The Cardinals have brought back C2 Jason LaRue with a one-year $950,000 deal. But deep within Derrick Goold's article, we learn that LaRue contemplated heading closer to home (LaRue went to Smithson Valley HS in Spring Branch):
LaRue, who turns 36 during the coming spring training, said his preference was to return to the Cardinals. He entertained the possibility of playing closer to his home (read: with the Houston Astros). The Cardinals were more appealing for their place in the standings — this past October was LaRue’s first trip to the postseason in an 11-year career — as well as his familiarity with the position he’s had the past two seasons...
...“I know my role. I’m Yadi’s backup,” LaRue said. “I’ve said this many times and it hasn’t changed: I want to play my last few years on a winning team. I know this organization. I know it’s headed in the right direction. I know it’s going to give me the best chance.”
So does that mean the Astros would give him an opportunity to play on a losing team, headed in the wrong direction?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
