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

Assuming they keep Albert Pujols, how will the Cardinals fare next season without Tony La Russa?

•  
  45%
  Legit World Series contenders
•  
  38%
  Will make playoffs but not contend for the World Series
•  
  16%
  Will miss playoffs

(Total votes: 29,939)

Who is the greatest figure in the history of the Cardinals?

•  
  10%
  Bob Gibson
•  
  21%
  Tony La Russa
•  
  38%
  Stan Musial
•  
  29%
  Albert Pujols
•  
  2%
  Red Schoendienst

(Total votes: 36,017)

How will Tony La Russa's retirement affect Albert Pujols' future?

•  
  7%
  More likely Pujols returns
•  
  57%
  More likely Pujols leaves
•  
  36%
  Won't affect Pujols' future

(Total votes: 44,739)

Do you believe Tony La Russa has managed his final game?

•  
  80%
  Yes
•  
  20%
  No

(Total votes: 44,643)