La Russa retires

[ABC]

Maybe the best manager ever.

The only manager to win multiple pennants in both leagues.

Third in all-time wins and only 35 behind John McGraw.

Tied for 6th in World Series titles.

Joe McCarthy 7
Casey Stengel 7
Connie Mack 5
Walter Alston 4
Joe Torre 4
Sparky Anderson 3
Miller Huggins 3
John McGraw 3
Tony La Russa 3

The Cardinals made the WS three times during his tenure and finished runner-up in the National League another four times.

Your friend Bob Lutz has more: http://blogs.kansas.com/lutz/2011/10...reat-managers/

[ShockTalk]

So who is our SN Cardinal fans' top three choices for a replacement?

[BenWSU]

Maddon, Francona

[shockerofandover0943]

Re-sign Pujols, player/manager.

[ABC]

Third base coach Oquendo would seem to be an option.

Francona?

[ShockTalk]

Joe Maddon, then Joe Madden, ..................a distant 3rd, Oquendo.

Seems like Cardinal fans in St Louis are talking about Oquendo the most (both for and against), Maddon, and, yes, McGuire (that will not happen). A little talk about Matheney, but lacks experience. The fans aren't saying much about Francona or Pendelton. For whatever reason, I liked Francona at Boston, but I don't want him in St. Louis.

I think they'll make a strong push to get Maddon, however, he's under an extented contract I believe. If they can't get Joe, Oquendo would be a hometown favorite. By the way, Duncan would like to return to the Cards next season as the pitching coach if agreeable with all concerned.

[RHshoxfan]

By the way, Duncan would like to return to the Cards next season as the pitching coach if agreeable with all concerned.

He took a leave of absence toward the end of the season for his wife. She had brain surgery toward the end of the season. I kind of got the feeling Duncan was done even if La Russa stayed. It would be great if he came back though. I've also heard Pujols would like Oquendo to get the job.

[ShockTalk]

He took a leave of absence toward the end of the season for his wife. She had brain surgery toward the end of the season. I kind of got the feeling Duncan was done even if La Russa stayed. It would be great if he came back though. I've also heard Pujols would like Oquendo to get the job.

My understanding is that Duncan has talked to the Cards front office in just the last couple of days and made the statement of wanting to return.

Regarding Oquendo, Cardinal fans are split on whether Pujols really respects Oquendo. Apparently, Albert has run through several of Oquendo's stops.

[RHshoxfan]

My understanding is that Duncan has talked to the Cards front office in just the last couple of days and made the statement of wanting to return.

Regarding Oquendo, Cardinal fans are split on whether Pujols really respects Oquendo. Apparently, Albert has run through several of Oquendo's stops.

After reading your post, I went and did some research on some Cardinals Manager rumors. I saw the same thing you did, that he plans to return in 2012.

[ShoxFan963]

My understanding is that Duncan has talked to the Cards front office in just the last couple of days and made the statement of wanting to return.

Regarding Oquendo, Cardinal fans are split on whether Pujols really respects Oquendo. Apparently, Albert has run through several of Oquendo's stops.

Albert has run through the stop sign several times, but I don't think that is a sign of lack of respect towards Oquendo.

I would probably say Maddon is my favorite as well. I'm not real sure about Oquendo. I have heard that he is a team favorite and coaches the infielders. It has been said that he has been groomed to be the next manager if need be. I doubt that Albert takes into consideration as to who St. Louis hires. Whether Tony leaving is a factor or not is anybody's guess.

[ShockTalk]

Albert has run through the stop sign several times, but I don't think that is a sign of lack of respect towards Oquendo.

I would probably say Maddon is my favorite as well. I'm not real sure about Oquendo. I have heard that he is a team favorite and coaches the infielders. It has been said that he has been groomed to be the next manager if need be. I doubt that Albert takes into consideration as to who St. Louis hires. Whether Tony leaving is a factor or not is anybody's guess.

That can be a plus or a minus. Does he have the players respect, I mean real respect? If he starts "acting" like a manager instead of one of the coaches, could that change the players' attitudes? Maddon, on the other hand, comes in with actual managerial experience.......successful experience and appears to be well like by his players. He should have the players attention. Only an opinion, but I feel he would more likely keep Duncan and some of the other coaches than would Francona. I believe he also professes to be a life long Cardinal fan.

[ABC]

David Eckstein is quoted on ESPN.com as saying that Pujols would stay if Oquendo is named the maanger.

Who knows.

I think the Cardianals will get their first or second choice.

It could be the best managing job in baseball.

[ShockTalk]

I saw the Eckstein statements last night. Don't think it's quite that simple. "I'll take $5 Mill less a year if you hire Oquendo", "Put it in my contract and I'll sign".

If Albert wants to stay in St. Louis, which I think he does, I don't believe he'll have any problem with Maddon, particularly if Maddon takes on Duncan and Oquendo.