MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 14: Tony La Russa #22 of the Chicago White Sox looks on before the start of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on July 14, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The White Sox defeated the Twins 12-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Miguel Cairo is one possible Tony La Russa replacement for the Chicago White Sox to consider but so are these three other candidates.
Tony La Russa’s time with the Chicago White Sox may be coming to a close. The team shared a recent update on his health and La Russa has been told to not return to the team for the rest of the 2022 season.
It’s unfortunate that things may end this way with La Russa and his return from retirement. He was already on the hot seat because of the way the team underperformed. Bench coach Miguel Cairo will finish the year as the team’s skipper, but he might not be the best option for next season.
With La Russa not returning this year and possibly stepping away from the job entirely, these three candidates stand out as possible replacements.
1) White Sox should be the ones to give Joe Espada a chance
Joe Espada has been a managerial candidate for several years. Never the bride and always the bridesmaid, the bench coach of the Houston Astros is the obvious future manager to eventually replace Dusty Baker. However, with Baker doing his job well, that might not happen for a few more years.
The White Sox could use a much different manager than La Russa. Someone younger and more relatable to players would be the complete opposite. Espada fits this billing.
From almost the moment he took over as the member of the White Sox, there seemed to be a poor relationship between him and the players. The team played well in year one under his guidance. This season, in so many ways, has been disastrous.
Espada is unproven as a skipper but often a favorite to get hired every winter. He should, once again, be a contender for every available job.