Manager Tony La Russa's agent expects his client to manage again in 2012, but not in Boston. (AP)

Jack Sands, the agent for Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, joined the Dennis & Callahan Show last week to discuss the future of his client. Sands, a Boston-based attorney who has also represented managers Jim Leyland and Larry Bowa, said that there was a time when La Russa contemplated the possibility of managing the Red Sox.

“Tony loves Boston,” said Sands. “Many years ago, he was really thinking this might be a place he might like to come to. … When he first came over to St. Louis, he really was an American League guy. He loved the DH. But now, he loves the double switches. We’ve seen what’s happened in the playoffs. He loves working that bullpen. So I seriously doubt that he would come back to the American League at this point.”

Now, however, while Sands does expect La Russa to return as a manager in 2012, he does not think that the 33-year veteran will leave his current job with the Cardinals or the National League. As for returning to manage again in 2012, Sands suggested that even if the Cardinals — who are currently down, 3-2, in the best-of-seven World Series against the Rangers — win a championship this year, he cannot see La Russa retiring.

“I would say no for one reason. If he comes back next year, he’ll end up moving up the ladder and being behind Connie Mack for second place in wins all-time by a manager.He’s never going to catch Connie, of course, but I think that’s something he’d like to have,” Sands said of his client, who has a career 2,728-2,365 (.536) record, and who has won two of the five Fall Classics in which he’s managed prior to this year. “I don’t [passing John McGraw, second all-time with 2,763 wins] is at the top of his list in terms of reasons why he’d want to come back. He really has enjoyed his time in St. Louis. I think there’s probably a pretty strong shot he’d come back.

“I don’t think he’s going to walk away,” added Sands. “He likes to do this one year at a time. Last year, he came very close to going to the Commissioner’s office. Bud Selig offered him that opportunity, which Joe Torre ended up taking. But he really likes to take it one year at a time and see how his mojo is feeling. Right now, obviously, he’s feeling great.”

Sands did conjecture that the Red Sox would pursue an experienced manager as the replacement for Terry Francona.

“I think it’s going to be very interesting to see what the Red Sox do,” said Sands. “Knowing [Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino] as well as I know him, I think that he’s probably going to look for someone that’s going to come in here, that’s got some experience. It doesn’t necessarily have to be 20 years of experience.”

To listen to the complete interview, click here.