The LaRussa bashing continues

Not to pummel poor Tony LaRussa anymore, but I read this article at slate.com and I found this observation rather appropriate.

The Cardinals arrived in Boston flat and ill-prepared—their manager Tony La Russa once again seemed more interested in being the smartest person in the room than in winning baseball games. How else to explain his preposterous use of Jason Marquis? The scheduled starter in what is now a pivotal Game 4 has, already in this Series, been used for one inning of relief and as a pinch runner. In that latter capacity, Marquis fell flat on his face while trying to run from first to second, then was lucky not to break an ankle in a home-plate collision with Boston catcher Jason Varitek. Don't be surprised if La Russa trots out Marquis to sing the National Anthem Tuesday night.

The line Tony La Russa once again seemed more interested in being the smartest person in the room than in winning baseball games ringed true to me. There is something to be said about making aggressive moves in the playoffs and something to be said about just making moves. He had already abused his bench to this point, but still had Hector Luna, John Mabry, Yadier Molina, and Roger Cedeno (who pinch hit for the next batter). Now I get the idea for pinch running Matheny, but what was wrong with Luna, he seems to have some speed and Marquis is obviously no gazelle on the basepaths. Just plain silliness in my opinion.

One of the many reasons I don't like him as a manager.