Tony LaRussa is not returning to baseball and he is making sure everyone knows it. Despite rumors of a possible jump back into baseball, LaRussa is being blunt and squashing all rumors that claim he will soon be the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
Before the 2013 MLB season began, the Los Angeles Angles were predicted to be one of the best teams in baseball. They acquired hitter Josh Hamilton in the offseason. Pairing him with Albert Pujols and rookie sensation Mike Trout seemed like guaranteed success. However, a 4-10 start has many fans questioning the coaching and leadership in the clubhouse.
LaRussa's history with Pujols had many believing LaRussa could be taking over for Angels' manager Mike Scioscia.
"I'm not going to manage again. I'm going to work for a team someday. But it won't be managing," LaRussa said.
The rumors began to swirl as LaRussa planned to attend the weekend's upcoming series between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels. He intended on visiting friend and Tiger's manager Jim Leyland as well as long-time friend Pujols. He is not rethinking the trip out of respect to Scioscia.
This must come as a relief to Scioscia who is currently under contract through 2018. At 68, LaRussa retired as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 after the team won the World Series title. He now currently works for the commissioner's office. He was thought to be the successor to Scioscia as many predict he will be fired if the Angels do not improve.
The team went out and spent a lot of money on their marquee roster. The team currently sits in fourth place in the America League. Hamilton is currently batting .200 through 14 games with only 11 hits and two home runs so far on the season. Pujols is only looking slightly better. He has a .280 batting average with 14 hits through 14 games and two home runs as well.
No matter what happens with the Angels during the season, LaRussa will not be the one at the helm of the team. He says he is happily retired from managing and has no idea how the rumors even got started in the first place.
