The Cardinals Would Like You To Join The Crazy

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 10:41 AM CST

Tony LaRussa seems to rapidly be losing his ability to shut his mouth, and I'm not sure that it's the best thing for clubhouse unity.

We all remember when Mad Tony ran Scott Rolen out of town on rails. Well, with Rolen gone, he's apparently had to find new targets.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is annoyed that second baseman Adam Kennedy skipped the team's annual Winter Warmup fan fest.

"I'm disappointed he's not here," La Russa said. "This is a statement we make to our fans: 'Thanks for coming out,' and he's not here."

La Russa said Kennedy owed it to the team, especially after the manager stuck with Kennedy for so long despite his struggles on offense.

To be quite frank, I'm not sure I'd show up to a fan event after a season where I'd slugged .290 either. (That's right - that's his slugging percentage.)

But LaRussa doesn't stop there!

"In the first three months of the season, his playing time was extensive when he really wasn't productive," La Russa said. "I really gave him the benefit of the doubt a lot, to the detriment of a guy like Aaron Miles."

La Russa said even if Miles had a big day in a spot start, he'd go right back to Kennedy. The manager said that won't be the case this year.

That ignores the fact that Miles hits like Theriot and fields about like Todd Walker. (A younger Todd Walker, to be fair.)

And LaRussa apparently has some harsh words for the Imperial too:

La Russa was also unhappy with utilityman Scott Spiezio, who showed up late for his autograph signing session on Monday.

"That's one dot off his resume," La Russa said. "I don't care what the excuse was, that's not a good way to get started."

You know what's also a dot off your resume, Tony? Drunk driving. Funny how nobody decided to hold your feet to the fire on that one.

It's like having front-row seats to a full-dress performance of Mozart's famous operetta "How To Lose Your Clubhouse" with an all-star cast. Wow.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Tweet Comment 59 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Slow descent

I saw this and my first thought was that Tony and the Cardinals are starting a slow descent into something that's obviously not going to end well. Actually, the descent started when they won the World Series. LaRussa benched Rolen and also earned the right to manage the NL All Star team, which would lead to his snub of Pujols. Drunk driving, player deaths, management discord, manager picking fights with his players. Looks like the descent is starting to pick up speed.

That said, Tony LaRussa is a jackass.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Jan 23, 2008 10:49 AM CST reply actions

+1

There is no other word to describe LaRussa other than a JACKASS.

by socalbob on Jan 23, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions

i can think of a few other words I would use

but im pretty sure that they would get me put in the penalty box along with gaius and a few others from BCB's past.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 23, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

There's no call for namecalling here...

... and I won't tolerate it. Do I like TLR? No. Do I respect him as a manager? Yes. Do I think calling him a "jackass" is the right thing to do? No. And that won't happen here any more.

There are ways to discuss this issue without resorting to junior-high namecalling.

Thanks for understanding.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Sorry Al

I'll restate it by saying that LaRussa's attitude, behavior and actions more often than not offend me and that I don't think his personality is suited for his job. He has obvious managing ability but he let's his personality get in the way and/or take over and that creates situations that are less than desirable for himself and his team. He is responsible for a lot of the problems that his team has to endure, so I have a less than favorable opinion of him.

There, I hope that's a better way of putting it.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Jan 23, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

I agree with you 100%.

Frankly, I'm surprised TLR is returning, especially with Jocketty gone. With Dusty Baker in place with the Reds, if/when Jocketty is hired as GM there, TLR can't come with him.

LaRussa ought to retire. If he had retired after '06 he would have gone out as a conquering hero. Now he's getting close to being an embarrassment.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

The media here in StL have been all over him.

The media here treats everyone with kid gloves. At least relative to the treatment that Chicago, Philly and New York give their sports figures. However, there has been A LOT of vitriol directed at LaRussa. Its actually been pretty funny to hear.

by stork on Jan 23, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I think Tony's kid gloves are worn out

I've heard a couple of reports over the last few years from crowd control guys assigned to the visitors bullpen of cardinals not getting along w/ LaRussa. (I tried to find an image of Steve Klein expressing his opinion of TRL, but couldn't locate one.)

I think LaRussa rubs a lot of people the wrong way and nobody's hesitating anymore to publish his frustrations.

Let his true colors shine!

"Trapled moss on your souls; changes all you're a part; seen it all, not at all; can't defend a (Cubs fan)"- pearl jam

by section229beer on Jan 23, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions

im not a fan of posting profanity on blogs

id like to believe there are ways to get the point across with using profanity. As for what I actually think of Tony Larussa...He has gotten results everywhere he has gone. I think he tends to over manage some situations and has hurt his team because of that. I won't get into his off field stuff except to say that I was disappointed in his decision making process.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 23, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

TLR

I never like LaRussa and its odd that he was involved in one of the few moments I like Dusty. Remember them yelling at each other from across the field? That was good stuff.

I agree with AL on the namecalling if not for his rules of the site for the fact that people like Kasper and Hendry and other MAY visit this site. Lots of Cubs fans already get a bad rap so lets let some of us look decent.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Jan 23, 2008 12:01 PM CST reply actions

Thank you!

My point exactly.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

Something tells me...

...La Russa is going to wind up regretting his decision to manage again this year. Judging by those comments (which, granted, could have been taken out of context or may sound more harsh than he meant them), indicate that he's really lost the patience and discretion necessary to effectively manage a professional baseball team. Compare LaRussa's attitude to Lou's relaxed, humorous demeanor at this year's Cubs Convention. There seems to be light years between them attitude-wise these days.

Of course, as a Cubs fan, I can't help but relish the strategic advantage here. We all saw how Ned Yost's inability to command his players' respect hurt the Brewers last season. Mix LaRussa's grumpy 'tude in with the Cards rickety starting staff and a marked lack of offense beyond Pujols and we could easily see them in a dogfight with the Pirates to stay out of the NL Central cellar this season. And what a sweet sight that will be!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Jan 23, 2008 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Right....

.....would students in high school respond better to a teacher that backs them or trashes them in front of the class.

TLR is going to have players talking about what type of guy he is behind his back and is probably losing respect from everyone.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Jan 23, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

And for a different kind of crazy...

...ladies and gentlemen, Keeeeennnny Wiilllliams!

"We have some of the most balance in the division," Williams said. "We have some stiff competition, but if you look player-by-player, position-by-position, we stack up against anyone. Now, I will grant you that the Detroit Tigers will prove to be one of the best offensive teams in baseball. But we feel we have the balance to battle for 162 games.

"One thing that is being underestimated is we had an awful lot of guys perform below their levels [last year]. We don't need them to perform above their level this year but at their level. Anyone that thinks you can anoint a division winner in January, you would be mistaken. We were anointed in '06, and you saw where that got us."

...

"The one thing we wanted to make sure we did was, yes, put together a club that can compete for a championship," Williams said, "but do so with the swagger-type, grinder-type of player and also get younger and athletic at the same time. We feel we did that."

Must. Have. Grinders.

God bless you, Kenny Williams. Never change.

Let's take some of these on individually.

"We have some stiff competition, but if you look player-by-player, position-by-position, we stack up against anyone."

That's 100% true, Kenny. If you look at it position by position, you are in fact filling the same positions as everyone else. Go team! [Hint: Kenny, you can only put one player at each position, by the way. Since you don't even know for sure which players are going to be at second, third, left or center, I have no idea how you can make that comment.]

"But we feel we have the balance to battle for 162 games." Yes, and Charles d'Albret probably thought he had the balance to compete with the English at Agincourt. I would probably anticipate similar results.

"One thing that is being underestimated is we had an awful lot of guys perform below their levels [last year]. We don't need them to perform above their level this year but at their level." Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing and expecting different results? Is it at all possible that the problem here is your ability to properly assess the levels of players as they age?

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply actions

Sounds like...

.... Kenny's been reading Phil Rogers' column!

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

MMMMMMMMMMM.....

Grinders.....

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 23, 2008 12:38 PM CST up reply actions

That's an awfully handsome sandwich.

I think Kenny Williams would prefer a grinder that's not afraid to get its baguette dirty.

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

but not as good as....

I was back in Chicago this past week and got an Italian Beef sandwich with both sweet and hot peppers. Boy was that good but you can only get them in Chicago.

by rlpete on Jan 23, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

Other places, there are...

But many, they are not...

</yoda>

by MN exile on Jan 23, 2008 5:37 PM CST up reply actions

Excuse me, sir

but I see nothing resembling meat on that there sammich. In my world, a grinder is required to have meat. Not sprouts, not tofu, not soy meat-type products. Meat. Preferably high-fat meat, such as sausage. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

by davidalanu on Jan 23, 2008 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

You want a grinder?

Now that's a grinder!

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Jan 24, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

By the way...

...I fully expect Dr. Crawdad to come by here and flame me for saying pretty much the exact same stuff they're saying at South Side Sox.

Heaven forfend that Cubs fans should think Kenny Williams is a bad GM! His honor must be defended!

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

To a lessor extent

LaRussa appears headed down a path similar to Woody Hayes/Bobby Knight and making a complete fool of himself. Maybe it isn't a coincidence that Knight is one of his close friends.

Anyway, LaRussa's strength has always been his competitive drive and the chip he has kept on his shoulder. Those very things that kept him motivated to outwork his competition, appear to be the same things that are causing him to alienate himself as his frustrations build.

Personally, I have never cared for him, but have admired his ability to maximize his available talent. Now, it looks like he is slowly moving past the point of no return in his current situation, and will probably be in for a long year.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jan 23, 2008 12:24 PM CST reply actions

Hey

Leave the guy alone. He treats animals nice.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 12:52 PM CST reply actions

The cuteness is mindblowing...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 23, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

You

have such a great arsenal of pictures. To funny.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

That picture IS perfect.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

I can beat that.

Ladies and gentlemen, Tony LaRussa does community theater!

Bonus round: Which of those women is NOT a relative of Mad Tony's?

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, that's frightening!

At first I thought it was Brittney Spears begging for her career back...

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jan 23, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Since this

was posted at 1:07 I have been mesmerized with the costume. I have put on hold numerous work related calls, emails and personal visits trying to figure out what the heck the costume is. I can only come to this conclusion, a donkey (toned down).

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

That's the Grim Reaper Rabbit.

It's part of a performing arts company event that LaRussa's daughter is a member of. She's the one laying on the floor; his wife is the one standing. It has something to do with Alice in Wonderland, from what I've gathered.

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

You know

my "GUT" was telling me it was a rabbit, but I just could not resist.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

Nightmare Fuel...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 23, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions

That might be the most terrifying picture I have

ever seen

Bring back the damn cowbell!

by CubsBall2202 on Jan 23, 2008 5:40 PM CST up reply actions

I think

the kid will agree with you

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Jan 24, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

forgive me

Al, for I have sinned.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

LMAO!

That photo is hilarious.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

the title of this diary seems so appropriate now

by DC Cubbie on Jan 23, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions

Bonus Round Answer

Jim Edmonds

by tville on Jan 23, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions

Late to Autograph Sessions

Last weekend at the Cubs Convention, I won the scratch-n-win for Soriano. Since I wanted to watch Cubs Jeopardy, I got in line 20 minutes before the session started. Soriano showed up 25 minutes LATE, causing me to miss 1/2 the game I wanted to see. I am not defending TLR, and I hate him as much as you all do, but I was glad to see him call out Spiezio. You have hundreds of fans in line and to be 25 minutes late is simply RUDE.
BTW, the people for the next session (Sandburg I believe) were trying to line up before Soriano was done and it caused difficulties in line, just what the autograph seesions needed, more lines.

by john62 on Jan 23, 2008 1:42 PM CST reply actions

the autograph lines are always crazy

for the convention.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 23, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

The thing is

this kind of thing likely happens at every teams fan fest type gatherings. You don't hear every manager out ragging on his players though because of it, at least not publicly. Doesn't this seem like the kind of thing that could have been taken care of in private? Why the need to assert some kind of dominance by telling the world of his "disappointment"? Was he feeding his own ego, putting Spezio in his place, out of touch with rational behavior? Who knows why he did it but it's not an incident that's isolated only to Cardinal players, it happens everywhere, and is usually handled much differently.

Ask Scott Spezio if he appreciated and what he thinks of LaRussa right now. He might say he deserved it and that he supports his manager but you know deep down inside he resents it. That's not going to help them win any games next year.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Jan 23, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

The Grim Reaper Rabbit also flies!

I think I have to keep calling him that now.

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 2:01 PM CST reply actions

Or you could call him...

... The Grim Leaper Rabbit.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Heck

with the damn rabbit or donkey, my eyes are peeled else where.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

The Grim Reaper Rabbit

wears Nike?

by Tangled Up In Blue on Jan 23, 2008 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

And jeans.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

Picky

Picky, picky. I think we all can tell the vast majority of the budget went to the apparatus that makes the bunny or donkey or whatever it is fly.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

Mock the Grim Reaper Rabbit all you like!

But do not ask for who the whiskers twitch! They twitch for you!

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 23, 2008 3:32 PM CST up reply actions

I just

realized why the bunny is going up in the air.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

Hey! Watch where you're pointing that sword!

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 23, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

He is using

that sword the same way we use our arrow on our screen.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Jan 23, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

Kudos to imdb.com...

Sorry, Al...it had to be done...

Tim: There he is!
King Arthur: Where?
Tim: There!
King Arthur: What? Behind the rabbit?
Tim: It >is< the rabbit!
King Arthur: You silly sod!
Tim: What?
King Arthur: You got us all worked up!
Tim: Well, that's no ordinary rabbit.
King Arthur: Ohh.
Tim: That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on!
Sir Robin: You tit! I soiled my armor I was so scared!
Tim: Look, that rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!
Sir Galahad: Get stuffed!
Tim: He'll do you up a treat, mate.
Sir Galahad: Oh, yeah?
Sir Robin: You manky Scots git!
Tim: I'm warning you!
Sir Robin: What's he do? Nibble your bum?
Tim: He's got huge, sharp... er... He can leap about. Look at the bones!
King Arthur: Go on, Bors. Chop his head off!
Sir Bors: Right! Silly little bleeder. One rabbit stew comin' right up!