Tony La Russa landed the most desirable job available this offseason, managing the up and coming Chicago White Sox. Following his hire, an organization that had so much good will and momentum going forward saw all of it come to an abrupt halt.
On November 9th it was reported that the White Sox new manager, was charged with driving under the influence, after his car ran into a curb and was left smoking on the side of the road.
Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in February and charged with DUI a day before the team hired him, according to court records obtained by ESPN.
News with @pinepaula and @MoynihanCharles: https://t.co/C1lHlik4Zl
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 10, 2020
The news is an embarrassment for the Chicago White Sox who reportedly knew about the incident when they hired him. They are yet to release a statement outside of saying that it is an active investigation and they are looking into it. This is not Tony La Russa’s first DUI either. Back in 2007 while managing the Cardinals, he got arrested after he fell asleep at a traffic light in his car. In La Russa short tenure with the White Sox he has already ruffled feathers, both inside and out of the organization. The White Sox have yet to play a game under La Russa and they are already turning into a circus act.
La Russa Is On The Sox Radar
On October 12th the White Sox announced they were parting ways with manager Rick Renteria. General manager, Rick Hahn said later that day that the new manager ideally would be someone that has recent October experience in a championship organization. It sounded like he was describing AJ Hinch or Alex Cora.
That is why it sounded like a joke when Bob Nightengale reported that the White Sox were interested in hiring Tony La Russa as their new manager.
Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is the #WhiteSox's No. 1 candidate to manage their club. The big question is whether he's willing to come out of retirement. If La Russa decides to stay put, they likely turn to former #Astros manager A.J. Hinch. https://t.co/yL9D8Uv2Vo
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 13, 2020
La Russa does not fit any of the categories Hahn described during his press conference. Fans voiced their objections across social media. However Jerry Reinsdorf has a long history with La Russa and fans watched in horror as the rumors began to grow.
Reinsdorf Goes Over Hahn’s Head
On October 29th the White Sox hired Tony La Russa. Rick Hahn did not seem to pleased during the introductory press conference. It was clear that Jerry Reinsdorf made the decision. Jeff Passan later reported that the move “ruffled feathers” inside the organization and there was concern about his ability to connect with the younger players. Fans were irate about the move.
The hiring of Tony La Russa has ruffled feathers in the White Sox organization. A number of employees have concerns about his ability to connect with younger players and how he will adapt to the field after being away 9 years.
This was a Jerry Reinsdorf decision. Simple as that.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 29, 2020
Given La Russa’s previous comments on issues like showing emotion and kneeling for the anthem, it is fair to wonder how he will connect with the White Sox locker room. Tim Anderson did not appear to be thrilled with the move either. The same day that La Russa was hired Anderson liked a Tweet saying the White Sox were still considering AJ Hinch as manager.
To add insult to injury the White Sox sent out an email announcement that appeared to have AJ Hinch signature on it.
Hall of Fame Committee Is Unhappy That La Russa Came Out Of Retirement
Jon Heyman reported that the committee members that selected La Russa to the Hall of Fame were quote “disturbed” that he came out of retirement.
Tony La Russia’s return to manage was a surprise to committee members who selected him for the Hall of Fame. Jack O’Connell of the BBWAA: “If you’re asking me if that’s disturbing, my answer is yes. We were all assuming his career was finished and the body of work was complete.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 29, 2020
On October 30th Chris “Mad Dog” Russo talked on his show about how the Hall of Fame president called La Russa to express his displeasure with him.
“You could tell the executive committee that puts the managers in the hall of fame were not inthralled with the idea that Tony has come back to play in baseball.”
La Russa Is Yet To Reach Out To Tim Anderson
The fears of La Russa connecting to the players were realized when it was reported that La Russa has yet to speak to Tim Anderson.
Tim Anderson knows everyone is watching how he will mesh with Tony La Russa. He said they haven’t spoken yet. He’s pledged to never change how he plays. He also is going to try to make it work.
“You can’t get sidetracked from what the ultimate goal is”https://t.co/OPws0ei4So
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) November 6, 2020
This may not seem like a big deal on the surface, however a poor relationship between the two could have major ramifications. Anderson is one of the most important members on the team and a vocal leader in the clubhouse. He helped change the White Sox into a fun culture people want to play for.
On multiple occasions in the past La Russa has criticized players that knelt for the national anthem even going as far to say “You’re not going to be out there representing our team and our organization by disrespecting the flag.” This is an issue that is very personal for Anderson as he was one of five White Sox players that kneeled for the anthem. La Russa also criticized Frenado Tatis Jr, who has a similar style of play as Anderson for breaking the “unwritten rules of baseball”. Anderson plays the game with emotion and has no regard for the unwritten rules. He was the catalyst behind the “Change the Game” campaign. So it is understandable why all eyes will be on the La Russa and Anderson relationship.
La Russa tried to ease peoples concerns during his introductory press conference by saying all of the right things. But the fact that he has not talked to Anderson personally and get on the same page of his shortstop is puzzling and makes you question his judgement.
Details Of La Russa’s Arrest Go Public
It was reported that La Russa had obtained his second DUI on November 9th. Details about the arrest were released throughout the day in a report from Jeff Passan. The headlines were an embarrassment for the organization. Not only was this the second time that La Russa has endangered the lives of others he came across as a clown in the police report. According to police after refusing to take a breath test he told police
“Do you see my ring? I’m a Hall of Famer baseball person.
La Russa told police
I’m legit. I’m a Hall of Famer, brother.”
He refused to give ESPN a statement when asked for comment about the incident. The White Sox allegedly knew about the arrest when they hired him but have yet to say anything other than “Because this is an active case we cannot comment further at this time.” If Jerry Reinsdorf is going to go over the head of his general manager to hire La Russa you would think that he would have some sort of plan to address the situation when it eventually came to light.
Marcus Stroman Rules Out White Sox
The Tony La Russa hire has already affected the White Sox chances in free agency. One of the best pitchers available this offseason Marcus Stroman responded to the DUI news by saying.
Smh. 🤦🏾♂️
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 10, 2020
Stroman was not done however. He called the decision to hire La Russa “Baffling on all measures.”
Later when he was asked about how much money it would take for him to play for an old and seemingly racist alcoholic, he said
No amount of money honestly. Peace of mind is always priority.
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 10, 2020
Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets qualifying offer. But you can’t help but wonder if the White Sox made his decision much easier.
Trevor Bauer Comments On La Russa
Trevor Bauer weighed in on the DUI incident during a 20 minuet video on his YouTube channel. He is on the White Sox radar as a potential ace to add to put them over the top.
While Bauer himself remained fairly open minded about playing for the White Sox, he said that having a manager that has off the field issues might affect his decision. While he did not slam the door on playing on the South Side he said hiring La Russa will have consequences for them.
“As an organization, if any free AGENTS are against (la russa’s presence) then it really calls into question the EFFECTIVENESS of a manager being able to lead your team forward. Because now you have,potentially, a player that you would like to sign not be willing to sign with you. If you lose out on that one free agent, that could be the DIFFERENCE between winning the World Series and not”
Hopefully this is not foreshadowing from Bauer. Will will find out as the Tony La Russa circus continues this offseason.
