La Russa Signs Multi-Year Deal to Remain Cardinals Manager

Tony La Russa will stay on as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 63 year old signed a three year contract following a disappointing season. The skipper led the Cardinals to a 78 win, 84 loss 2007 that tailed their World Series victory in 2006.

La Russa has led the St. Louis Cardinals to much success. There has been seven playoff shows since he took the ball in 1995. These include a World Series victory in 2006 as well as two pennants as National League champions and six National League Central Division title holders.

There was much speculation that La Russa would not return after the firing of long time Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty. LaRussa and Jocketty were close friends. The rumor mill went into over time after the New York Yankees failed to make a World Series bid this year. There was gossip that George Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, would try to make a full house deal and hire both Jocketty and LaRussa.

Ironically enough, La Russa came to the St. Louis Cardinals to replace Joe Torre, who is now departing from the New York Yankees as manager. The Cardinals have not yet hired and announced a replacement for Walt Jocketty.

The 2007 season was rough for La Russa. There were many key injuries and the death of one player, Josh Hancock, due to a drunk driving accident. La Russa himself is facing charges stemming from an alcohol related charge that occurred during the Cardinal's spring training in Jupiter, Florida. Hancock's death was not the only one to distract the long time skipper. In 2002 La Russa lost Darryl Kile, a pitcher for the Cardinals, and Jack Buck, the broadcaster and number one Cardinal's fan, in a period of four days.

La Russa has a strong resume and holds the position of third among the MLB All-time Managerial wins following Connie Mack and John McGraw. He stands at 2,375 wins in his lifetime with a winning percentage of .534. He has served as manager of the Chicago White Sox and the Oakland Athletics in addition to the Cardinals.