Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa doesn't think he'll be selected as the Mariners' next president, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "It’s likely I won’t even get an interview," La Russa told fans at a Cardinals event today. "I’ve heard they’ve got a couple of good guys in house. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity and I would love to put my two cents in as to what contribution I could make. But I don’t think it’s going to happen."
The Mariners are looking for a new president to replace Chuck Armstrong, who is departing at the end of the month. A report last week indicated that the Mariners might consider La Russa if they expanded their search beyond in-house candidates, but it now appears likely that they'll hire their new executive from within.
Tony La Russa should wait until Sandy Alderson gets fired. This way, he’ll be able to “take the train to the game.”
Let the Mariner’s front house rant begin!
I’ll start it!
Why would we want an intelligent and respected baseball guy to be part of our team when we can have someone from the current regime. They’ve done such a good job already, glad we’re not bringing in any fresh ideas or perspectives!
After years of mediocrity, I would have thought the Mariners would try to find a solution outside of the Mariner’s organization.
Come on M’s don’t blow this opportunity! Great baseball guy, get him in there!
Actually going out of the house is a good idea but I wouldn’t bring LaRissa in to the top position either. He has zero experience in the front office anywhere. If they want him for on field or in a job to gain experience, one he can work his way up from I might hire him. No way I give him the top job right now.
LaRussa is 69 years old, you’re not going to bring him in to gain experience. He has just what the Ms need right now: another set of baseball eyes. They already have their TV contract in place, so the business side is not an issue. Someone underneath him could handle those things.
LaRussa has worked with John Mozeliak and Bill Dewitt III while with the Cardinals. He knows what he is doing.
Ha, he once famously referred to Mozeliak as “just one of thirty guys.” I wouldn’t say he really ‘worked’ with him. He browbeat him into doing what he wanted.
Would like to see him join the organization in some capacity, if not Team President. Certainly wouldn’t hurt to have a guy like him around for the next few years. It sounds like he’s itching to get back into the competitive side of the game, so why not? Just create a position for him and bring him on board. I think they’re missing a real opportunity here.
I wish Tony could take over Jack Z’s job and then they could have their internal president
This is such a Mariners move. F my team.
Sign him up immediately!!!!! Don’t even think just offer him the job he’s a winner and has seen a winning franchise.
When one of the greatest minds in the game comes knocking at your door, you let him in.
Cito Gaston (former Blue Jays manager) or Jim Leyland (former Tigers manager) should also be considered to the the Mariners team President if LaRussa declines to take the job. Either can build a winning team w/ playoff experiences by bringing in Joe Carter or Bob Walk to possibly replace Jack Z as the new GM.