DeWitt can wait

Why exactly does DeWitt need an answer before the League Championship Series even start? What is it a manager not involved in the playoffs needs to be doing right now? Not much, actually.

This is the time when the general manager earns his check. The GM needs to be carefully studying the free agent market, deciding which players he wants to keep or let go, preparing trade proposals, pouring over minor league player evaluations. It's far more important at this point for DeWitt to hire a new general manager than for La Russa to announce his plans.

It's understandable that La Russa would be hesitant to commit to another year with the Cardinals. He's no doubt leery about the possibility of working under a new 30-something, Ivy League educated, stat geek of a gm who's never played the game and wants to take things new school. That would be a tough boss for La Russa to work for after all his years of doing things in an old school way.

In addition, there's the intriguing possibility the Yankees job may be open if Joe Torre gets the short haircut. La Russa probably feels he owes it to himself to consider all possible managerial opportunities, including being the next skipper of the most storied franchise in sports.

DeWitt will have to wait.