White Sox: Tim Anderson gives Tony La Russa his vote of confidence

The outspoken shortstop spoke to the media on Monday, backing the new White Sox manager.

One’s new school and one’s old school.

Tim Anderson, the young, flashy, outspoken White Sox shortstop and 2019 American League batting champion. Tony La Russa, the 76-year-old long-time manager who has been out of the dugout for over a decade.

The two surely wouldn’t match, right? Apparently, those from the outside looking in were wrong. Bob Nightengale tweeted early Tuesday afternoon after Anderson said he believes the White Sox made the right hire, and that he supports La Russa completely.

The two apparently have gelled well during spring training in Arizona so far. However, that wasn’t always the case as Anderson said he wasn’t open to it after hearing the news originally. This situation was resolved after Anderson said he and La Russa sat down and got to know each other, according to Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago.

“We definitely sat down and had a 1-on-1. I got to know him more as a person, more so even than the manager part,” Anderson said. “But yeah, just to see what page he’s on is definitely awesome. Just have conversations with him, very motivating.”

“The drive to want to win, he has that. I’m behind him 110 percent. That’s the ultimate goal is to win and to win a World Series here. I’m behind him.”

The White Sox will clearly be one of the more interesting teams to watch in 2021. La Russa is coming out of retirement in his mid-70’s, hasn’t managed in over a decade and is returning to the team he managed from 1979 to 1986. Although his entire career can be deemed a success, his years as the St. Louis Cardinals manager, where he won two World Series Titles, are most memorable. La Russa also recently spoke out about his offseason DUI arrest, saying he’s open to any and all judgement from others.

As you look at the White Sox roster, highlighted by Anderson, the youth stands out. Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada are all young emerging stars the La Russa will have to figure out as he goes. However, if anyone can do it, he’s the guy.