If there were any concerns about how dynamic shortstop Tim Anderson and old school manager Tony La Russa would get along, Chicago White Sox fans can breathe a sigh of relief at the start of spring training.
Anderson, who with a laugh said he wouldn’t “change my style, the way I play” after the White Sox signed the 76-year-old La Russa in October, said he came to camp early just to sit down and talk to his team. new manager.
Anderson, 27, who hit .322 in 2020 after winning the American League batting title in 2019, said she got a chance to meet him and likes what he sees.
“Just seeing what page you’re on is definitely amazing,” Anderson told reporters Monday in Glendale, Arizona. “Just having conversations with him, very motivating.
“The drive to want to win, he has. I’m behind him 110 percent. That’s the bottom line, is to win and win a World Series here. I’m behind him.”
La Russa, in his second spell with the White Sox 34 years after he was fired, has a record of 2,728-2,365 with six pennants in 33 seasons with Chicago, Oakland and St. Louis. Only Hall of Famers Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGray (2,762) have more wins.
But he hasn’t filled out a lineup card since the Cardinals beat Texas in Game 7 of the 2011 World Series, and he’s well aware of that.
“One of the players asked me: ‘Hey, you were nervous [after addressing the team Monday]? ‘”La Russa said.” I said,’ Yes. ‘ … It means that you care and understand that the unknown is out there. The challenge of the competition “.
Anderson said: “I think he’s pretty solid. So far, everything has been great. The things he’s been preaching have been good. I think we have the right man. I hope so.”
La Russa is no stranger to managing great personalities. He had Rickey Henderson and José Canseco in Oakland. And his closer there, Dennis Eckersley, was known for raising his fist, taking aim at opponents, and firing imaginary weapons at them after strikeouts.
Anderson said he’s at a point where he “can tell him what he wants” after their face-to-face meeting.
“I’m not afraid of him,” Anderson joked. “Tell that.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.