That LaRussa was a great manager?
Did you watch Game 2?
First, he sends his outfield into a 'no doubles' defense, that allows Ian Kinsler's Texas-leaguer (no pun intended) to fall for a single. THEN, Mr. Brilliance decides to take out his flame thrower Motte to play classic "LaRussa Lefty Lefty Matchup" bring in the 2000 year old Arthur Rhodes to face the left handed Josh Hamilton. THEN, LaRussa tried to explain why he did that, and said he went with Rhodes because "Hamilton is a good fastball hitter." Um, Hamilton hasn't been able to hit a fastball since mid-September, battling injuries throughout the series. He had gone 0 for everything in his last 5 at bats.
Hamilton even went as far as saying he was so injured that:
1. admitted he would be on the disabled list, if this weren't the World Series;
2. spent time earlier in the day trying to figure out how to hit without using his legs for power;
3. make a prime candidate for being victimized by a bunch of inside fastballs.
But yes, let's go with Arthur Rhodes, which pretty much caused the Cardinals Game 2.
•
But yes, Tony LaRussa is the GREAT manager who never out thinks even himself. ;-)