Today's main post got me thinking of the big picture for the rest of this year and for 08. TLR will have a much harder choice than he has had in the past. Sounds like the team is leaving it up to him, and I think that is the right decision.

You take the good with the bad, the quirks and commitments when LaRussa is your manager. He is a smart guy, and most of his moves have paid off before this year. I really feel he lost this year's team in ST with the DUI, but it could have been leftover feelings from the problems with Rolen and Edmonds.

But this season has turned from hopes of a repeat to finger-pointing and name-calling. Is it any one person's fault -- highly unlikely. I listened to the pre-game interview with  H.G. Bissinger during the Philly series, and that got me thinking about his book with Tony.

Everyone knows he is one hell of a manager, and we couldn't have won the WS without him. After reaching that unexpected high last October, there was bound to be a drop-off.

Whether or not he comes back for next year is probably going to be a combination of things.

1. Will Carp pitch next year? Without a true ace, the rebuilding process will be big as the Rasmus watch takes center stage.
2. LB has pointed out that unless some contracts are traded this month, the team has very little money to throw at anyone after the year.
3. Would Duncan stay if LaRussa left? That is something I have been curious about.

More than likely I see him coming back for one last run with this core group. 2009 is the target year for most of the youngsters, and Walt is under contract for next year as well. But hey, what do I know -- the Cardinals only get to the WS when I'm in Iraq, and I'm not ever going back.