Tony La Russa with be back with St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa will be back with the team for another season. The Cardinals announced a deal on Monday, which will see La Russa stay with the team next season and gives the two sides a mutual option for the 2012 campaign. The 2011
season will mark La Russa’s 16th with the club.
It was unclear whether La Russa would be returning as St. Louis’ manager, after the team struggle this season, ending the year with an 86-76 record.
The Cards’ general manager John Mozeliak spoke about the decision to retain La Russa for at least another season, saying.
“For the last 10 days or so, Tony and I have had daily dialogue. And I’m happy to report that we’re welcoming him back.”
Moreover, the club decided to retain the team’s entire coaching staff except for bullpen coach Marty Mason, who will be replaced from within.
La Russa has had an incredible career with the Cardinals, owning a franchise record with 1,318 wins and sitting third all time among managers with 2,638 wins. In addition, La Russa has managed the second most games in Major League Baseball history at 4,935.
In his time with St. Louis the club has won two National League pennants, eight division titles, and a World Series.
Nevertheless, it was rumoured that there was a possibility that La Russa would not return for the 2011 season after the Cards stumbled down the stretch, losing out on a division title to the Cincinnati Reds and missing the wild card berth by five games.
Despite their slow down at the end of the 2010 regular season the Cards still have one of the most competitive line-ups in the League and will likely be considered the team to beat in the NL Central once again in 2011.
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