Chicago White Sox: CC Sabathia absolutely correct about Tony La Russa

Tony La Russa has been surrounded with controversy ever since he was hired by the Chicago White Sox. From the questions about whether or not the game had passed him by to his drunken driving arrest prior to being hired, La Russa was not exactly given a warm welcome. This was a matter of ownership attempting to rectify what they felt was a decades old error, with the blame being placed squarely on Jerry Reinsdorf should this partnership fail.

Those questions became even louder after La Russa threw Yermin Mercedes under the bus for breaking the ‘unwritten rules’ of the game, and then not backing his player up when the Twins threw at him. Those actions were enough to get former player CC Sabathia fired up, saying that La Russa should not be a part of the organization any longer.

CC Sabathia absolutely right about Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa

There had already been rumblings that the clubhouse was displeased with La Russa. Questions about his ability to manage a game in the modern environment had begun to creep out. When La Russa admitted to not knowing the extra inning rule, that just made those questions even louder.

Sabathia, in giving voice to his opinion, may have said what cannot be admitted amongst the White Sox players. They have, to a man, come to Mercedes’ defense. La Russa, meanwhile, continues to blither about respecting the game and the unwritten rules. Ironically, La Russa seemed to have no issues when, in the exact same situation in May, 2010, Thomas Howard belted a 3-0 pitch against a catcher for a homer in a 15-3 game.

The White Sox are not going to fire La Russa over this latest issue. To do so would be to admit a drastic mistake, something that ownership wants no part of. The White Sox are also leading the AL Central despite these ongoing gaffes.

But stubbornness and record aside, La Russa remains a mistake. He has refused to adapt to the game and the way it is played now. The younger players are being themselves and playing hard, no matter the score. La Russa, meanwhile, keeps muttering about those damned kids being on his lawn.

CC Sabathia went off about how Tony La Russa is not the right manager for the Chicago White Sox. And he is 100% correct with that assessment.