Pujols Snubbed . . . LaRussa’s Managing Skills Questioned–again

Taylor and I were excited to watch the All-Star Game the other night. I’m pretty much an NL guy, so I am pretty bummed for the AL to win again. But at least there WAS a winner this year unlike the fiasco in Milwaukee that brought about this goofy “this time it counts, winner gets home field” for the World Series.

It is fun to view the great game through Taylor’s eyes. One of his favorite players is Albert Pujols. In the bottom of the 9th inning 5 to 4 AL, the NL had the bases loaded and two outs . . . perfect time to put arguably the best hitter in the NL to make the game winning hit, right? No, not exactly. The Cardinal’s skipper leaves his star on the bench to watch Philadelphia’s Aaron Rowland fly out to right field for the third and final out.

La Russa said, even on the in-game interview that he was saving Albert back for the late innings. Tony, there is not too many more later innings than the 9th, his is hitting .310 with an on base percentage of .411, and Albert was the only non-pitcher that hadn’t seen game time. Pujols was upset after the game but now, Pujols says there is nothing wrong. It is all the talk, especially here in Cardinal country from La Russa lovers and haters alike. Is it a Rolan deal again? Is it personal? Is La Russa on his way out?

No matter why the snub, Tony, you’ve got an upset 6 year old on your hands. Pretty hot water indeed.