Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins (Post 6860762)

La Russa has always been a guy who can get the most out of marginal players b/c he gives them ABs and puts them in advantageous positions.

But that same style ****s his better players (who aren't the elite of the elite), because they often can't get into any kind of a rhythm.

That's one of the reasons why his teams often underachieve in the playoffs historically.

And really, if it weren't for Duncan, he'd be considered far less favorably than he already is.

Duncan: La Russa
Belichick: Parcells

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58 (Post 6860908)

Couldn't agree more.

I don't know how many times in the past 15 years that the local TV sports report or the PD game recap has started with the phrase, "Tony LaRussa trotted out his (insert ridiculously high number here) different lineup for the Redbirds tonight..." but if I had a dollar each time, I'd be ****ing rich.

Like I said earlier, it just seems as if he goes out of his way to outsmart himself. In the past he's gotten away from it. This year, not so much.

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins (Post 6861013)

Getting all of the ability out of a bench player means nothing if you only get 80% out of guys like Rasmus and Ludwick. It is a ****ing reeruned strategy.

I have no problem with playing the hot hand at second and short, because we don't have guys there who are viable everyday starters. But our outfield should be absolutely set, barring rest days. None of those guys should ever sit for situational matchups....ever.

Originally Posted by Miles (Post 6861150)

With Luwick's reverse split it isn't that crazy to bench either Rasmus or him vs lefties. Before he went on the DL, Luwick IMO was the one that should have been on the bench vs lefties.