Yes, TLR has a couple of rings,having the best player in baseball factors in both,didnt he have the bash brothers in oakland? then big mac in st louis earlier in this decade when the cards were an almost perennial playoff contender? and having a good pitching coach hasnt hurt,would anyone have thought the cards would not have 1 but 2 cy young quality pitchers on this staff? would anyone believe that franklin would do as well as he did until the last month that is? if and when tlr leaves,i wouldnt be surprised if the team he coaches is either loaded with talent or soon upon his arrival said team makes moves to acquire the pieces to contend,that said he wont go to pitt,dc,kc,clev,or any other bottom dweller.is he a genius? in 06 with the team needing a win on the final regular season game to ensure that a 1 game playoff with houston wouldnt be needed he starts anthony reyes who promptly lost,luckily john smoltz with the braves pitched a good game and got the w against the stros.i hope he signs on for 1 more year, genius? dumb luck? who knows,but i cant think of who id like to see replace him