LaRussa Does It Again

Yes, of course the Bear knows its still early season, May to be exact but it appears there is a team that most experts predicted would have a woeful season but to their surprise, sits atop the National League Central Divison. THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

The Cardinals have put together some mighty fine pitching under the leadership of a real stalwart, Dave Duncan, and with a group of young, hungry Redbirds, the ingredients for victory and they don't figure to fold soon.

You have to be impressed with the training they have received from one of the all time greats in managerial prowess, the great LaRussa. St. Louisans are still not warmed to Tony because he lives on the West Coast, is a scholarly barrister, loves animals (maybe even more than the Bear),
and doesn't chew tobacco!

Tony is a strategist who sometimes even drives the Bear crazy with his righty-lefty moves, taking out players, who have had big days and bringing on what might appear to be questionable replacements, even in big games but guess what? He continues place his checkers in the right spots and his teams win!

He is often compared with the great Whitey Herzog longtime St. Louis Cardinal boss, who has always had the ear of baseball lovers and is of the "old school" of managers who no doubt is up there with the best.

But for the Bear, the Cardinals have a great mind and motivator in Mr. LaRussa. How about the jugglingl of his outfield with Barton, Schumacher, Duncan, Ankiel and my favorite Ludwig! What a job he's done here and then there is the work on Izturis, the RedBird shortstop, all but written off by owners and managers all over baseball. He is a valuable bird in the field and his partner on the right side, Troy Glaus makes Rolen lovers forget he was ever a part of the team. Glaus can bash the ball and is a deft fielder at the hot corner.

But it is on the mound where St. Louis starters have totally surprised with Looper, Lohse, Welemeyer, Waignwright, Izzy and a sound relief corps. Yes, these arms have been sturdy and steady!

For some reason in early season games this team has appeared to be a well schooled, closely knit squad on young players surrounded by the best hitter in baseball Albert Pujols and they just play solid baseball. This is a popular and respected team.

So sorry pundits, LaRussa has done it again and as the Cardinals look down at the Cubbies, Brewers, Reds, Pirates and hapless Houston Astros, knowing it will be a long hard fight to win the division we can only say: "Well prepared Tony, well prepared!