Things Turn South in the South Side of Chicago

Things turn south in the South Side of Chicago after the White Sox name the new manager

By Michael Foulks, Sports O'Clock Writing Team Member

Tony La Russa next to his HOF plaque at Cellular Park in Chicago (photo credits: IOL Register)

The Chicago White Sox were one of the most talked about teams of the 2020 season. Outside of the San Diego Padres, the sports world took notice of what was happening in the south side of Chicago. Players such as All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu (MVP finalist), Luis Roberts (ROY candidate), and home run pimp job master Tim Anderson, viewers couldn’t get enough of this team. Their season ended in the Wild Card round (1-2 v.s. Oakland As). Their manager did such a good job that it was announced he would be a finalist for the Manager of the Year Award. But, he was let go by the team before the award announcement was made. The White Sox did not waste any time in replacing their old manager, and it was announced they would hire 76-year old Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who hasn't managed a ball club since winning the World Series in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

In my opinion, the only reason they hired La Russa to manage the team was because it was the biggest regret of owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who let La Russa go as manager back in the 1980’s. You can add hiring La Russa back as another regret Reinsdorf will have after next season.

In fact, it is already backfiring as La Russa was arrested for his second DUI just a day before the announcement he would manage the club. According to Jeff Passan, ESPN writer, La Russa told the arresting officer “I’m legit. I’m a Hall of Famer brother”. That is not someone I would want managing my team.

Below is a section of the police report that ESPN obtained in the days following the news.

via: Jeff Passan Twitter account

The worst part of this story is the team knew about this incident and still thought it was a good idea for them to hire "grandpa". From a baseball standpoint, the game has completely changed in the last nine seasons, and for old time baseball players it is tough to change with the times. The White Sox have an opportunity to take control of the division as the Twins are typically a fraudulent team, the Indians are giving up, and the Tigers/Royals are rebuilding. But with La Russa at the helm, I do not expect them to do better than they did this past year. Free agents will not want to play for a reckless drunk, as the past few days pitcher Marcus Stroman said “no amount of money would make me play for him”. The White Sox took two steps forward this season in terms of winning and talent, and with this move they are moving backwards. Only time will tell on how this one will play out, but do not be surprised if it is a disaster.

If the White Sox ownership was smart, they would have hired A.J. Hinch as manager even though he was caught cheating with the Houston Astros. Hinch would have been the perfect fit for a young club like this trying to win a championship. Instead, they let him slip to a division rival.

(All photos are properly cited. No copyright infringement intended.)

Sources: ESPN, Jeff Passan, Chicago Tribune