Strengths: La Russa’s cerebral approach has become legendary in the industry, even if it leaves him open to criticism of over-managing. But it’s hard to argue with the resume. La Russa's won with the A’s, White Sox and now the Cardinals and is the all-time leader among active managers with 2,612 victories.
La Russa's gutsy enough to bat his pitcher in the No. 8 spot, which, he explains, gives Albert Pujols the chance to hit with a greater number of runners on base. This philosophy's been affirmed by numerous simulation programs, which estimate the Cardinals will score an extra 5-10 runs over the course of the season this way.
Weaknesses: La Russa keeps his distance from his players, obviously more comfortable with numbers than people. He's proved that warm-and-fuzzy doesn’t guarantee success, but he’s nevertheless feuded with his best player, Pujols, which is rarely a good idea.
Will his impersonal style hinder the Cardinals down the stretch? His players know the manager is almost always making the right tactical decisions, but the loyalty factor isn’t a high as Baker’s.
Worth noting: La Russa and the Cardinals have a mutual contract option for the 2011 season, which means he’s a virtual lock to return next year.
La Russa's gutsy enough to bat his pitcher in the No. 8 spot, which, he explains, gives Albert Pujols the chance to hit with a greater number of runners on base. This philosophy's been affirmed by numerous simulation programs, which estimate the Cardinals will score an extra 5-10 runs over the course of the season this way.
Weaknesses: La Russa keeps his distance from his players, obviously more comfortable with numbers than people. He's proved that warm-and-fuzzy doesn’t guarantee success, but he’s nevertheless feuded with his best player, Pujols, which is rarely a good idea.
Will his impersonal style hinder the Cardinals down the stretch? His players know the manager is almost always making the right tactical decisions, but the loyalty factor isn’t a high as Baker’s.
Worth noting: La Russa and the Cardinals have a mutual contract option for the 2011 season, which means he’s a virtual lock to return next year.
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