LaRussa - Rasmus Standoff

[Dale Berras Stash]

This article is full of interesting tidbits that I was not aware of.  Seems like LaRussa and Rasmus have a mutual dislike of each other.  The writer mentions that:

1. Rasmus is viewed as lazy and tries to hit homers all the time
2. Rasmus relies on his dad to be his personal coach
3. According to blogger-afficianado Buzz Bissinger, LaRussa appears to have lost his interest in the game.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_9009366a-b449-11df-907a-00127992bc8b.html

Pretty interesting insight.

[The Great Goemon]

I would love it if we could somehow get Rasmus at a discount. Tony's treatment of this guy is just bizarre.

[ECBucs]

I hate LaRussa but would take him over JR.

[wvbucco]

NO WAY!!  

I'd bring Legendary LLoyd back before I'd let LaRussa in our dugout!!!

[WTM]

Just got around to reading the article.  What the #### is that all about?  They've got a CF slugging almost .500 with a lot of walks and, yeah, a lot of Ks.  But LaRussa prefers a guy who, once he comes back to earth, is going to slug about .400.  And Jay is two years older.

Sure, Tony, we'll relieve you of this burden.

[CAfan]

Rasmus would look good in RF.  I wonder if a few lower level pitchers could get that done.

An OF L-R of Tabata, McCutchen and Rasmus would be great.

I wonder if a package could be worked out.

[Dale Berras Stash]

The Cards would be hard-pressed to trade Rasmus within the division.

The word on the street is that LaRussa is out after this season.

[blackmax]

I assume that LaRussa wants to manage long enough to pass McGraw on the all time win list.  By the end of the season, he will probaly need only about 95 more victories to do so.  If he manages a good club, he could get that in one year.  How long would it take him to win that many with the Pirates?

[bucs_lose_again]

NO WAY!!  

I'd bring Legendary LLoyd back before I'd let LaRussa in our dugout!!!

+ 100000000000000000000000

[GoBucs21]

I'm starting my list of people I never want to see manage the Pirates (in no order):
Tony Larussa
Dusty Baker
Buck Showalter
Jim Tracy
Bobby Valentine
Larry Bowa

There are more, probably too many to think about.  Add your own for fun.

[Steve Zielinski]

Tony Larussa
Dusty Baker
Buck Showalter
Jim Tracy
Bobby Valentine
Larry Bowa

Add:

Bob Walk
Steve Blass
Joe Torre
Art Howe
Ken Macha
Lloyd McClendon
Andy Van Slyke
Willie Randolph
Joe Giradi
Tony Pena
Don Zimmer
Lou Piniella

[IABucFan]

Just out of curiousity, why Walk?  Too much of a small ball advocate?

[Steve Zielinski]

Just out of curiousity, why Walk?  Too much of a small ball advocate?

He's a small ball advocate and his ranting in the booth suggests that he'd be a poor teacher and leader for the young players. He might not rely upon his ranting capability if he were made the manager of the team. But I wouldn't trust him enough to find out.

[Possum]

I think the next manager has to come from outside the Buccos organization.  Someone who has some experience as a ML coach as well as success as a MiLB manager and who comes from a team with a winning tradition.  Sort of a Jim Leyland type guy.  Have no idea who to suggest but at least this is a place to start.

[GoBucs21]

Just out of curiousity, why Walk?  Too much of a small ball advocate?

That's enough of a reason for me.

I like most of Steve's list, here's why:
Bob Walk - way too much small ball.
Steve Blass - Don't consider him a real candidate
Joe Torre - overrated, hasn't had an untalented team to manage in years
Art Howe - tried, too old for a young team
Ken Macha - see Art Howe
Lloyd McClendon - in my initial list, I should also added, "or people who have managed here before"
Andy Van Slyke - ego maniac who hasn't had the PR that Showalter and Valentine have had.
Willie Randolph - doesn't seem to understand the game, he had some funky lineups in NYC
Joe Giradi - a monkey could successfully manage the Yankees, while Loria is a goof, not getting along with the owner isn't reason to hire him
Tony Pena - professional emotional outbursts aren't a qualifying managerial skill.
Don Zimmer - see Steve Blass
Lou Piniella - see Steve Blass