White Sox manager Tony La Russa chats with media for first time this spring

A day after Rick Hahn met with the media, White Sox manager Tony La Russa did the same for the first time this spring.

Today’s discussed topics included the idea of a six-man rotation along with thoughts on the current state of the team. Below is a summary of the key talking points:

Pitching

The starting rotation and the pitching staff, in general, have been the focal point of conversations this spring. Though the idea of a six-man rotation was brought up, La Russa was adamant that the team would not implement such a strategy to start the season. Likewise, he didn’t shy away from concerns that a shortened camp could cause.

“Everyone is worried about the arms,” said Tony La Russa, laying out the concerns of a shortened spring training.

He seems set on a five-man rotation to navigate it. Relatedly, Dallas Keuchel is expected to throw today.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) March 12, 2022

Tony La Russa meeting the media from Sox camp. He says he "definitely wouldn't" have a six-man rotation to start the season, even after discussing impacts on pitchers of this unusual spring. Says a six-week camp readies guys to throw 100 pitches. This will be shorter than that.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 12, 2022

La Russa says starting pitching and depth, in general, will be "the story of at least the first few months" and that "every organization's depth is going to be tapped." Adds to what Rick Hahn emphasized yesterday, when he cited pitching depth as a priority for his front office.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 12, 2022

More from Tony on injury concerns and taking it slow with some guys: "Would rather lose a game than a player." https://t.co/JDVaMS4Dg1
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 12, 2022

Tony La Russa said Michael Kopech hasn’t thrown a live batting practice yet, so they’ll have to watch him closely to see how far along he is for the start of the season. Lance Lynn threw two simulated innings yesterday and Dallas Keuchel is throwing two today.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) March 12, 2022

La Russa said Kopech has thrown bullpen(s?) before camp but no live BP, unlike Lynn, Hendriks, Foster, Crochet who hit ground running throwing live BP yesterday
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) March 12, 2022

Roster Moves

Like all of us, La Russa is hopeful for additional moves to help out the team. Should that not happen for whatever reason, the skipper echoed Hahn’s comments yesterday in saying they can win with what they have in place already.

La Russa hoping/expecting the White Sox will get help as in via trade/free agency.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

La Russa‘s phone rang numerous times during interview, joked that it was Hahn and Williams with news of an acquisition.
In serious vein, they have been busy and hard to reach lately, he said.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) March 12, 2022

La Russa: "Whatever we got, we can win with … If we make a move to get deeper and better, happiness. They are going to try their best, I know that. Whatever they end up giving us, we can get to October with it if we do our jobs."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

La Russa happy with current Sox roster but expects moves: "Nobody's saying 'we're good enough already.' What we've got we can win with. … If we make a move to get deeper and better? Happiness. … Whatever they end up giving us, we can get to October with, if we do our jobs."
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 12, 2022

La Russa agrees with Hahn that adding pitching depth is a priority. Says Sox have guys that can play second base and in the outfield, adds that pitching and defense will be key to team's season.

"When in doubt, add some pitching help."
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 12, 2022

Tony La Russa agreed with Rick Hahn’s comment yesterday that pitching is the most pressing need.

“Pitching and defense is going to be the key to our team. We’ve got enough depth on offense.”

Not to say they won’t add offense, just that one side is more urgent
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) March 12, 2022

Does Tony La Russa expect Kimbrel to be on Opening Day roster? "Yes."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

La Russa says he expects Craig Kimbrel to be on the Sox’ Opening Day roster, but acknowledged the realities of what’s been discussed this winter, saying Kimbrel likes it here but he likes closing, too. Says with a grin that if Sox end up “stuck with him,” he’ll be happy.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) March 12, 2022

Minor League Prospects

La Russa has been impressed by the young talent at Minor League camp. Thinks the White Sox system will move up the rankings quickly with some impact talent.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

Miscellaneous

Abreu and Jimenez expected in camp Monday
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

White Sox are open to the public Sunday at 9 am
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 12, 2022

As a reminder, games are scheduled to begin a week from today, with Opening Day scheduled for April 8 vs. the Tigers, and the home opener for April 12 vs. the Mariners.

Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!

Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter

White Sox manager Tony La Russa chats with media for first time this spring

Pitching

Roster Moves

Minor League Prospects

Miscellaneous

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