The moment Tony LaRussa’s comments were made public after his Cardinals were handed the broom in the Division Series, the Mets front office should have gotten on the phone. St. Louis was the first team to clinch a division title this year, and the first team to exit the playoffs shortly after. Following the Dodger sweep, LaRussa was immediately asked about his tenure as Cardinals Manager, being in the last year of his contract. LaRussa hinted that maybe after 14 seasons with St. Louis it was time to say goodbye. “Maybe they need to hear a new voice. There comes a time when you have to wonder if what you’re saying isn’t helpful.”Â
A new voice? Maybe his players better take another look at his resume: 5 Pennants, 2 World Series, 4 time Manager of the year, 3rd all time in Wins behind Connie Mack and John McGraw. And this wasn’t just with 1 team, he did it in both leagues.Â
Now we don’t know how serious LaRussa is about leaving the Loo, but isn’t it worth a call to find out? I am not completely giving up on Jerry Manuel and this is not meant to knock him as a Manager, but when a guy with as impressive a resume as LaRussa becomes available you get on the phone and find out what it will take. LaRussa is the type of coach who can really maximize the potential of a Daniel Murphy or an Angel Pagan. And how about bringing a sense of class (2007 DUI aside) back to Queens? How about someone who can handle the media for once?Â
The Cardinals will have a lot of decision making to do this off season between signing Matt Holliday and Pujols to long term extensions, maybe they will let Tony walk after the 3 and out playoff embarassment. I find it hard to believe, but it’s worth a call. He’s too good a fit here. Pick up the phone boys.
7 comments
Kingman 26
10/15/2009-8:57am at 8:57 am (UTC -4)
Could not agree more, and cannot argue with this track record. If he IS available, and we don’t get him, then this front office really is clueless.
LaRussa could come to NY and try to win a WS with a third team, and in NY no less—what more could he want than the opportunity to end his career on that note?
trs86
10/15/2009-9:30am at 9:30 am (UTC -4)
I am torn on LaRussa. Anything is an upgrade on Manuel but I am not sure LaRussa fits. Especially at the 5+M a year it would take to get him. However, just like the discussion with trading Beltran or Reyes yesterday they should also be on the phone seeing what it would take as already said.
prismo
10/15/2009-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Both LaRussa and Duncon will return to St.Louis next season.
trs86
10/15/2009-9:31am at 9:31 am (UTC -4)
Don’t be so sure about anything with LaRussa. He’s quite unpredictable.
prismo
10/15/2009-9:55am at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
You’ll see.
I’m not 100% sure, more like 90%.
dirtysanchez
10/15/2009-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
If tony is available, you gotta make a pitch for him. The guy knows his stuff and like he was saying which i believe goes with the mets
“Maybe they need to hear a new voice. There comes a time when you have to wonder if what you’re saying isn’t helpful.â€
After missing the world series by one game, one collapse, losing on the last year at shea and having 19 men hit the DL to finish 4th……yea i think we need a new voice.
Mr North Jersey
10/15/2009-9:46pm at 9:46 pm (UTC -4)
It is a no-brainer the Mets have to ask if someone of LaRussa’s caliber is available.
He is a considerable upgrade at his position and if you can add the pitching coach then that is as big a move as signing a Lackey or a Bay.