White Sox: Tony La Russa Steps Down as Manager, Admits He Did Not Do His Job

Tony La Russa announced his retirement Monday. The Hall of Fame Chicago White Sox manager left the dugout following his doctor's advice after undergoing a medical procedure on his pacemaker.

In addition, La Russa stated that a physical examination revealed a second health condition preventing him from managing the White Sox in 2023.

Yahoo Sports reported that La Russa asked for privacy about his health concerns, but he did not clarify the "second medical issue." However, he said that his overall prognosis is good.

The Athletics' reporter to White Sox, James Fegan, tweeted La Russa's statement about his retirement, highlighting a quote: "Our record is proof. I did not do my job."

Chicago White Sox Lates Disappointment, Another Reason for Tony La Russa Retirement

The Sox fired then-manager Rick Renteria following the shortened 2020 season, even though he led them to their first postseason trip since 2008.

It is said that owner Jerry Reinsdorf made the unexpected choice and subsequently ordered the employment of La Russa, although he had not served as manager since 2011.

La Russa initially led the White Sox as Reinsdorf's manager from 1979 until midway through the 1986 season. According to CBS Sports, he led them to a division championship in 1983 and a 99-win season during his first stint with them.

In 2021, the White Sox won the American League Central after La Russa's second stint with the team. The Sox were eliminated from the postseason's first round, just like in Renteria's final season in 2020, and their winning percentage dropped compared to that year.

Then, the team started weak this year, and they never recovered. White Sox under La Russa finished 78-80 and did not make the playoffs, one of the biggest disappointments in MLB this season.

La Russa faced considerable criticism for his unconventional strategies. On numerous occasions, he even issued walks to hitters with 1-2 counts.

Who Will Replace Tony La Russa?

The Chicago White Sox will now search for a new manager for the fourth time in the past eight seasons following Tony La Russa's retirement. Rick Hahn, the general manager of the White Sox, initially preferred A.J. Hinch over La Russa.

They will soon start compiling a list of potential managerial candidates, including Mike Shildt, Bruce Bochy, Joe Espada, and George Lombard.

On the other hand, Carlos Beltran is one person who might suit the bill perfectly. Throughout his 20-year career, the nine-time All-Star was a respected member of the team and a leader in the clubhouse.

However, USA Today noted that when his name appeared in MLB's investigation into the Astros' 2017 cheating scandal, the New York Mets terminated him before managing a single game.

The young Guardians are threatening to take over the division, so the White Sox must act fast and boldly if they want to have any chance of winning.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

Watch: White Sox manager Tony La Russa will retire, Bob Nightengale reports - From NBC Sports Chicago