[JohnnyZ]

We don't look at his previous job. Joe Torre has had much success in his subsequent job- neither has anything to do with their performance here.

I'm not a LaRussa fan, but it does show that at least LaRussa/Torre and others can win pennants and the world series given a good enough team or a little luck.

If they don't win them for your team perhaps it is your team (GM, players) who should get the blame, not hang it on the manager.

[SCALEMAN]

If they don't win them for your team perhaps it is your team (GM, players) who should get the blame, not hang it on the manager

While I agree with most of that, managers can make a difference. I would like to point out the difference between LaRussa/Carpenter and Dusty Baker/Kerry Wood situation.
LaRussa made a decision not to rush Carp after his problems towards the end of last year. The alternate is Dusty Baker continually rushing Kerry Wood back into the line up after every injury. If Dusty had let him heal properly he wouldn't be a 'part time' player now probably.