STLtoday: As a manager, Oquendo is a not-so-secret weapon

Interesting look at (tworzles Adam’s Apple to make legatoized Bob Murphy voice)...“Jose Oquendo”.

A lengthy association with La Russa is “a plus,” says Oquendo. “Tony has won everywhere he’s gone. He’s got his style of doing it. I like the way he runs things and communicates with players. He creates a family atmosphere. I respect the way he runs the game. I don’t have to do everything the same way he does, but he does a tremendous job getting the best of his players.”

Pressed on the possibility of succeeding La Russa, Oquendo relents. “If something happened, it would be a nice place to manage,” he says. “But at the same time, I hope Tony stays forever.”

And then there’s this…

Former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams has voiced interest in playing in the Classic. However, Oquendo insists Williams play in the league to be considered. Oquendo was similarly rigid on two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez appearing in games in 2006. When Gonzalez balked, Oquendo excluded him.

“I don’t want to put a guy who might one day go into the Hall of Fame out there to embarrass himself,” Oquendo says.