Should the Chicago White Sox fire Tony La Russa?

The question, though, isn’t will the Chicago White Sox fire La Russa – it’s should they.

This author had reservations when La Russa was hired. Not because of his age, but because it was unclear if his old-school attitude would fit with a team built around having fun. Also, his time away from the dugout – over a decade – was a concern. However, he is a proven winner and perhaps his experience and past success would help him guide the team out of the rebuilding era and into its championship window.

Perhaps he could help a young, talented bunch win the World Series.

Instead, he was outmanaged in the 2021 playoffs against Houston, and he’s committed blunder after blunder in 2022. Remember the Max Muncy intentional walk with two strikes? There have also been constant questions about the lineup construction.

By all indicators, the Chicago White Sox will not fire manager Tony La Russa during the 2022 season, barring some unusually bad losing streak.

Fact is, La Russa is managing a team with World Series expectations that is hovering around .500 at the All-Star break.

There are other factors at play, however. Factors that might let La Russa off the hook – or even work in his defense.

For example, injuries have decimated the Sox throughout the season. La Russa has often been working with a team filled with backups starting in place of talented stars. At times, the roster has been filled with minor leaguers called up to fill space.

Is it La Russa’s fault that normally reliable veteran hitters have gone cold at times? Or maybe that’s on hitting coach Frank Menechino, or the players themselves? How much is La Russa responsible for inexcusable defensive lapses? Probably to some extent, but the players must also take the blame.

It’s also undeniable that despite a hugely disappointing first half that has caused Sox fans a lot of angst, the team still has a chance to vault back into first place, thanks in part to a weak division and in part to a run of well-played games in the lead-up to the break. The bats woke up against division rival – and current first-place holder – Minnesota.

I am not defending La Russa here, nor calling for his firing – just saying that reasonable arguments can be made both ways. It’s not obvious that he should be canned, nor is it obvious that the Sox’s problems aren’t his fault and he should be kept in there until things improve.

The question remains – is La Russa the right fit for a young, talented team in the middle of its championship window? Is the veteran manager someone who can help lead the squad through the adversity of a tough first half and deep into the playoffs – perhaps all the way to winning it all? Or has the game passed him by? Is he the wrong guy to lead this collection of personalities? Are his in-game mistakes costing the Sox too many games? Will an in-game mistake cost them a playoff game – or series?

The answers may reveal themselves over the second half of the season.

Most baseball reporting suggests that La Russa is safe in his job, at least until season’s end, because White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who hired La Russa to make amends for firing him decades ago, prizes loyalty and won’t fire his friend during the season unless he’s forced to. So even if it becomes clear that La Russa needs to go, he may stay until the season’s final out is recorded.

Again, though, the question isn’t will he go, but should he. So, Sox fans, if you had the power, what would you do? Fire La Russa now and hope it sparks the Sox to a strong second-half run? Wait until the season is over? Let the rest of this season play out and see if he can lead the team to the playoffs after all – and perhaps deep into October?

If you decide he should finish 2022, does the playoff result matter? Would you fire him if the team has another first-round out but keep him if they lose in the league championship series or World Series?

Or, perhaps, regardless of how the Sox finish, you’d rather keep him and give him another shot in 2023, with a full spring training and a hopefully fully healthy squad?

If the Sox are hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy in October, the point is probably moot. But otherwise, the question remains – is Tony La Russa the right manager for the 2022 Chicago White Sox and beyond?