Speculation has increased recently suggesting the Chicago White Sox would hire Tony La Russa to replace Rick Renteria as the team's next manager.
La Russa opened his managerial career in Chicago, and also has a noted history with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Indeed, the White Sox announced Thursday they were hiring La Russa to take over one of the most promising clubs in baseball.
Tony La Russa, a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, the third-winningest manager in baseball history, a three-time World Series champion and a four-time winner of the Manager of the Year Award, has been named the new manager of the Chicago White Sox. pic.twitter.com/RKP24rleHP
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 29, 2020
La Russa has spent the past few seasons as an advisor for the Los Angeles Angels. He has not managed since 2011, when he guided the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title.
Now, the White Sox are entrusting La Russa with getting this team to the next level.
Chicago made its first playoff appearance since 2008, though they lost to the Oakland Athletics in the Wild Card series. But there is a sense this is only the beginning for this current group of players.
Youngsters like Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert all appear to be future stars. Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal are savvy veteran leaders, and the White Sox have a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation in Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel.
General manager Rick Hahn said the team wanted to hire a manager with championship experience. La Russa has three World Series titles to his name, one with the Oakland Athletics and two more with the Cardinals.
Of course, free-agent managers like A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora also have championship experience. But it would seem La Russa's history with Reinsdorf gave him the inside track on the position.
The news is sure to generate mixed reactions, considering it will have been 10 years since La Russa last managed. However, the White Sox are convinced La Russa is the guy to help the team win a World Series.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the La Russa hire is already causing fissures within the White Sox organization
The hiring of Tony La Russa has ruffled feathers in the White Sox organization. A number of employees have concerns about his ability to connect with younger players and how he will adapt to the field after being away 9 years.
This was a Jerry Reinsdorf decision. Simple as that.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 29, 2020
The future of the White Sox will certainly be interesting to behold given their young talent and new but old-school manager.
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