Chicago White Sox could have Tony La Russa problem

The Chicago White Sox shocked the baseball universe with their decision to hire Tony La Russa during the offseason. While there was no questioning his credentials – a Hall of Fame manager with six pennants and three World Series championships – he also had not managed in nearly a decade. It was fair to wonder if the game had passed him by.

La Russa’s tenure with the White Sox did not get off to a great start. He was charged with driving under the influence, the second time this had happened. Those charges and his actions during his arrest, coming so soon after his hiring made one have to wonder if bringing him on board was a mistake.

Tony La Russa may be losing the Chicago White Sox clubhouse

Those questions are getting even louder. According to reports, some of the players in the White Sox clubhouse are questioning La Russa’s decision making, particularly in the wake of their 5-2 loss to the Tigers in the previous week.

That game featured a pair of questionable decisions that stood out. The first was keeping Lucas Giolito in the game to begin the seventh inning, the frame in which Detroit put the game away. La Russa admitted that he did not realize that his ace was tiring until it was too late. Then, in the eighth inning, he allowed the light hitting Billy Hamilton to take his turn at bat instead of sending up a pinch hitter because he was looking for a single.

These decisions have led to the White Sox disappointing start to the season. They were viewed as a probable World Series team, one of the favorite to emerge from the American League. Instead, the White Sox entered Monday 1.5 games behind the Royals in the division. That start certainly has not engendered warn feelings towards La Russa either.

As with any case, his presence has not been a complete disaster. He is why Yermin Mercedes is in the majors right now, taking a liking to his bat despite questions as to which position he would play. As Mercedes was named the AL Rookie of the Month for April, he has certainly been a find.

But finding those diamonds in the rough will not matter for long. The whispers are already beginning about his lineup management and decision making. Those whispers will get even louder if the White Sox continue to struggle as they have to begin the season.

According to reports, there are questions in the Chicago White Sox clubhouse about Tony La Russa’s decision making. Those questions may get louder.