What Grinds My Gears.

Anybody that knows Tony La Russa's managing style, knows that the guy has this extreme favoritism for veterans. It is almost like the guy will do anything to play a vet over a prospect, i.e. Juan Gonzalez's invitation to Spring Training. No matter how the player is playing, he will side in favor of the veteran.

Now this favoritism is more like nepotism, but it is going to KILL me if I see Chris Duncan in the starting lineup on Opening Day I may just flip out . Brian Barton has been tearing the ball up all spring long and Dunc has been looking like a fish out of the water behind the plate and in the outfield. All the while, I am positive Tony La Russa will make the wrong decision again, like benching young Brendan Ryan for Cesar Izturis.

Here is his Spring Stat-line compared to Dunc's:

Barton: .351 AVG .596 SLG .424 OBP 11 RBI 2 HR 2 2B 3 3B

Duncan: .154 AVG .212 SLG .313 OBP 4 RBI 1 HR

I have to say that I am surprised Tony gave him a roster spot, but I just can't understand why there is so much faith in Chis Duncan around St. Louis. I have been a proponent of trading him for a long time now, problem being, he is losing stock each and every year.

Another Tony La Russa Dig

2 more seasons and Tony will retire, then Dave Duncan will join him the same offseason. This will hopefully leave Jose Oquendo as manager, and he won't play favorites. We will be able to trade Duncan and start Barton, Rasmus, and Ankiel in the outfield. Can't wait, only problem is that all 3 of those guys really should be in center. Ankiel will gladly take right, and Barton will just as gladly take Left.

Another Tony La Russa Dig

Well he is a year younger than Chris Duncan if that means anything. But I really haven't had a chance to see him in the field. The few games that were televised here in St. Louis, I didn't see him at all. I didn't even know he was black until this last weekend. No offense to ANYBODY, but that just sounds like a white person's name to me. I just know the proud people of St. Louis are going to be going on and on about his dreads like they do at the Rams games talking about Stephen Jackson. Maybe a smart sports city, but when it comes to social issues, this town is still in the 19th century.

mutigers1fan Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Mar 11, 2007	Posted on: March 26, 2008 7:57 pm Score: 94 Another Tony La Russa Dig 2 more seasons and Tony will retire, then Dave Duncan will join him the same offseason. This will hopefully leave Jose Oquendo as manager, and he won't play favorites. We will be able to trade Duncan and start Barton, Rasmus, and Ankiel in the outfield. Can't wait, only problem is that all 3 of those guys really should be in center. Ankiel will gladly take right, and Barton will just as gladly take Left. [ Reply to Comment ]
CowboyB Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 7, 2006	Posted on: March 26, 2008 8:11 pm Score: 96 Another Tony La Russa Dig I haven't had a chance to see Brian Barton in the field. Do you know how he looks. I just know he has 3 errors, but I don't think he could be as bad as Dunc0. [ Reply to Comment ]
14 Straight Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 29, 2008	Posted on: March 26, 2008 8:13 pm Score: 89 Another Tony La Russa Dig What's Barton's upside? I know he has good speed, so his defence has to be better than Duncan's, right? [ Reply to Comment ]
CowboyB Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 7, 2006	Posted on: March 26, 2008 8:17 pm Score: 95 Another Tony La Russa Dig Well he is a year younger than Chris Duncan if that means anything. But I really haven't had a chance to see him in the field. The few games that were televised here in St. Louis, I didn't see him at all. I didn't even know he was black until this last weekend. No offense to ANYBODY, but that just sounds like a white person's name to me. I just know the proud people of St. Louis are going to be going on and on about his dreads like they do at the Rams games talking about Stephen Jackson. Maybe a smart sports city, but when it comes to social issues, this town is still in the 19th century. [ Reply to Comment ]
14 Straight Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 29, 2008

CowboyB

Another Tony La Russa Dig

Another Tony La Russa Dig

Another Tony La Russa Dig

Another Tony La Russa Dig

Another Tony La Russa Dig