The Chicago White Sox offense is struggling, but Tim Anderson didn’t take kindly to some comments from Ozzie Guillen.
Guillen, a former Sox manager himself, was on White Sox Talk via NBC Chicago, and gave some pointed criticism of La Russa’s lineup tactics. Entering Tuesday’s game, Chicago was 25th in the MLB in runs scored, 21st in batting average, and 28th in on-base percentage. Yikes.
Anderson wasn’t in the lineup for Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Royals, getting some much-needed rest. The White Sox shortstop didn’t take kindly to Guillen’s suggestion that he should’ve been forced to play.
Anderson’s personality and flare is part of what makes him arguably the face of the South Siders right now. As for Guillen, he was always outspoken as a manager — it’s no surprise he brings the same mentality to television.
It’s well within Anderson’s rights as a player to take an off day, or be sat down due for rest reasons.
White Sox: Tim Anderson criticizes Ozzie Guillen
Anderson came to the defense of his manager, who he is very close with. Despite the obvious age gap and cultural differences, La Russa and Anderson have gotten along quite well, with the latter taking significant steps forward the last few seasons.
“He’s always there. I call him, text him, talk to him before a game, whatever. He’s like a best friend,” Anderson said on the White Sox Talk Podcast. “You always have access to him. He’s going to keep it real with you and that’s what you need when you’re playing a struggling game like this.”
To see that kind of camaraderie on this team, despite the recent struggles, is refreshing to say the least. Given their talent, Chicago has plenty of time to turn things around — but Minnesota and Cleveland loom as significant threats in the Central.