La Russa: Cards 'not tarnished' by allegations
Former manager has confidence in organization as FBI investigates unauthorized access claims
ST. LOUIS -- Tony La Russa issued a vote of confidence regarding the integrity of the Cardinals organization on Monday as the club awaits the conclusion of an FBI investigation into allegations that front-office officials gained unauthorized access into the Houston Astros' internal computer network.
Speaking to media at the Pujols Family Foundation Golf Tournament, hosted by Matt Holliday, the former St. Louis manager and current Arizona chief baseball officer said "the organization is not tarnished at all."
"I know what the organization represents, and whatever it is that was done wrong, it was done at a very low level, if it was done wrong," La Russa said.
La Russa managed the Cardinals from 1996-2011 and worked closely with the team's owner, Bill DeWitt Jr., as well as general manager John Mozeliak. Both have distanced themselves from the allegations, saying they were unaware of any potential wrongdoing until they were notified of it by investigators.
"It sounded a lot worse than it was," La Russa said. "Their reputation is well-earned. Before this, now and after this, Mr. DeWitt and the front office with the leadership of [Mozeliak], they're going to be really careful.
"They want to take care of the reputation of the Cardinals as an organization. Whatever it is, it was very limited and will be dealt with."