La Russa: 'Closer' to decision with Cardinals

Oct 25, 2009 - 3:57 PM By R.B. FALLSTROM AP Sports Writer

ST. LOUIS(AP) -- Tony La Russa flew from his West Coast home to St. Louis on Sunday to continue discussions with the Cardinals about his future as manager.

La Russa told the Associated Press in a telephone interview before boarding a plane that talks were ongoing, and that he was planning to attend a Bruce Springsteen concert Sunday night.

The 65-year-old La Russa has been mulling his future since the NL Central champion Cardinals were swept in the division series by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 10. His two-year, $8.5 million contract expires at the end of the month.

"We're getting closer," said La Russa, who has managed the team for 14 years. "But nothing has been decided. I can't tell you anything yet."

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch quoted sources that believed a formal announcement that La Russa would be returning could be made early in the week.

Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak have both said they'd like La Russa to return. He's led the Cardinals to eight postseason appearances and a 2006 World Series title, and he's third on the career victories list, trailing only Connie Mack and John McGraw.