9 great options to replace Tony La Russa as White Sox manager
By Todd Welter
A.J. Pierzynski would fit in well as the next Chicago White Sox manager.
Pierzynski is one of the most beloved Chicago White Sox catchers in franchise history. The famous “A.J. No K” in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Angels will forever live in Sox lore.
That heads-up play turned the tide of the series and helped the Sox clinch the franchise’s first American League Championship since 1959.
Pierzynski is one of the smartest baseball television analysts in the game. It might be because he was a really good catcher. Some of the best managers the game has ever seen are former catchers.
It is because catchers have to see the game from the pitcher, hitter, and defender perspective. Pierzynski is willing to entertain becoming the next Sox manager should La Russa step down.
A.J. Pierzynski for next White Sox manager?
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) June 12, 2022
He’s close to Jerry Reinsdorf. He knows the game. Sox fans love him, and he loves them back. The marketing department could better sell the team to fans with a known entity like Pierzynski.https://t.co/VTBvHdhe61
One thing is for sure, he has no problem speaking his mind in front of Reinsdorf.
https://twitter.com/NBCSWhiteSox/status/1530972041637244932?s=20&t=6TPH-7spwK-Uk6GvV7PrIQ
Minnesota Twins fans would hate the hiring as well. Besides that, A.J. possess an incredibly smart baseball mind. The only thing he lacks is managing experience.
A team in the middle of a contention window might not be able to take on the risk of a former beloved catcher learning on the job. Then again, he has a close relationship with Jerry Reinsdorf and if an owner is willing to take on that risk, it is Jerry.
Hiring A.J. would be a public relations win but there would be some risks. Pierzynski was known to be a player you loved to have on your team and hated playing against. His personality can rub some people the wrong way so winning over the clubhouse could be a challenge.
The knowledge he has of the game and the fan excitement might be worth the gamble.
Jim Thome might be a candidate the Chicago White Sox front office would like.
Thome is another beloved White Sox former player. He is currently a special assistant to general manager Rick Hahn.
Thome has stated in the past he would never rule out becoming a Major League manager someday.
The Hall of Famer has always been well respected in baseball for being a great teammate and a smart player.
Sandy Alomar calls Jim Thome one of finest people he has ever known . “ I almost had a fist fight with him on a blown coverage play at third base . The manager gave us two different signs . We soon started laughing . Nobody dislikes Jim Thome “
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 11, 2018
Thome’s relationship with the front office would be a 180 from what the Sox have now. Thome would be more likely to cooperate with Hahn than La Russa.
Thome has a good relationship with Reinsdorf. Again, Thome has no managing experience so he comes with the same risks as Pierzynski. What Thome does have over Pierzynski is a relationship with Hahn and Reinsdorf.