(670 The Score) Two weeks into White Sox manager Tony La Russa’s medical leave of absence, players aren’t mincing words about how the vibe has changed in the clubhouse.
In a well-reported USA Today Sports article by Bob Nightengale, closer Liam Hendriks and infielder Josh Harrison directly credited acting manager Miguel Cairo for helping spur the White Sox’s improved play. Chicago is 9-4 since La Russa left the team before its game on Aug. 30, and it trails AL Central-leading Cleveland by three games entering play Tuesday.
“We battled through a lot of things this year, and going through all of those obstacles, fighting and grinding is only going to help us,” Hendriks told USA Today Sports. “It’s made us hungrier and more apt to find that next level.
“We didn’t have that fight earlier. We didn’t have that drive. We didn’t have that hunger. Now, that has all changed. Destiny is in our hands."
Hendriks explained that Cairo had a direct approach as soon as he took over in the dugout, and that helped spark the White Sox.
“He told us pretty much, 'If you don’t want to be here, then get the (expletive) out,'" Hendriks told USA Today Sports. “It was eye-opening to some guys who really have never been told no.
“There needs to be repercussions. There needs to be some kind of a risk and reward. That was one thing that reverberated with some guys.
“The message really hasn’t changed at all for us this year, but it was a different viewpoint, a different verbiage, a different way of delivering."
Harrison echoed Hendriks’ sentiment by indicating the White Sox needed to hear a new voice.
“Let’s put it this way, you can tell your kids something, and they don’t listen,” Harrison said, according to USA Today Sports. “Someone else tells them the same thing, and they get the message. It’s put up or shut up time.
“Miggy has done a great job bringing energy to the team.”
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