May 25, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon (70) on the field before the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this year. Not only were they expected to run away with the AL Central, but they were viewed as one of the leading contenders to be the American League entrant in the World Series.
That has not been the case. Not only have the White Sox struggled to remain over .500 this year, but they have work to do to get into the postseason. The White Sox are third in the Central and are behind three teams for the final Wild Card berth. This is not what anyone had in mind at the start of the year.
Three managerial candidates if Chicago White Sox fire Tony La Russa
Those struggles can be placed directly at the feet of Tony La Russa. He was already a controversial hiring when he took over prior to the 2021 campaign, but the White Sox performance makes it even worse. His questionable managerial decisions, tendency to fall asleep in the dugout, and inability to connect with modern players make is appear as though he is what is holding the White Sox back.
There have been calls for much of the year for the White Sox to fire La Russa. At this point, anything short of a late season charge to get into the playoffs should result in his being let go. Of course, one could argue that he never should have been hired in the first place, but that is an argument for Jerry Reinsdorf.
Tony La Russa should be on the hot seat for the Chicago White Sox. Let’s look at three managers that could replace him if he is fired.
Joe Maddon
The Los Angeles Angels wanted to pin their struggles this season on Joe Maddon. Maybe he was not the problem.
The Angels had gone from a ten game winning streak earlier in the year to a 14 game losing streak. Maddon, who appeared to have finally worked his magic, was made the scapegoat, fired with a 27-29 record. As it turns out, he was not the issue as Phil Nevin has a 23-35 record entering Sunday.
Maddon had a track record of success prior to his time in Los Angeles, taking the Rays and Cubs to the World Series. He has long been regarded as one of the best managerial minds in the game, someone who is frequently a step or two ahead. Add in his ability to connect with his players and keep a locker room loose, and he could be just what the Chicago White Sox need.
The question is whether or not Maddon would want to manage again. He will be 69 years old at the start of next season and was already staring down retirement. After his time in Los Angeles, he may not be willing to take on another managerial role. Nonetheless, he is someone that the White Sox should call.
Joe Maddon has the credentials to take over for Tony La Russa. The only question is whether or not he would want to.
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
Joe Girardi
Joe Girardi was another manager who was fired due to a disappointing start to the 2022 campaign. However, it is possible to lay that blame at his feet.
Just like the White Sox, the Phillies were expected to contend for the postseason. And, like the White Sox and the aforementioned Angels, they struggled at the start of the year, getting off to a 22-29 start before Girardi was fired.
However, since that point, the Phillies have taken off. Interim manager Rob Thomson has completely changed the vibe of the clubhouse, being lauded for his communication and giving the younger players a chance. Girardi may well have been the problem.
But this could be a learning experience. He had not faced anything close to the same adversity in New York, where he won a World Series and brought the Yankees to the postseason in six of his ten years at the helm. He does have the resume that the Chicago White Sox could look for, even if he may not be a given.
Joe Girardi will get another chance to manage if he wants. The Chicago White Sox could be a perfect opportunity.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
Ozzie Guillen
If there is anyone who would be the polar opposite of Tony La Russa, it would be Ozzie Guillen.
The manager when the Chicago White Sox last won the World Series in 2005, Guillen is still beloved by the fans. He is a part of the organization’s pre and post game show, remaining around the team and would be a familiar face in the dugout. That would lessen any possible adjustment period.
Guillen is also someone that would let the players be themselves. His larger than life personality would compliment the players celebrating with bat flips and showing emotion, allowing them to ignore those “unwritten rules” that La Russa is so adamant about following. At the same time, he is the type of manager that generates loyalty from his charges as he has typically been able to get the best out of his roster.
There are concerns with Guillen. He speaks his mind without a filter, something that can land him in a great deal of hot water from time to time. But he is interested in managing again and received consideration for the Padres’ job this past offseason. He could return to a major league bench at some point in time.
Next. Time for these teams to stop expecting a turnaround. dark
If that happens, it should be with the Chicago White Sox. Ozzie Guillen could be exactly what that team needs.
