Piece on Jocketty in the NY Times

[Spider John]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/03/sport ... ref=sports

ST. LOUIS — Tony La Russa had just landed here Wednesday night after a dreary road trip that pushed his St. Louis Cardinals eight games behind the Cincinnati Reds in the standings. It was a bitter disappointment for La Russa, who had every reason to retreat until the next game on Friday.

But La Russa responded to a reporter’s message because he wanted to talk about the man who runs the team he is chasing in the National League Central. Such is his admiration for Walt Jocketty, the former general manager of the Cardinals who has shaped the Reds for their first playoff appearance in 15 years.

“You would have to look long and hard to find someone that doesn’t like and respect Walt — and there’s a difference,” La Russa said. “People like him because he’s a good man, but they respect him because he’s honest. The reason he makes deals is he isn’t hiding information. He gives value and he receives value, so both sides prosper and want to make another deal.”

[jeffbgoofy]

both sides prosper my ass....

[sighyoung]

The reason he makes deals is he isn’t hiding information. He gives value and he receives value, so both sides prosper and want to make another deal.

No, he makes deals because he looks like Charlie Brown, and other GMs think they can pull a Lucy Van Pelt and yank the football away at the perfect moment.

[Rieges]

Whatever quality Jocketty had for so many years that allowed him to trade mediocre prospects and overvalued veterans for all-star caliber players, I hope Mo can channel that more than he has to this point going forward.

[Radbird]

No, he makes deals because he looks like Charlie Brown, and other GMs think they can pull a Lucy Van Pelt and yank the football away at the perfect moment.

I kinda see it.

[Jmodene]

Well, let's not be too hasty here; remember that Charlie Brown once traded his own dog to Peppermint Patty's team for five good players. Fortunately (?) those five players told Patty they'd quit baseball before they'd play for Charlie Brown's team.