Rick

Renteria

Before there is any further griping about Cash’s early hook on Blake Snell in Game 6 of the World Series, remember that the BBWAA’s ballots are all submitted before the start of the postseason. Rick Renteria, who was let go by the White Sox last month, has also been named a finalist. Blue Jays skipper Charlie Montoyo is the other. The winner of this award will be revealed next Tuesday night at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Network.

La Russa is a special assistant in the Angels organization, which is why they had to grant permission for the Sox to bring La Russa into the process. It’s still hard to imagine the club will hand the keys to their Porsche to the 76-year-old La Russa, who hasn’t managed since he won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011, but apparently they’re at least serious enough about it to get permission from the Halos. It would stand to reason A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora, among others, will also be part of the process as the Sox look to replace the departed Rick Renteria.

Some of the early speculation has been focused on Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch as Rick Renteria’s replacement, but we didn’t see this one coming. La Russa is 76 years old and hasn’t managed in the majors since 2011, turning down multiple opportunities in recent seasons, but the Hall of Famer has a close relationship with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. It would be full circle for La Russa in a sense, as he began his managerial career with the White Sox from 1979-1986. One thing we do know is that the White Sox will have no shortage of interested candidates for one of the most appealing situations in the game.

This will go down as a transformative day for the White Sox, who mutually agreed to part ways with manager Rick Renteria on Monday after four seasons. Cooper might be the bigger move, as he has been the team’s pitching coach since mid-way through the 2002 season. “The front office and White Sox fans owe a debt of gratitude to Don for everything he did over the years,” said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. The organization had a successful 2020 season on the whole, arriving sooner than some expected, but they’ll now look for the staff which will take them to the next level.

The announcement comes as quite the shock after the White Sox made the playoffs this year with a 35-25 record, giving them a tie for second place in the AL Central. They went on to be eliminated by the Athletics in the Wild Card Series. Renteria compiled a 236-309 (.433) record over four seasons at the helm. With the young and talented roster the White Sox have, it is going to be a very desirable job in the coming weeks.

He should be back later this week. Assistant pitching coach Curt Hasler will have the main duties for the Detroit series.

The status of the White Sox was previously unclear, but a report in The Athletic confirms that they can now be included with the other 29 teams. 13 teams have confirmed that they’ll pay the $400 weekly stipends through September 7, which was originally scheduled to be the conclusion of the minor league season.

Renteria came down with a slight cough and nasal congestion on Monday, but thankfully he tested negative for COVID-19. White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing is in charge of the team for now and said Tuesday afternoon that Renteria “sounded great.” Everyone involved is taking precautions, but it sounds like he should be back soon barring something unexpected.

Renteria hung back at the team hotel in Cleveland on Monday after waking up with a slight cough and nasal congestion, but it sounds like he was simply dealing with common cold symptoms or allergies. The skipper could be present at Progressive Field for Tuesday’s doubleheader between the White Sox and Indians.

“Manager Ricky Renteria awoke this morning with a slight cough and nasal congestions,” White Sox manager Rick Hahn wrote in a statement. “After consulting with our team doctors, Ricky underwent precautionary testing today at a Cleveland hospital. Out of abundance of caution, Ricky will remain at the team hotel until we receive confirmation of today’s test results.” In Renteria’s absence, bench coach Joe McEwing will act as manager.