Tony LaRussa Retiring: Could He Join Chicago White Sox in Consultant Role?

Tony LaRussa has retired as St. Louis Cardinals manager, announcing his retirement at a news conference Monday morning.  LaRussa won his third World Series title three days earlier.  Before winning World Series titles with the Oakland Athletics and the Cardinals, LaRussa managed the Chicago White Sox for eight years, leading the White Sox to four winning seasons and one division title.  White Sox fans might wonder if LaRussa could return to the White Sox in some role.

Announcing retirement doesn't always mean permanent retirement for managers and coaches.  However, LaRussa is finished after 33 years as a manager.  LaRussa has had plenty of success.  With 2,728 wins, LaRussa retires third among managers in that category.  LaRussa has been named Manager of the Year four times.

Also, LaRussa has suffered heartache as a manager.  In the last 10 years, two of LaRussa's players, Darryl Kile and Josh Hancock, died during the season.

Beyond those accolades, LaRussa goes out on top having won the World Series in his final year.

Now, LaRussa may consider his options.  LaRussa might like to coach in some capacity.  Some network or team could call him to enter the broadcast booth.  He could take another low-pressure baseball job.  Since LaRussa has a law degree, he could become a lawyer or an agent.

Being that his heart is in baseball, LaRussa likely won't leave the game to venture into law.

His first team, the White Sox, could have need of his services.  The White Sox are going in a new direction with their new manager, Robin Ventura.  Ventura may need extra support.  Since Jerry Reinsdorf was the chairman of the White Sox, LaRussa remains connected with the organization.

Knowing Reinsdorf gives LaRussa familiarity with the franchise.  LaRussa understands the demands of working for Reinsdorf.

Consultant Role with White Sox Could Fit LaRussa Well

LaRussa could be looking for a low-pressure position having just retired from managing.  Managing is very stressful and takes a great deal of energy.  Thus, taking a broadcasting job might not suit him since broadcasters are constantly on the go, preparing for broadcasts, broadcasting and doing shows, among other tasks.

Becoming a coach could bring unnecessary pressure.  LaRussa might deal with a schedule that is more demanding than he desires.  Also, LaRussa could face the media pressure that he resents.

Becoming a consultant would be perfect for LaRussa.  LaRussa would have minor duties and face little pressure.  Moreover, LaRussa could remain close to the game.

The White Sox could be interested in LaRussa.  Ventura needs as much guidance as possible.  More experienced baseball men are better.  LaRussa has a great deal of wisdom from his 33 years of managing.  Ventura could meet with LaRussa a couple times each week to discuss ideas for guiding the White Sox.

The White Sox Want White Sox Blood

Kenny Williams has built a team of people with prior association with the White Sox.  Despite his lack of coaching experience, Ventura played 10 years with the White Sox.  The White Sox retain Harold Baines.  

On Monday, the White Sox hired Jeff Manto as hitting coach and Joe McEwing as third base coach.  McEwing had coached for three years in the White Sox minor league system.  Manto had been a hitting instructor in the White Sox minor league system for four years.

LaRussa is part of the White Sox ilk.  Having spent eight years managing the White Sox, LaRussa fits the White Sox identity.

Williams might want to give LaRussa a call.