Chicago White Sox: Yermin Mercedes ignores Tony La Russa again

Yermin Mercedes had been one of the great stories at the beginning of the 2021 season. The long time minor leaguer had caught Tony La Russa‘s eye in spring training, playing his way onto the Chicago White Sox Opening Day roster. He began the season on fire and was the favorite for the AL Rookie of the Year award until he infuriated La Russa by launching a homer on a 3-0 pitch in a blowout. Mercedes was not the same after La Russa took exception to that moment, eventually being sent back to the minors.

Mercedes clearly did not learn his lesson. He homered again on a 3-0 pitch for the Tigers de Licey in the Dominican Winter League, albeit in a much closer game.

Yermin Mercedes learned nothing from Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa

Hopefully La Russa does not see that highlight. One can just imagine him shuffling angrily to the fridge, popping open a cold beer, and grumbling about “those damned kids disrespecting the game.” Even though he is not managing Licey, he probably benched Mercedes out of principle.

In all seriousness, Mercedes needed that home run to potentially get back on track offensively. He had been struggling during his time in the DOWL, with just 12 hits, including two doubles and a homer, in his 68 plate appearances. While he continued to make excellent contact, with just six strikeouts, that contact was not doing anything.

It is possible that Mercedes gets another look with the White Sox next year. Even with that slump and his lost confidence following La Russa’s tirade, he was still a league average bat. He can, theoretically, play several different positions, including catcher, although none of them quite well. Mercedes may not be done in Chicago just yet.

Unless, of course, he continues to hit bombs on 3-0. In that case, one has to imagine that La Russa will be forced to keep Mercedes in the minors for the good of the game or whatever out of touch nonsense he believes.

Yermin Mercedes launched another homer on a 3-0 count. Somewhere, Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa is fuming.