The Chicago White Sox have been connected to several big names in their search for a manager, but Tony La Russa had reportedly emerged as the favorite this week in part because of his great relationship with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Appearing on WEEI's Ordway, Merloni and Fauria as Thursday's Mystery Guest, NESN analyst Dennis Eckersley said he had actually spoken to La Russa -- whom he played under for 11 seasons from 1987-1997 -- on Thursday morning.
While Eckersley said he wouldn't go into details of their conversation, he did say that his gut tells him that La Russa, now 76, will ultimately not take the job.
"I just talked to Tony this morning. I wouldn't tell you what we talked about, but my gut tells me no," Eckersley said. "That's the only situation he would go to, though, because he has such a great relationship with Reinsdorf.
"But it doesn't make any sense, does it? I mean, it just doesn't. But if Tony wants to do it, he's gonna do it. My gut tells he won't, or they won't. One or the other."
La Russa hasn't managed since he retired after leading the Cardinals to a World Series title in 2011.
He has remained involved in the game, however, first working in the league office, then as the Diamondbacks' chief baseball officer, then as the Red Sox' vice president and special assistant to Dave Dombrowski for two years, and most recently as a senior adviser for the Angels.