St. Louis Cardinals’ Tony La Russa optimistic for World Series Game 3 – MLB Update
After making it to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2006, St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Tony La Russa remained adamant of sticking to the strategy of taking it each game at a time and shunned talks of wrapping the series in five games.
Talking to reporters on the eve of Game 3, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, La Russa asserted that if he thinks beyond the next game, it will adversely affect the team’s momentum. However, he was quick to add that fans like thrilling and exciting games, but the team only focuses on producing the best.
The Rangers came back strongly in Game 2 to split the first two games at Busch Stadium and keep the series in contention after the Cardinals, helped by Chris Carpenter, edged Texas in Game 1. La Russa commented that the first two games were pleasurable, but the competition will get intense over the next three games, which are scheduled for Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
Prior to the start of the World Series, Rangers’ manager Ron Washington stressed that his team is suited to National League-style of play and proved this proposition in Game 2. With American League-style of play now applicable, it will be interesting to see how the Cardinals adjust.
Announcing his choice for designated-hitter, La Russa declared that Lance Berkman is probably the most suitable option from the set of players he has. He added that Allen Craig, who played as pinch hitter in the first two games, will take right-field and will probably play as an everyday player for the next three games.
Commenting on Albert Pujols and his contributions to the team, La Russa stressed that the All-Star slugger has grown into a mature player and his input on and off the field has gained recognition from all circles.
La Russa said, “If you talk about him as a player, he's so smart that all the experience just keeps feeding into some of these plays that he makes or at-bats that he takes. I think just every way you look at it, personally and professionally, he's better than ever.”
With the skipper confident of countering the Rangers, it will be interesting to see how the National League pennant winners rise to the challenge.
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