NL DIVISION SERIES: CARDINALS v DIAMONDBACKS

October 12, 2001

Tony La Russa

TONY LaRUSSA: I think it has everything to do with good pitching. Just today, Atlanta has got six runs on the board. They missed their location and got the ball over the plate and they've hit, I don't know, three or four home runs. The series we've played, I saw the one stat where both sides are leaving guys in scoring position. But you take a look at those at-bats, the pitching has been very, very good. So tonight, if Darryl and Miguel are really tough, anything they hit at, any mistakes -- both lineups are very dangerous.

TONY LaRUSSA: Yes, it's one of the edges, I think, that we had for him to pitch the game, we've given him a number of opportunities, like the very first game after the interruption. And I'm sure it's stirring inside of him, but he really maintains his composure, and I'm sure he will tomorrow.

TONY LaRUSSA: Definitely. If we lost that game tomorrow, then with Matt, on his 5th day, Matt would pitch the fourth game.

TONY LaRUSSA: First of all, about that bit of news, that would be the only way I would look forward to facing Curt Schilling, us being up 2-1. Well, no, we talked about all the different possibilities and we just think physically not just Matt but Woody, it would be next to criminal, for our pitchers. I'm not talking about their pitchers, just take care of your own side. For our pitchers, the kind of season it's been, we would not feel smart, comfortable, whatever, bringing those guys back. A short rest would not do it.

TONY LaRUSSA: As I said before, when I play Mark the first day, I think it's a good situation for us. Either guy that plays, I think we can win with. They are two different players. Mark is very dangerous; extra base hits, good on-base percentages, draw a walk. With Paquette you can get a big hit, and we can get more creative with him because he has good legs and he can handle his bat. If we can win with either guy I think it's Paquette.

TONY LaRUSSA: I hadn't even thought about it. I know my family in California has Fox Family, so they've watched whenever they could. I mean, the reason that we're playing is not to get on TV. We're playing for the chance for the big prize. I haven't thought about it, except I'm just glad they're watching when they can.

TONY LaRUSSA: I wouldn't take anything for granted. If there is a Game 5 and we lose tomorrow's game, then each guy would be on time, and they would set it up for both of them to pitch.