Is the only reason that Tony LaRussa is still coaching the Cardinals because of that 2006 World Series title? Because in the last two years, here are just a few of the sordid off-the-field incidents that have taken place under the watchful eye of the drunken skipper (who is still in denial about Big Mac and PEDs!):

* Rick Ankiel and HGH
* Pitcher Josh Hancock’s drunk driving death
* Slugging it out with 3B Scott Rolen in the media, then trading him
* Pissing contest with St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Bernie Miklasz
* LaRussa’s own DUI arrest
* This week’s crazy-beyond-belief tale of OF Scott Spiezio, which resulted in the team cutting him

Sure, there have been front office issues, and sure there have been injuries, and sure, players have to be accountable for their actions away from the team. Still, one must at least consider the above incidents. If you want to check out the most disappointing read this week, it’s this “Scott’s turned it all around” piece in the Palm Beach Post, which came out the day before Spiezio’s arrest was made public.

Photo: Icon Sports Media