Talk about going out on top. Tony La Russa has announced his retirement mere days after winning his third World Series. La Russa's legacy is that of a taciturn tactical genius, a behind-the-scenes field general whose moves could be as maddening as they were inspired. It's difficult to argue with his results -- a .536 winning percentage over 33 years, three World Series titles and plenty of pennants. His retirement will leave several other managers jockeying for the position of best active skipper. That being said, is he the greatest ever?
Rank: Place Tony La Russa among the greatest baseball managers of all time
- "As a Cubs fan I was no fan of La Russa and called him Tony Doubleday because he was at times full of himself. That being said I will miss seeing him in the corner of the St. Louis dugout. Next stop will be the HOF. " -- SN commenter Tom 7838
- "I have watched La Russa take Cardinals team after Cardinals team and make them better then they were believed to be. He is a great manager and really knows how to get the best out of his players. I think he will be greatly missed in St. Louis and no I don't think the Cardinals will fall apart just because he is leaving. " -- SN commenter GameWardens
Can the Cardinals win without La Russa?

All of this depends on Albert Pujols returning next year, but the Cardinals could have a tough road to the World Series in 2012. They just barely made the playoffs this season and were the recipients of some timely hitting during the World Series.
Greatest Cardinal ever?

La Russa's legacy with the Cardinals is clear: two World Series titles and a pretty high winning percentage in the regular season.
Pujols' future?

Pujols is a free agent this offseason, and it's tough to think of a player who could command more money on the open market. La Russa's retirement could mean something for Pujols' chances of returning, but it's not clear what that would be yet.
Will he stay retired?

La Russa wouldn't be the first manager to come back from retirement. Conventional wisdom says he'll take a non-managing job in baseball.

- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley
Here's the picture we showed on Sportsnation from my freshman year at Columbia. #1992 #6-1/185lbs http://t.co/KugnR4DeYy
about 7 hours ago
- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley

- CharissaT Charissa Thompson
A man of Few. Words. #ILikeThat RT @JoakimNoah: No regrets
about 7 hours ago
- CharissaT Charissa Thompson

- CharissaT Charissa Thompson
Jennifer Aniston haircut was rough & I was clearly at my "playing weight in HS"!!! RT @jaystreezy u really blossomed http://t.co/jM5fFc5kNr
about 17 hours ago
- CharissaT Charissa Thompson

- SportsNation SportsNation
Check out what @PhilJackson11 had to say about MJ-Kobe comparisons. http://t.co/9tm4dEweiW
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley
RT @SportsNation: ICYMI: Here are @CharissaT and @marcelluswiley's high school swag http://t.co/9Wpte1M76W
1 day ago
- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley

- SportsNation SportsNation
ICYMI: Here are @CharissaT and @marcelluswiley's high school swag http://t.co/9Wpte1M76W
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
This is Chris Copeland's rookie backpack...and our show is on right now. ESPN2. http://t.co/jJEzaJoERb
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
It never gets old watching military parents come home & surprise their kids....especially at an MLB game like this - http://t.co/ztxzpr7CCt
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- kevinwildes Kevin Wildes
RT @brainpicker: “That’s the nature of any creative activity — you’re mostly going to be rejected.” @NewYorker cartoon editor Mankoff http:…
1 day ago
- kevinwildes Kevin Wildes

- SportsNation SportsNation
THIS is Marc Gasol in high school (via @treykerby) http://t.co/68DpIlLcvS
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
This is how Nick Saban sends recruitment letters...jerseys of all the players he got drafted. http://t.co/Yw7i7Dp4tt
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Look how @JManziel2 threw out the first pitch at a Padres game - http://t.co/f0l2VoWdUI
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Here's all you need to know about last night's Warriors-Spurs game http://t.co/u9oWJ7aRaD
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation


- SportsNation SportsNation
George Hill, Westbrook, Deng, H. Barnes, D. Lee. That's a pretty incredible lineup of guys who got hurt in the playoffs. #GetWellSoon
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
The Knicks live to see another game! Which is kind of a bummer for Jason Kidd, not sure those senior golf discounts extend to the weekends
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley
#NowPlaying "Headband" by B.O.B. ft. 2 Chainz #banger
1 day ago
- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley

- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley
“@NatalieSaar: Listening to @max_kellerman and @marcelluswiley while getting ready for my birthday dinner! Love these guys!” $HAPPY B-DAY!!!
1 day ago
- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley

- SportsNation SportsNation
We probably would have gone with "NO HE DID NOT AND WHAT A CIRCUS SHOT THAT WAS!!!" RT @DidJRSmithMiss No!
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Has anyone seen JR Smith? http://t.co/xLZY80DjWe
2 days ago
- SportsNation SportsNation



FOLLOW SPORTSNATION ON TWITTER
You must be signed in to post a comment