If you’re just getting caught up on today’s news, there’s a lot to unpack.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa officially stepped down in a press conference and released a statement just moments prior. Not long after, Rick Hahn took the podium and acknowledged the team’s managerial search. He went so far as to explain the following qualities the club will be looking for in candidates during the interview process:
- Recent experience in the dugout with a team that has experienced championships.
- Managerial experience is NOT a requirement.
- Excellent communicator who understands the way of the game; has grown and evolved but has “old school sensibilities.”
- Having a “White Sox DNA” is NOT a requirement.
It’s with that last bullet point, however, where there’s an asterisk.
“The one exception to that is Miguel Cairo, based on how he has performed as acting manager, absolutely deserves an interview and will receive one,” Hahn explained.
Cairo, 48, took over for the White Sox once La Russa left the team with health issues on August 30. Since then, Cairo has led the team to a 16-14 record and made headlines as the team jumped out to a 13-6 start.
The former MLB player has served as La Russa’s bench coach for the past two seasons and has shown that he possesses some great leadership qualities. Even during the team’s late collapse after their hot stretch, Cairo refreshingly did not hesitate to call out his own mistakes or his players’ lack of energy and accountability.
Hahn has previously made statements about the White Sox’s hiring process being too insular, so it’s not likely that the team decides to forego a managerial search outside of the organization – especially given his comments today. However, Cairo will undoubtedly still be interviewed for the position, and until the club gives more information about his future, he should be considered a viable candidate for the role.
Who do you want the White Sox to hire as their next manager? Share your thoughts by participating in our fan survey and check out our list of 10 candidates the team should consider.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates throughout this process.
Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
