Check This Out, My Peeps…

Oquendo a risk, but reward may be rich

(Pieces Of The Article) By Jon Paul Morosi —

Tony La Russa retired Monday, taking with him three world championships, six pennants, 2,728 victories and more double switches than any baseball zealot could count.

After La Russa’s announcement, fans and media types posed the most logical follow-up to any news concerning the St. Louis Cardinals: How does this affect Albert Pujols?

The quick answer was that the development would have a negative impact on the Cardinals’ efforts to re-sign Pujols, who became a world champion on Friday and a free agent on Sunday.

By nightfall, though, the forecast for Pujols’ return had improved considerably — because of something pitching coach Dave Duncan said.

Confused? Don’t be. This is much less convoluted than bullpen communication at Rangers Ballpark.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. David Eckstein, who played with Pujols for three seasons in St. Louis, told me in a Monday interview that he believes Pujols will return to the Cardinals if they hire third-base coach Jose Oquendo as their new manager. “Albert would stay if Oquendo got the job,” Eckstein said.

2. Duncan said in an interview later Monday that he intends to return to the Cardinals in 2012 — as the pitching coach, not the manager.

3. The presence of Duncan — possibly the greatest pitching coach of all time — gives the Cardinals greater leeway to hire someone who hasn’t managed in the major leagues . . . such as the 48-year-old Oquendo.

I don’t know if there is a frontrunner to be the Cardinals’ next manager. The search is less than 24 hours old. I do, however, believe Oquendo is the most logical option — if they plan on retaining their franchise player.

“I wouldn’t say it’s all about money, because Albert loves St. Louis. He loves playing there. He loves everything about it. But it’s going to come down to more than a single relationship.”

For that reason, Oquendo must pass the Byron Scott Test: If the homegrown superstar leaves, anyway, can Oquendo still do the job?

The answer is YES.—

No Jivin’ Needed From Me, eh, Kiddies?

The Cardinals NEED Oquendo.

PERIOD PERIOD.

He Is, BY FAR, THE Best At His Current Job.

He Is, ALSO BY FAR, THE Best Bet For The St. Louis Cardinals.

PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD.

If The Front Office In St. Louis Is “As Smart As They Attempt To Project Themselves To Be”, Then Making Jose Oquendo “The New Skipper” WOULD Solidify Said Attempts.

Oquendo Has MY VOTE.

Oquendo Has THE PLAYER’S VOTE.

Oquendo Has THE OTHER COACH’S VOTE.

He’s a Solid Solid Choice, He Has The Backing, and He DESERVES THE CHANCE/OPPORTUNITY.

Now, sadly, it’s all a “Wait & See Game” in loverly St. Louis.

You Know Where I Stand on The Subject.

You Know Where Others Stand on The Subject.

The Cards Just WON The World Series…

So Why Not Let THE GUY Everyone Wants To Manage Actually MANAGE!

Sheesh.

I Need Some Coffee AND My Headache Meds.

Remember How I Said This Was Going To Be a LONG Off-Season?