(670 The Score) Since the White Sox introduced Tony La Russa as their new manager in late October, he hadn’t spoken again in a group media setting until Monday, when his ongoing legal matter stemming from a driving under the influence arrest in the Phoenix area in February was resolved. La Russa pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of misdemeanor reckless driving and apologized for his actions.
“I brought this on myself,” La Russa said. “I know it. I feel deep remorse and regret over what I did. It's impossible to explain how daily and deeply this gets at you and bothered me for a long time.
"I am grateful the White Sox are standing by me. Even though this happened before they hired me, I really feel like I let them down and many others -- my family, friends. And starting out in Chicago, I let the fans down.
“I really appreciate the support I have received from the organization, including the players. I know I need to prove myself to everyone both on and off the field.”
It’s on the field where the White Sox have made several key acquisitions since hiring La Russa. They acquired veteran right-hander Lance Lynn from the Rangers and signed outfielder Adam Eaton as well. It has added to La Russa’s excitement.
“I am really excited about the team we will have on the field and the prospects of playing winning baseball,” La Russa said. “That would be contending baseball and contending for a championship. I was hired to help to contribute to this team's chance and goal. I am fired up and intend to do that.”
The 76-year-old La Russa, who has won three World Series in his managerial career, was asked whether the White Sox could be viewed as a championship favorite. While making clear he believes he has a really good team, he warned about getting overconfident.
The White Sox had a breakout 35-25 campaign before losing in the wild-card round to the Athletics this past season. Soon afterward, they fired manager Rick Renteria and replaced him with La Russa.
“There is nothing that makes us think we are the favorites,” La Russa said. "What we should think is that we have a legitimate chance if we go about it exactly right. Getting your mind right in the offseason is a place to start. We must take that into spring training and the long season. Getting into October baseball is what you want and see who is the last team standing. That is what we hope to embrace.
“It's really important that you can't assume that anything will happen unless you make it happen. You must not be afraid of the pressure and the challenge. You must embrace all of that. Part of it is understanding how hard it is to win a division and looking at the success of Minnesota and Cleveland over the last few years.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
