Cardinals’ La Russa signs two-year deal
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony La Russa tended to his many pets on the West Coast for a week or so, and made up his mind: He wanted to keep managing.
Now, he’s hoping the St. Louis Cardinals can make an equally quick decision on hiring a general manager.
La Russa agreed Monday to a two-year contract to stay in St. Louis, confident that the Cardinals can still be contenders. Whether he ever works out his rift with Scott Rolen, that remains to be seen.
“You’ve got to be honest, he’s probably the one guy who has issues with me,” La Russa said. “You hope he’s healthy, understand we have issues, and don’t let it get in the way.”
A year after winning the World Series, the Cardinals endured a disappointing 78-win season. General manager Walt Jocketty, who hired La Russa in 1995, was fired earlier this month.
The 63-year-old La Russa never courted offers from other teams. He would have preferred the new GM give the OK for his return, but La Russa felt it was important to finalize his status heading into free agency.
Team chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said all the GM candidates he’s talked to have said they’d have no problem working with La Russa.
“I’m real pleased it worked out,” La Russa said. “I’m thrilled to be back.”
La Russa has led St. Louis to seven playoff appearances, six NL Central championships, two pennants and the 2006 World Series win over Detroit. His Oakland team won the 1989 World Series.