The White Sox are 3.5 games out of the lead in the American League Central. They went into the season with a good chance of making the playoffs, but ended up being the American League's most underachieving team.
La Russa said that fans should get excited about realistic expectations. There isn't a free lunch if there is disappointment.
The manager doesn't have free lunch.
The chants of "fire Tony" became the anthem in the stands during the first half. After a road trip that ended with a win, the noise has quieted down a bit. Despite their poor start, Chicago's playoff odds have remained at 41%.
They can point to any number of statistics that have prevented them from moving past.500.
They are ranked 18th in starter's pitchers' average.
They are ranked 29th in fielding percentage and 21st in defensive runs saved.
They rank in the middle of the pack against right-handed pitchers.
They are 29th in baseball at the plate.
They've made the third most outs at the base.
Their home record is a poor one.
No one is blaming the first half numbers. There is only one thing that the entire city is talking about, and that is how La Russa still has a job.
La Russa's "no free lunch" idea is not exactly true. In-season, other teams in the same situation have fired their managers. Philadelphia got back into the playoffs after they got rid of Joe. The LA Angels did the same thing as Joe Maddon. The BlueJays had a winning record in the most competitive division.
La Russa seems to have the full support of the team owner in Chicago. No comment was made for this story.
His players continue to have La Russa's back and place some of the blame on their own.
Liam Hendriks said that you have to remember why he is in the Hall of Fame. He made decisions in the past that worked out. We aren't performing but he is making similar decisions. It doesn't have anything to do with Tony's decisions. We are not succeeding like last year because we are being called into positions. It is on us.
There have been more than occasional head-scratching moves from La Russa, like intentionally walking Trea Turner on a 1-2 count and then Jose Ramirez on an 0-1 count just before the All-Star break. Players say they are grateful for their manager's willingness to accept their accountability.
Before Tony goes to face the media, he'll come in and say he's taking the blame for the series. Lucas Giolito said that he didn't get him prepared. He is a kind of manager. He wants to make sure we get the best out of ourselves. He's going to be blamed. It helps us focus on what we have to focus on.
La Russa's presence alone takes some of the heat off the players and front office in Chicago. Fans focus on La Russa while players focus on their performance. That is the goal.
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La Russa said that fans should focus on the manager when the club doesn't play well. If they see something that we aren't doing, they question it. They need to. What are you going to do about it?
It doesn't seem like the manager has done much about Chicago's troubles.
One scout said he was waiting for La Russa to wake them up. It might come after the All-Star break.
A team that chases too many pitches, plays poor defense and sits at the top of the league in outs made on the bases doesn't seem to be responding to its manager. The White Bulls look like they're playing under pressure.
Some things are going to happen when you try to play your best. We're not playing the best baseball we can, but we're working hard to get there. The things that are wrong are being fixed by us.
You are accountable for the results based on your responsibilities to the team. It is healthy and realistic. I am responsible for the record. The manager is responsible if we don't play well.
It would be great if the front office could help at the deadline. Significant time missed by a number of key players has been a problem for the White Sox. They have got a big hitter back in the lineup, as well as a catcher who is going to come back soon.
According to sources, the Sox will be adding arms before the trade deadline. There is a need for another left-handed hitter on the roster. Johnny Cueto has been a good starter, but free agent signing Joe Kelly has not lived up to expectations.
With an easier schedule in August and the possibility of deadline reinforcements, the White Sox could be at full strength by then. At that point, the chants from the stands may change.
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There is a story.
The fan's opinion of Tony and the team is something that I respect. I don't agree with them They don't know what goes on in the team. They should not blame him because we are the ones doing it.
The buck stops with the manager even if the players say something. The White Socks are not like most organizations. The owner hired La Russa and he has final say on whether or not he's replaced.
La Russa said that he talked to Jerry occasionally. He was nervous last year when we were in first place and he is the same this year. He wants to see what happens in the end. The organization appreciates the heart of the team that has kept them alive.
It's hard to imagine La Russa coming back for a third season if the White Socks don't make the playoffs. La Russa is willing to take responsibility for the problems.
He said that it was not always smooth sailing from the start. The schedule has a lot of games.
Jack Buck used to say this to me when I was in St. Louis. He said that he's a fan of the Cards. I want the fans to win. I can assure you that no one in this ballpark wants to win more than I do.
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