Tony La Russa: Colby Rasmus Does Not Listen to Cardinals’ Coaches
It’s no secret the relationship between Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and outfielder Colby Rasmus is strained. Rasmus is only 24 years old yet he has plenty of Major League experience. The third year pro is loaded with potential but he’s struggled this season, batting just .246. La Russa has been hesitant to let Rasmus play every day the past two years, electing to platoon him or play other outfielders instead. That has led to Rasmus becoming frustrated, which has led to trade rumors. While St. Louis has kept Rasmus on the roster, the issues between him and La Russa are evident.
In an interview with KSDK, La Russa complained that Rasmus doesn’t listen to the Cardinals coaches and that is one of his problems:
This has long been a complaint for La Russa. He’s felt that Rasmus gets coaching from his father and tunes out the St. Louis staff. The discord between the two is the main reason people feel like Rasmus will be traded. It’s hard to say a trade wouldn’t benefit both parties; La Russa would be rid of his problem and Rasmus would have a fresh start elsewhere.
Very few people would want to see Rasmus set free more than LBS contributor Alan Hull. He’s been dying for the day that Rasmus can do his thing without worrying about La Russa yanking him around.
