Tony La Russa’s managing was a big part of the White Sox problems.
La Russa’s management did not help the Sox either.
He managed the game like it was a decade ago as suggested by the Athletic’s national baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal.
"Tony, it’s more obvious every day: Cairo is doing a better job."
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 14, 2022
In an open letter, @Ken_Rosenthal writes that Tony La Russa stepping down as White Sox manager might save their season:https://t.co/RE9isdwgYM pic.twitter.com/zRAIzcWcyr
He made a lot of odd decisions this year like intentionally walking a batter with a 1-2 count only to see the next batter crush a home run that put a game out of reach.
La Russa emphasized that White Sox hitters make more contact than trying to hit home runs or take more walks. Playing in a home run-friendly ballpark, it would make sense to work the count and hit the ball far. Instead, Tony wanted to play small ball with a team constructed to hit the long ball.
That is why the Sox did not go far this season.
Rosenthal also insinuated that Tony did not collaborate with his coaches or the front office. He believed being a Hall of Fame manager required no one else’s input but his own.
He also lacked a sense of urgency or provided some passion to the team.
He resisted giving a fiery speech to motivate the team to play better baseball. One of the first things interim manager Miguel Cairo did was tell the players if they were not willing to give effort then they can leave.
"“He told us pretty much, ‘If you don’t want to be here, then get the (expletive) out,'” All-Star closer Liam Hendriks told USA TODAY Sports. “It was eye-opening to some guys who really have never been told no.”"
That helped spur the Sox to play better baseball and almost get back to within a chance of winning the division.
Alas, the Sox dug themselves a hole that they could not get out of. La Russa’s managing was one of the shovels that helped with the digging.