(670 The Score) Tony La Russa has interviewed with the White Sox for their managerial opening and remains a top candidate in the search, two sources confirmed Wednesday.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn and executive vice president Kenny Williams each had conversations with the 76-year-old La Russa. The interview process included the White Sox expressing what they’re looking for in a new manager as well as Hahn and Williams asking pointed questions about La Russa’s vision and his readiness to handle the White Sox’s talented young players, sources said.
La Russa was the White Sox’s manager from 1979-’86 before going on to lead the Athletics and Cardinals. He hasn’t managed since leading the Cardinals to a World Series championship in 2011. La Russa has a close personal relationship with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, but there are many factors that will go into his candidacy beyond that.
The White Sox are hoping to name their new manager in the next 10 days to two weeks. The White Sox have interviewed some other candidates already, sources said without disclosing the names of those candidates.
The White Sox want their next manager to have input on potential player acquisitions this offseason. That process begins when free agency opens shortly after the World Series ends. The Dodgers and Rays are set to play Game 2 on Tuesday night.
La Russa is a Hall of Famer whose 2,728 victories are the third-most all time among managers. He led the Athletics to a championship in 1989 and the Cardinals to titles in 2006 and 2011.
After leaving the Cardinals, La Russa didn’t stay out of the game for long. He took a role in the league office, then was the Diamondbacks’ chief baseball officer from 2014 to 2017. In recent years, La Russa has worked for the Red Sox and Angels in an advisory role.
The White Sox fired manager Rick Renteria on Oct. 12 after he had led them for four seasons.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.