Washington Nationals: 10 candidates to replace Dusty Baker
By Ron Juckett
TONY LA RUSSA
Another old-school manager, Tony La Russa’s name popped up after he left his front office job with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Again, if the Nats wanted to use an old manager, they would have kept Baker.
La Russa last managed in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. His resume and revolutionary way of managing the bullpen are legendary. With the Cards, he guided St. Louis to two World Series and three NL Championships over 16 seasons. Over his 33-year career, he managed 128 playoff games. Experience is his friend.
Yet his time with the D’Backs was a disaster despite their NLDS appearance this year. La Russa is six seasons removed from the dugout and is 73. Again, any serious attempt to lure him back will cost millions. Sure, 14 postseason trips are intriguing. So is downing a can of whipped cream in one sitting.
As with Leyland, the talent is there to convince La Russa to push for another championship. But, he is already in the Hall of Fame. The man has nothing left to prove and carries a healthy amount of self-confidence.
Another one-and-done year for a manager is not what the Nats need. La Russa, even with another championship, is not sticking around a second year. If not outright retiring, a front office advisory role is his best bet.