Inexplicably terrible lineups. A damaging intentional walk. Pulling pitchers early. Leaving pitchers in late. All of this could be excused, but instead of giving rational explanations, Tony La Russa is defiant and doubles down.
He knows what’s best. He knows how to win. He is a Hall-of-Famer Baseball Person.
It’s time to stop acting as if La Russa is a long-retired baseball great. Has he enjoyed tremendous success in the past? Absolutely. Three World Series rings and permission to use the über-secret Hall-of-Famer’s toilet anytime he’s passing through Cooperstown?