most of the season with back problems, plans to retire. ... The Cardinals are giving strong consideration to re-signing infielder Felipe Lopez as a free agent, as he has played well for them since being picked up subsequent to his release by the Nationals. ... The Rockies have been so impressed with left-hander Jorge De La Rosa's recent work that they plan to have him in the rotation at the start of next season. ... The Cubs are willing to trade rookie first baseman Micah Hoffpauir, who would fit on a club looking for left-handed power.

[RolandC]

2007 NL Cent 78-84 (.481) 3
2006 NL Cent 83-78 (.516) WS
2005 NL Cent 100-62 (.617) DIV
2004 NL Cent 105-57 (.648) NL
2003 NL Cent 85-77 (.525)
2002 NL Cent 97-65 (.599) DIV
2001 NL Cent 93-69 (.574) WC
2000 NL Cent 95-67 (.586) DIV

How is making the playoffs in 6 out of the last 8 years "almost making the playoffs year after year".

Going forward my friend, going forward.

[007]

And of course, Joe Strauss hinted at it last week...

LaRussa expects commitment from club (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/E52B50BA874264B0862574BB001580B0?OpenDocument)

By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/05/2008

PHOENIX — Just over three weeks remain in the first installment of his two-year contract. Tony La Russa says he likes his team and likes his job.

But with the Cardinals listing toward a second straight postseason miss, the third-winningest manager in the game's history would also like to believe the organization will again prove its commitment to fortifying itself this winter via an aggressive search for what he considers "impact" help.

"I would anticipate ownership and the front office are excited about us making a significant improvement for next season," La Russa said. "If we had a losing season, you could make the same comment. But if you're a losing club, 'significant' could mean getting to .500. We've got the components here. You're adding to something good."

The Cardinals have answered last season's 78-84 downer with a 75-65 record that contradicted the low expectations that greeted them at spring training.


What widely was considered a "transitional" year left the Cardinals tied for the wild-card lead as late as Aug. 1 and at 14 games over .500 as recently as Aug. 28.

La Russa and his team have risen and fallen since last October's front-office overhaul and subsequent emphasis on organizational self-sufficiency grounded in player development.

That said, a baseball lifer who describes himself as "not a long-range thinker" hopes the club will make every effort this offseason to pull abreast of the well-monied Chicago Cubs and the recently emboldened Milwaukee Brewers.

"The idea is if you have a chance to finish first, then finish first or at least contend for first," La Russa said. "When this season started, you didn't know how this team was going to play. Well, we've played pretty damn good. We're closer to first place than we are the second division (of NL teams). I would think the idea this winter is to make some significant additions so we can be there."

The Cardinals were four games out of first place in a second-place tie with the Brewers when the nonwaiver trade deadline passed before their July 31 game against the Braves.

Choosing to retain their prospects rather than answer earlier moves by the Chicago Cubs and Brewers, the Cardinals since have gone 14-16 to fall to the fringe of contention.

Asked if he chagrined at the lack of movement, La Russa said, "I would never answer that question. That's a private opinion I would share with the organization. There are no points to be made by saying I agree or disagree."

Others within the clubhouse are privately less politically correct, construing a lack of movement as a vote of no-confidence in a team that arguably overachieved for four months.

La Russa does make clear that he does not see all the answers to his team's numerous holes arriving from within the system.

"You have your prospects. And it's good to publicize how good they are. But you want to be realistic with what you have. We've seen a lot of players; we've seen some pitchers. But you have to ask yourself, is there an impact guy within your system, like an Albert (Pujols)? If (Adam) Wainwright was from our system, is there a guy like him?" La Russa said. "We're going to need some impact. Is that there, or is there someone who fits the next category — legitimate help?"

After a run of six postseason appearances in eight years and a run of 10 seasons of 3 million attendance since 1998, La Russa is aware that some accuse the organization of complacency. "I hear it all the time," he said.

This winter, he believes, offers an opportunity for rebuttal.

"The concern I hear the most is: Is the organization satisfied? We've had a nice run in the playoffs. We have a nice crowd. We have a nice ballpark. We're contending. … I'd be disappointed if that's the case. I don't believe that's true. But we have something to prove in that direction. We have some fair needs. We have to make our best effort to fill those needs, I would think."

In his 13th season with the Cardinals, La Russa is well aware that sizable contracts belonging to closer Jason Isringhausen, starting pitchers Braden Looper, Kyle Lohse and Mark Mulder, disabled right fielder Juan Encarnacion, shortstop Cesar Izturis and reliever Russ Springer expire after this season.

"I get some credit for being competitive. If I lose some competitive desire, then I don't deserve that compliment. It's up to me and to the nine on the field to prove that we're competitive every game. You can't rely on what you've done in the past. I never have," La Russa said. "I think the issues are out there and it's up to the organization to prove if they want to have a fighting chance to finish first. The only way you do that is by your actions, not by the benefit of what you've done. It's always what you do next. If you lose sight of that you're making a big mistake."

La Russa, who turns 64 on Oct. 4 and pondered his future after last October's firing of general manager Walt Jocketty, suggests no such ambivalence now.

"If I'm managing next year, I'm managing here," he said.

However, La Russa does not discount growing speculation that he could eventually go elsewhere as general manager. A crush of GM jobs is expected to become available shortly after this season, including in Seattle, Toronto and potentially Washington and San Francisco.

La Russa said any question about a future front office move was "not absurd; but right now it's just not pertinent."

La Russa believes he shares an effective relationship with general manager John Mozeliak, whom he suggested had much to prove upon succeeding Jocketty.

"He's a smart guy. There are 30 teams and he's got one of 30 jobs. He's working his ass off to prove he deserves to keep it," La Russa said.

Among the team's pending free agents is pitching coach and La Russa confidante Dave Duncan. Though ownership has insisted it will do what is required to retain Duncan, an undercurrent of uncertainty persists after the club refused to rework Duncan's deal last winter.

"I've always said where he coaches is where I want to manage. But that's not true this year because I've got a contract," La Russa said. "If he wants to coach someplace else and he gets a better deal, I wish him well and I would never drop a guilt trip on him. That would not be like a friend."

[Littie]

Going forward my friend, going forward.

You can see into the future?

[Goosie]

Going forward my friend, going forward.

Gotcha.

[RolandC]

You can see into the future?

Nope, but TLR has to try if he is planning his future. This doesn't interest me enough to argue with anyone about.

[noles#1]

good bring back Mike Jorgensen

[flash92]

2007 NL Cent 78-84 (.481) 3
2006 NL Cent 83-78 (.516) WS
2005 NL Cent 100-62 (.617) DIV
2004 NL Cent 105-57 (.648) NL
2003 NL Cent 85-77 (.525)
2002 NL Cent 97-65 (.599) DIV
2001 NL Cent 93-69 (.574) WC
2000 NL Cent 95-67 (.586) DIV

How is making the playoffs in 6 out of the last 8 years "almost making the playoffs year after year".

Revisionist History.

I think it will depend on what the front office doesn't do this off-season.

[Brad_Lee]

I could see him say he doesn't want the grind of managing and would like the challenge of being a GM. I just don't think he has the temperment for it. He'd be ready to fire his manager after the first loss.

And I could have sworn one of the Prospectus guys was a special assistant to the Cardinals for a season, but I can't find mention of it.

[DailyBalance]

I could see him say he doesn't want the grind of managing and would like the challenge of being a GM. I just don't think he has the temperment for it. He'd be ready to fire his manager after the first loss.



I also don't think he has the temperament to work with other GM's on deals. Too hot headed and stubborn. There are very few field managers that make good GM's.

[bgdog86]

I think TLR likes to play mind games with the front office, but I honestly think he is fed up. I will agree he does some crazy shit, but he is very successful. I think he is one of the best, if not the best manager in all of baseball. The day he leaves the Cardinals, is the day the Cardinals begin to suck unless they pull some other stud. What Larussa has done this year has been amazing. The last two seasons may be his best 2 managing jobs of his career.

[LCTW]

I think TLR likes to play mind games with the front office, but I honestly think he is fed up. I will agree he does some crazy shit, but he is very successful. I think he is one of the best, if not the best manager in all of baseball. The day he leaves the Cardinals, is the day the Cardinals begin to suck unless they pull some other stud. What Larussa has done this year has been amazing. The last two seasons may be his best 2 managing jobs of his career.

The ownership hasn't done shit since acquiring Edmonds. They have spent years bringing on projects in hopes that LaRussa and Duncan can squeeze something out of them and I think LaRussa has gotten fed up with it.

[Steve Kline's Bird]

The ownership hasn't done shit since acquiring Edmonds. They have spent years bringing on projects in hopes that LaRussa and Duncan can squeeze something out of them and I think LaRussa has gotten fed up with it.

Hasn't done shit? I don't think these were all projects.
Steve Kline
Jason Isringhausen
Reggie Sanders
Woody Williams
Scott Rolen
Jeff Suppan
Chris Carpenter
Larry Walker
Adam Wainwright
Bradon Looper
Troy Glaus

[LCTW]

Hasn't done shit? I don't think these were all projects.
Steve Kline
Jason Isringhausen
Reggie Sanders
Woody Williams
Scott Rolen
Jeff Suppan
Chris Carpenter
Larry Walker
Adam Wainwright
Bradon Looper
Troy Glaus

I'll give you Rolen and Wainwright. You can shove the rest up DeWitt's ass. There is no way in hell that anyone could have predicted the success of Williams or Carp. Glaus was a crapshoot because of the foot injury. When was the last time they got an impact player that was an impact player at the time they acquired him? That is what I'm asking.

[007]

I think TLR likes to play mind games with the front office, but I honestly think he is fed up. I will agree he does some crazy shit, but he is very successful. I think he is one of the best, if not the best manager in all of baseball. The day he leaves the Cardinals, is the day the Cardinals begin to suck unless they pull some other stud. What Larussa has done this year has been amazing. The last two seasons may be his best 2 managing jobs of his career.
He does this 'show me some love' stuff almost after every season...

He'll be back next season and honor his contract...

After that? He's gone...14 years is enough

[Steve Kline's Bird]

I'll give you Rolen and Wainwright. You can shove the rest up DeWitt's ass. There is no way in hell that anyone could have predicted the success of Williams or Carp. Glaus was a crapshoot because of the foot injury. When was the last time they got an impact player that was an impact player at the time they acquired him? That is what I'm asking.

Sanders and Walker meet the impact threshold in 2004. Izzy was a solid pickup since 2002, minus the butt-ass in late 06 & 08. Kline and Suppan did as advertised, consistent performance and they ate up inning after inning.

There have also been guys they picked up because TLR and Dunc wanted them, they claimed they could get something out of them others hadn't. Eckstein comes to mind, as does Kip Wells & Jaun E. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I'd also add Tino Martinez to the list as a solid move at the time, turned out not to work out so well.

They also picked up Daryl Kile a few months before Edmonds.

[LCTW]

Sanders and Walker meet the impact threshold in 2004. Izzy was a solid pickup since 2002, minus the butt-ass in late 06 & 08. Kline and Suppan did as advertised, consistent performance and they ate up inning after inning.

There have also been guys they picked up because TLR and Dunc wanted them, they claimed they could get something out of them others hadn't. Eckstein comes to mind, as does Kip Wells & Jaun E. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I'd also add Tino Martinez to the list as a solid move at the time, turned out not to work out so well.

They also picked up Daryl Kile a few months before Edmonds.

You gotta think a little deeper on this Steve. The guys you mentioned did make an impact, but when was the last time the Cardinals went out and got a big name free agent? A guy that cost the team more than 5 million a year? Take away the guys they traded for and signed.

[RyanB]

Im actually kind of ready for Tony to move on...

[LCTW]

I'll agree with 007....Tony acts like an insecure broad sometimes with his "I'll stick around if I'm still wanted" attitude each year. Tony knows ownership loves him and fans for the most part do too.

[Steve Kline's Bird]

You gotta think a little deeper on this Steve. The guys you mentioned did make an impact, but when was the last time the Cardinals went out and got a big name free agent? A guy that cost the team more than 5 million a year? Take away the guys they traded for and signed.

I didn't know we were only talking free agent signings. How did they acquire Jim Edmonds?

I guess the last guy they paid just because he was a big name was Tino. How'd that work out for ya?

[RyanB]

I'll agree with 007....Tony acts like an insecure broad sometimes with his "I'll stick around if I'm still wanted" attitude each year. Tony knows ownership loves him and fans for the most part do too.

Agreed. However, the franchise is already preparing to move on, with a whole new generation of talent. What good is it to bring LaRussa back for 2009... especially knowing that Frees, Rasmus, and Wallace are what this franchise is going to build around?

[007]

Agreed. However, the franchise is already preparing to move on, with a whole new generation of talent. What good is it to bring LaRussa back for 2009... especially knowing that Frees, Rasmus, and Wallace are what this franchise is going to build around?Which one of those three is not like the other...

[Payforfun]

I wouldn't blame him one bit. He took a team that pretty much nobody thought would contend for anything and kept them in the hunt for a long time and all this without any help from the front office when it was clear they needed bullpen help. In my opinion, they pretty much crapped on him by not doing anything.

Yup, I think he got 'Dal Maxvilled"