CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- A day after defending his decision to call for a sacrifice bunt that turned out to be unsuccessful in a 4-3 loss to the Tigers on Saturday, White Sox manager Tony La Russa on Sunday explained the choice at length.
With runners at first and second and no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning Saturday, La Russa directed utilityman Danny Mendick to sacrifice bunt.
It was unsuccessful, as he bunted into a fielder's choice with the Tigers forcing out the runner at third, and the rally soon ended. On Sunday, La Russa again expressed his steadfast belief that the bunt can be a key tool and reiterated that it was the right process with star shortstop Tim Anderson and second baseman Nick Madrigal following in the order.
"Do you think the bunt is something you put in your pocket and never use?" La Russa said. "Yesterday, you have first and second and down a run. Mendick doesn't play every day and didn't have two great at-bats, and he is an excellent executioner of the bunt. I can't believe anyone would say getting the runs to second and third with Anderson and Madrigal coming up would say it's a wasted out. I do believe the beautiful part of this game is there is no sport the fans or media can be more interactive in than baseball. I never get bothered by it, because it's a beautiful part of our game. I just think you can't go into a game and not have a scripted idea based on percentages into a game (you manage). This is my opinion. Each game, you must watch make your decisions. I am just glad someone is interested enough to pay attention. That is as long-winded I can be about the subject. You trust your gut and don't cover your butt."
La Russa began managing in the big leagues in 1979, which marked the start of his first stint with the White Sox. So being criticized for in-game decisions is nothing new for him.
"I don't think that the questions are all that new," La Russa said. "I remember as a young manager in Chicago and Oakland getting questions about moves. I do think that most coaches agree now if something works, it's a good decision. And if it doesn't, someone will question it and disagree. Probably the added piece is that there is a real infusion from upstairs (in the front office) about game strategies. (That) has changed the most. It is true in baseball, football and basketball. The stolen base and bunt and even how you use your lineup (includes more front office input)."
La Russa also shared advice for those who second-guess. He would like them to share and chart their first-guess every time.
"When a situation comes up, he or she should write down what should happen," La Russa said. "At that point, you will see how the manager's tragedy went. A lot of times it boils down to if it works, it was good. And if it doesn't work, it's bad. It just frees you up to do what is best, otherwise you will never know what you thought was right."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
