Tony La Russa Retiring: Will Terry Francona Be Next St. Louis Cardinals Manager?

Monday, Tony La Russa became the first manager in history to retire after winning a World Series. With that, he joined Bill Walsh and John Elway, riding off into the sunset on top.  But rumor has it that he informed the Cardinal front office of his decision two months ago, before his team's improbable run to a title. 

Around that time, the seeds of the Red Sox total collapse were just beginning to take root, ultimately leaving Terry Francona looking for his next team.  The Cardinals season of good fortune continues, even after the World Series. 

Will Francona be the next manager in St. Louis?  Yes, of course he will!  And here's why.

La Russa Leaves Huge Shoes To Fill but...

Let's start with the negative and get it out of the way first. How do you follow in the footsteps of a Hall-of-Fame-bound manager?  How do you take over the next season after a title?

Tony La Russa's departure leaves a Tommy Lasorda-sized void to fill. But somehow, I don't think Francona is one to shy away from a challenge.  He took over as Red Sox skipper after back-to-back 90-plus win seasons by Grady Little (and after Little took the Yankees to seven games in the ALCS). 

Francona inherited the spotlight and won the World Series the next year, going through the Yankees down 0-3 in the ALCS, rattling off eight wins, beating the Cardinals to take Boston's first title in 86 years.

St. Louis Will Have Reasonable Expecations

Besides the Yankees, no team has won more World Series titles in the last 30 years than the Cardinals.  Personally, I think a lot of this is due to reasonable expectations for the team. 

The team isn't expected to win every season.  The fans' egos don't depend on this.  They understand the need for a solid farm system, smart trades and the idea of rebuilding phases.  Francona might enjoy this type of thing for a change.

The Cardinals Are a Solid Team

Like in Boston, Francona would already inherit a team with a solid foundation. This is obvious after the Cardinals won the World Series in gutsy, dramatic fashion against a favored team.

But to quantify the the point, they have the 11th-highest payroll in baseball.

Francona vs. Epstein

In this corner, Francona.  In that corner, Epstein. Already a great rivalry, the Cubs vs. the Cardinals would enter a new dimension as former Red Sox coach takes on his former boss.

Epstein is trying to cement his legacy and become a front-office legend.  Francona could get the last word on that however. Revenge is a dish best served with a win.

Albert Pujols

He'll be back. That's enough said right there but in case there are any doubts, he stands a much better chance of coming back if St. Louis' next manager has some championship hardware and knows how to handle superstar players. Send Phat Albert the message that the St. Louis commitment to winning still stands even after La Russa.

Dave Duncan

The first thing I thought when LaRussa retired was: what about The Deacon, Dave Duncan? 

He has worked with La Russa since 1983, but Chris Carpenter has assured everyone with a tweet that Duncan will return.  I would say this would be reason enough to want the coaching job at St. Louis. 

Duncan is the godfather of the modern pitching coach.  He's the Dick LeBeau, the Tex Winter of the role, and he literally brings a safe full of historic pitching data to bear on-the-job.  But don't ask me.  Ask LaMarr Hoyt, Bob Welch, Dennis Eckersley and Carpenter--all Cy Young Award winners under Duncan.

The White Sox Job Is Closed

I just wanted to throw this in.  How do you think the White Sox feel now, having hired...Robin Ventura? 

That's him there, getting roughed up by the (old) Ryan Express.

Francona Needs a Sane Environment

Francona won two World Series titles, but it came at a price.  Yes, I'm talking about Manny Ramirez.  That would be enough, but he also had to endure the glaring spotlight of Boston sports and the unreachable expectations with needing to win every single season. Francona's legacy is tarnished after not just "the collapse" but rumors of apathetic player behavior in the clubhouse during the meltdown.  This may not be a big deal, but after either being forced out or quitting on his own, Francona should want to bounce-back with a supportive club like St. Louis.

Little known fact: Fancona had a full head of hair when he took over the Red Sox in 2004.

Francona Fits

Like La Russa, Francona is a former player.  Like La Russa, Francona has learned to handle the unending media spotlight cast on modern players. 

Like La Russa, Francona is a defender of his team and loved by his players.  He seems like a natural fit to follow with the Cardinals.

St. Louis Seeks a Manager with Experience

The Cardinals front office has already indicated that some kind of managing experience is desired and someone with enough energy to do the job. 

Francona fits both criteria easily.  Regardless, and I could be wrong, but I don't see Mark McGuire or Jose Oquendo as the next Cardinals coach.

St. Louis Is a Manager's Dream

The last reason is the most compelling: St. Louis is Baseball City USA.  I've lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, I've been to NY, Boston, Philly, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, SF, etc., etc., bla bla...St. Louis is the place for baseball.  Period. 

One game at Busch Stadium and you're done.  I'm talking about fans who know how to keep score, not with an iPhone app, but with a pen and program.  I'm talking about fans who give a standing ovation when it's a player's first major league at-bat.

I'm talking about fans who stay for the full nine innings. This is the spot, Terry, for unconditional baseball love.