La Russa Thinks McGwire Will Call It Quits

St. Louis Cardinal Manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday he expects slugger Mark McGwire to retire.

“I don’t expect him back,” La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from his California home. “Until it’s official, he can change his mind. But I believe he’s sincere in this. And he’s earned our trust.”

McGwire recently referred to himself kiddingly as La Russa’s “former first baseman.” He strongly hinted of retiring several times this year, when he batted only .187 with 29 home runs.

This spring, he agreed to a two-year, $30-million extension, but La Russa said McGwire never signed the document. The extension technically would pay McGwire $14 million next year and $16 million in 2003, with much of it deferred.

“He’s got it in a drawer at home,” La Russa said. “I don’t think some of the owners even know about this.”

La Russa said he had been in touch with McGwire as recently as Tuesday.

He said McGwire didn’t mention retirement but instead spoke of his belated birthday celebration. He turned 38 on Oct. 1.

La Russa said he believed McGwire would make public his decision this month.

“He’s not going to let this linger,” La Russa said.