Tim Anderson Backs White Sox Manager Tony La Russa '110 Percent' After Meeting

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa has the support of star player Tim Anderson after a one-on-one meeting ahead of spring training.

"Just to see what page he's on is definitely awesome," Anderson told reporters Monday. "Just have conversations with him, very motivating. The drive to want to win, he has that. I'm behind him 110 percent. That's the ultimate goal, is to win and to win a World Series here. I'm behind him."

Anderson had previously said he wasn't happy with the team's hiring of the 76-year-old La Russa, who has an old-school approach to the game and has criticized players for breaking the unwritten rules of the sport.

The shortstop has since changed his mind after arriving early to speak to the new manager.

Anderson also had a "good talk" with La Russa on the phone in November, saying "we start at zero" with the opportunity to develop a new relationship, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

The 27-year-old is known for his energy on the field, which sometimes includes bat flips or what some consider excessive celebration. He is also one of the best players in the majors at his position, winning a battle title in 2019 while finishing seventh in American League MVP voting in 2020.

He ended last year with a .322 batting average, 10 home runs and a career-high .886 OPS in 49 games during the pandemic-shortened season.

Meanwhile, La Russa is returning to the clubhouse for the first time since retiring after the 2011 season. The three-time World Series champion will hope to get the most out of the club and reach Chicago's lofty expectations in 2021.   

A positive relationship between the manager and one of the team's best players is a good place to start.