La Russa's Moves Questioned By Hometown Guy



Let's not forget that Tony La Russa failed to figure out a way to get Mark McGwire's bat into a game against the Mets during the 2000 NLCS, and he now has the distinction of having been swept out of two World Series while managing two different clubs.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Dan Caesar reports on one prominent second-guesser of the Cardinals manager, none other than Fox Sports' Joe Buck.

Buck questioned the decision to have Larry Walker bunt in the first inning, pointing out he had not had a sacrifice bunt since 1991.

"It was an odd message for the Cardinals to send, already trailing 1-0," Buck said.

Later, after a bunt by Marlon Anderson, analyst Tim McCarver pointed out that the Cardinals already had bunted twice but didn't do that once in Game 2 against Curt Schilling, who was pitching despite an ankle injury.

Even more biting was the way he and McCarver questioned La Russa's decision to not have anyone warming up while starter Jason Marquis struggled early in the contest.

With men on second and third with one out and Boston already leading 1-0 in the third inning, McCarver said, "I'm surprised the Cardinals don't have anybody up in the bullpen."

Buck responded, "I would agree with that. Long reliever Danny Haren ... has had plenty of rest."

The inning progressed with Trot Nixon belting a two-run double, narrowly missing a grand slam. Then Marquis struggled with Boston pitcher Derek Lowe, who was batting with the bases loaded.

Buck told viewers that Marquis had fallen behind in the count to 13 of the 16 batters he had faced.

"This crowd has seen about enough," Buck said. "It's amazing nobody is up for St. Louis in their bullpen."

Posted: Thu - October 28, 2004 at 06:59 PM      

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