Chicago White Sox: Just say no to Tony LaRussa
Apparently, the Chicago White Sox are actually serious about Tony LaRussa as a candidate to manage the franchise. They really need to walk away.
When the Chicago White Sox announced that they were in the market for a new manager, the usual suspects were in play. Big names such as AJ Hinch and Alex Cora made sense, as they do for every other team looking for a manager. Sandy Alomar Jr. was mentioned as a possibility. But one name that was a surprise to everyone was former manager Tony LaRussa.
The now 76 year old LaRussa does fit in with the White Sox list of specific traits they are hoping for in a new manager. He has led a team, or in his case teams, to a championship. And, even though his first managerial experience came with the White Sox over 30 years ago, he is from outside the organization. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf considers LaRussa to be the one that got away, regretting giving then-GM Ken Harrelson the okay to let him go.
LaRussa would certainly command the respect of the clubhouse. Over his 33 years as a manager, he has put together a 2728-2365 record, winning six pennants and three World Series titles. Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2014, he ranks third on the all time managerial wins list, just 35 victories behind John McGraw.
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But LaRussa also has not managed since winning the World Series in 2011. That is not to say that he has been away from the game; instead, he time with Major League Baseball in determining on-field discipline for two years. Afterwards, he spent time in the Diamondbacks, Red Sox, and Angels front offices.
He would also be a short term fix. While LaRussa could potentially be an answer, and would assuage Reinsdorf’s conscience, one has to factor in how long he would be there. The White Sox are close, but can they win in a year or two? That is essentially what they would be gambling on by bringing in LaRussa.
Instead, it would make sense for the White Sox to bring in someone else. LaRussa might be a legend, but his time has likely passed. Chicago may need new leadership, but they also need someone who can help the young players continue to develop and be there for the long term. LaRussa simply is not that any longer.
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The Chicago White Sox seem determined to give Tony LaRussa a long look for their managerial opening. Instead, they should just walk away.