Rasmus' father: Colby could've been an All-Star the last 3 years 'if he was in the right situation'

Tony Rasmus, the outspoken father of Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Colby Rasmus, suggested on Monday that his son hasn't exactly realized his full potential over the last three seasons.

"I'm a guy that feels like he could've been an All-Star for the last three years if he was in the right situation," Rasmus said during an appearance on the Mike Richards Show with Bob Mackowycz & Matt Cauz on TSN 1050. "He has the kind of ability to be that kind of player."

Rasmus has endured a volatile tenure with the Blue Jays, and the impending free agent has struggled through much of the 2014 campaign. The 27-year-old missed time earlier this season with a hamstring injury, and is hitting .219/.281/.441 (97 OPS+) with 14 home runs and a 32 percent strikeout rate through 75 games.

However, the outfielder's father suggested Monday that his son's experience with the St. Louis Cardinals - and his relationship with then-manager Tony La Russa, in particular - quashed the youngster's enthusiasm during the nascent stages of his career.

"I feel like he had a huge ego and I felt like he was a real [unintelligible] - he reminded me a lot of Brett Lawrie," Rasmus said of his oldest son. "He was a 'get after it' kind of guy and, boy, Tony [La Russa] didn't like that, and he just crushed that out of him. He turned him into this real quiet, can't talk, don't smile [kind of guy].

Rasmus also said he believes Colby was a better player before La Russa stifled his enthusiasm.

"Oh, there's no doubt," said Rasmus. "I think he was much better player. I think he's never been the same."