Cardinals manager Tony La Russa sounds as though he wants to return to the team next season. On Friday, La Russa expressed excitement about the talent in place. He said there was so much right-handed depth in the bullpen that some pitchers might have to be viewed as starters for 2012. "We don't get into 2012, but I think it's a fair comment to make: What's happened to this club on the right-handed bullpen side is very exciting going forward," La Russa said. La Russa, 67, has dropped other hints in recent days that he wants a 17th season with the Cardinals. "Our focus is right now, we're not talking about 2012 or anybody's free agency," La Russa said. "The nucleus of this club, I think it's pretty well set. There are a lot of things that are for sure about next year's club that I think make it literally an outstanding situation."