Despite Tony La Russa‘s insistence that he would never manage again after retiring from the St. Louis Cardinals following the 2011 season, rumors persist about his potential return to the dugout.
The last-place Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could be the California resident’s next destination – if the high-priced roster continues to lose games, says Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The matter-of-fact rumor appears near the end of a laundry-list Sunday column, as part of a reminder that the Angels are coming to town to take on the local Twins nine.
It is unclear whether the La Russa item is based on actual conversation or is simply a hunch by the long-time Minnesota columnist. Either way, the idea is more intriguing than a vast majority of the recent TLR speculation.
Manager Mike Scioscia has been on the hot-seat for some time and his 2013 club is making matters worse. His 2002 World Series title is a distant memory, having been celebrated over a decade in the past. That was before Arte Moreno bought the team and began a free agent spending spree intended to bring another title to L.A.
Even reaching the playoffs has been a problem in recent years with the 2009 club being the last Angels entry to play on into October. Albert Pujols’ second-edition Halos are off to a rough 4-8 start that has them tied with the woeful Houston Astros in the cellar of the re-tooled American League West.
As a footnote, the 68-year-old La Russa donning the Angels uniform would certainly make interleague play a lot more interesting this summer. Imagine the additional fireworks that would be in store when the Cardinals play in Anaheim from July 2-4!
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