Why LaRussa?

[Xanadu Dragon]

I know this is now old news - but, why did the Cards give LaRussa three more years?

I don't get it?

[BuzzBuzzard]

I am not trying to challenge you on every statement you make (although it sure appears that way), but when you make a statement like that without support, it begs the question Why didn't he deserve it?

[SmedIndy]

From a Cards standpoint, he deserves it.

However, many of us feel he could have done better had he not wasted ABs on guys like Bonilla, Dunston, Paquette, etc.

And he has a tendency to blow out pitchers arms.

But St. Louis loves him, their stadium is full and he wins his share of games. I can see why they'd keep him.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
I am not trying to challenge you on every statement you make (although it sure appears that way), but when you make a statement like that without support, it begs the question Why didn't he deserve it?

Sorry - thought it was obvious.

He's managed 23 years - - and won one World Series.

Since taking over the Cards, he's gone 507-464.

The fans hate him - - Last season, the Cardinals were playing about .500 at the All-Star break, and a plane that flew over Busch Stadium trailed a banner that once read "Save Our Cardinals, Fire La Russa."

You extend this guy for three more years?

[BuzzBuzzard]

THere are fans that hate Torre at times, too.

90+ wins and the post season last two years. Things could be worse.

[Xanadu Dragon]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
THere are fans that hate Torre at times, too.

Jerome and whom else?

[BuzzBuzzard]

My point is that fans are not always the best barometer.

[Duque]

Why? Because he's a genius of course!

I agree with George Will on many things, but nothing having to do with baseball.

LaRussa, over his career, is, what? A .520 manager? He wins when he has great players (Canseco in his youth, Eckersley, Stewart, McGwire twice), and is generally mediocre otherwise, despite the fact he tries to imprint himself on every single game.

[gyb13]

What I don't understand is why give him three years. You like him, you can't get something better right now, fine, give him a one-year deal. But how many better managers will be available between now and 2005?

[Xanadu Dragon]

Buck Showalter's name should start popping up in St. Louie by July.

Originally posted by Xanadu Dragon
Buck Showalter's name should start popping up in St. Louie by July.

Slightly , but I'm still not too crazy about his 1995 game 5 ALDS vs SEA. I'd seen a replay of it on ESPN Classic and he seemed to have left Coney in there way too long. Jr hit a longball off him, which I think tied up the score, then he waited until the 8th or 9th to bring in Mariano.

As it turns out, the 2 SEA runs scored in the 8th tied up the game, which I feel could've been won had the score not been tied. Anyway, McDowell couldn't stop the flood in the 11th (Edgar Martinez line drive against the LF wall, scoring Griffey from 1B), which might've been unnecessary had Cone been taken out earlier. If McDowell does get a contending team's managerial spot, I'm hoping he knows when to call in the troops from the pen a little sooner.

[Duque]

Originally posted by Yogi#8Fan
If McDowell does get a contending team's managerial spot, I'm hoping he knows when to call in the troops from the pen a little sooner.

Black Jack managing? I think he's too busy with his band

I'm surprised Showalter is still unemployed. At the least, he'd make a great director of player developement.

[sweaver]

Buck is a bit of a control freak.

Duque, Buck probably does deserve another stint. However, he'll have to escape from being mentioned as the last two managers of teams which made it to the WS. Like being the ex-boyfriend of the last two brides.

Given that Buck's not overly picky on his choice of teams, he can start over again. It's not like you need to relearn how to ride a bike or anything so given that he's determined, good player people person, a fresh start may do him and his new team right.

[BuzzBuzzard]

I've opened this thread.....to be honest I have no idea how it got closed, but it could be because it was way way .

This is about La Russa and his warranting a three year deal. It's not about Buck and his decisions in any particular game and it is not about McDowell. It is fine to discuss all of those things, but start a thread of its own.