CHICAGO (KMOX) - The pair of former members of the St. Louis Cardinals organization now playing for the Chicago White Sox against their old team have wildly different views on the situation.
For starting pitcher Lance Lynn, it's been a lot of fun. He started last night's 5-1 victory and didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning.
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After the game, he explained just how much emotion was in it for him.
"Prove it, hatefulness, a little bit of everything," Lynn said. "I'm not going to lie to you, that win was probably the most satisfying I've ever had in my career, not counting the playoffs. I enjoyed it quite a bit, beating them. It's one of the teams I didn't have a Major League win against, and now I do. And I definitely enjoy it."
And he did it in his classic Lynn style, saying "I've always been an asshole" on while on the mound.
But for manager Tony La Russa, it's a very different story. Before the three-game series he talked about his emotions.
"It’s uncomfortable, it’s distracting and you just try to tune it out, but I know it’s a different series," La Russa said. "I used to say this about managing against Jim Leyland: When you’re friends, you don’t want your friends to have a bad day. That’s why you’re glad when the three games are over."
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He managed the Cardinals from 1996-2011, reaching the playoffs nine times and winning two World Series championships. St. Louis was the only MLB club he hasn't managed against – until Monday night.
He also worked a lot with Cardinals manager Mike Shildt, who came to the organization under La Russa in 2004.
“I’m more worried (he’s going to out-manage me),” La Russ said. “Everybody in our big league staff knew he was special. the way he advanced through the system, it’s no surprise. Success speaks for itself."
Game 2 is Tuesday night with a pair of former high school teammates Jack Flaherty and Lucas Giolito on the mound for each team.
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