Tony La Russa still hasn’t reached out to Tim Anderson, and that’s a problem
By Scott Rogust
Tony La Russa hasn’t reached out to arguably his best player on the Chicago White Sox.
The Chicago White Sox made the postseason for the first time since 2008, but ended up getting eliminated in the Wild Card Round. The team ended up firing eventual AL Manager of the Year finalist Rick Renteria and replaced him with Hall-of-Famer Tony La Russa. The organization felt that the team was close to reaching World Series contention, and they opted to bring in a guy who knows how to manage a team to the Commissioner’s Trophy. As it turns out, La Russa hasn’t gotten to acquainted to his new team.
While speaking with the media on Thursday, star shortstop Tim Anderson said that he’s still waiting to hear from La Russa. Before you get all bent out of shape, Anderson followed it up by saying he’s excited to work with him.
Anderson has not talked to Tony La Russa: "I'm still waiting on him to reach out to me."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 6, 2020
Tim Anderson when asked if he has any concerns about Tony La Russa not managing since 2011: "No. He's still been watching the game ... he's a Hall of Famer for a reason."
— Kevin Powell (@kpowell720) November 6, 2020
Says he hasn't heard from La Russa yet but he's excited to get to know/work with him. #WhiteSox
La Russa was the main target for the White Sox
The White Sox had a narrow list of candidates for their vacant managerial gig. Besides La Russa, they were targeting former Houston Astros skipper A.J. Hinch, who is coming off a one-season suspension for his role in the organization’s sign-stealing scandal in 2017. Things heated up with La Russa in negotiations, who hadn’t managed since 2011, and the two sides agreed to a deal. Regardless of accidentally putting Hinch’s signature in the team’s official email graphic, the White Sox got their guy.
Many experts and pundits were critical of the hire, citing they are unsure if La Russa’s old school style of managing would mesh with Chicago’s young squad.
Anderson, who won the American League batting title in 2019 (.335 batting average), is coming off a strong truncated 2020 season. Through 49 games, Anderson slashed .322/.357/.529 while hitting 10 home runs and 21 RBI. In fact, Anderson led the league in runs scored (45). On Thursday, Anderson won his first-ever Silver Slugger award.
While they haven’t been properly introduced, Anderson can’t wait to work with the three-time World Series champion and four-time Manager of the Year.
Next. 3 White Sox players who won't be back in 2021. dark