Update p 2: Tony LaRussa Retires

[Bama_Card_Fan]

OK, somebody fill me in on the love for Oquendo as the next manager. I know his history with the team and his long tenure under TLR. I understand the cultural connection with the Latin players. I didn't really follow how he did when he managed in the World Baseball thing. I'm not necessarily opposed to Oquendo, I just don't know why I should be so excited for him to be given the opportunity.

[ThatGuy]

Is that to say that anyone in their right mind would pick the Cubs? Not at all. But you all are smart enough to know why someone would make that choice, and it's not a crazy one by any means.

It's not crazy, but it's not a better decision.

[lukethedrifter]

I wonder who Pujols wants to play for next year manager-wise. If we knew we could just go hire him.

As I mentioned earlier, I think it's a terrible idea.

[maddash]

I think Terry and Maddon are the big candidates, but if you look back at Herzog and TLR, those guys were innovators, people who pushed the envelope. We like to think of the Cardinals as that old school style baseball team, and in certain ways they are, but really the Cards have been anything but conservative in how the teams are managed over most of the last 30 years. So I wonder if ownership will push for another innovator. I like Tito, he's a solid old school baseball guy, but I wonder if he's too hands off for the Cards. They might go after someone more willing to take big risks. Maddon could be that guy.

[Bama_Card_Fan]

Somebody earlier in this thread mentioned the coaching staff remaining the same whoever they hire. Would the new manager not get to bring in his own staff?

At the presser, Mo said the new guy would have the autonomy to bring in his own guys.

That only makes sense. Why would a manager want to come to a team that didn't even allow him to pick his own coaching staff?

Don't think that rules out some of the guys staying though. If Dunc isn't going to retire, I bet he stays. Oquendo probably feels like it's his turn so I wouldn't be surprised if he moved on if passed over. Birds led the league in hitting under McGwire, don't know why the new guy would want to push him out.
Maybe a new guy would want enough of a change in staff to make things feel new and fresh though.

I agree. I just meant that the new guy should have the option of either retaining or releasing any of the current staff.

[vinsanity]

Is that to say that anyone in their right mind would pick the Cubs? Not at all. But you all are smart enough to know why someone would make that choice, and it's not a crazy one by any means.

It's not crazy, but it's not a better decision.

What about Ryne Sandburg? Would it be a 'better decision' for him to manage the Cubs or Cards? Like Albert, Ryne would get much more leeway and freedom with the Cubs. More support from fans. Etc.

From a purely objective standpoint, the team that would offer you more potential for success in 2012 is STL. The more success you enjoy the more likely you are to hand pick your positions.

But for a lifelong Cub/Cubs fan the chance to bring a title to Wrigley has to be more appealing than helping the hated Cardinals.

[docellis]

Mark Mulder
Kind of sad that Tony retired but "wow" what a way to go out. Fans didn't always love him I guess but he sure was the best to play for.

[danh35]

I wonder if there is any way to talk Torre back into managing.

[Fat Strat]

Goold: Mozeliak has has a list of manager candidates who intrigue him in his desk drawer for at least three years. Now gets to use it.

[dmarx114]

OK, somebody fill me in on the love for Oquendo as the next manager. I know his history with the team and his long tenure under TLR. I understand the cultural connection with the Latin players. I didn't really follow how he did when he managed in the World Baseball thing. I'm not necessarily opposed to Oquendo, I just don't know why I should be so excited for him to be given the opportunity.

I think you answered your own questions. Oquendo brings stability.