There are some in the baseball world that think Tony LaRussa is a top notch, guaranteed hall of fame, genius of a baseball coach. There are others, especially here in St. Louis, that disagree whole heartedly. I'm personally split on the decision. But Tony seems to have something up his sleeve that will set his fate in stone one way or another if his plan ever comes to fruition. It's doubtful that you've heard about it yet, seeing as they are keeping it on the down low. It is "The Shadow Cardinals". A group of about 25 ex-ball players (mostly ex-Cards) now pushing their mid 40's and 50's that have been under an intense physical rehab and training program in the middle of Manhattan, Kansas for the past several months. Throw in some yoga and meditation exercises and a strict diet program and you've got the makings of something suspicious. And we should be. According the article from the St. Louis Riverfront Times that I linked above, it's Tony's plan to supplant our current Cardinals roster with "The Shadow Cardinals" if we are in the playoff race near mid-season but still well out of first place. Sounds crazy right? The article could be a hoax seeing as how it was published March 31st, the day before April Fools. Yet among the baseball community, the rumor is gaining in validity. And given Tony's affinity for older veteran players, I wouldn't doubt that this is may really happen. A Google search for "Shadow Cardinals" will yield multiple results. Check it out and see for yourself. Some of LaRussa's toughest critics think this ploy may actually work.

- these thoughts flowed through Jeff's fingers @ 2:06 PM