La Russa expected to join Sox
The Red Sox are expected to announce today that Hall of Fame manager and former Arizona Diamondbacks executive Tony La Russa has joined the organization. La Russa’s exact role is unclear, but a source told the Herald that his next stop will be in Boston following four years in Arizona’s front office, a stint as special assistant to the league’s commissioner and 33 years as a manager with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals.
The 73-year-old La Russa stepped down from his role as Diamondbacks chief baseball analyst two weeks ago. He spent the previous two years as the team’s chief baseball officer.
“I’m not gonna sit home,” La Russa told the Arizona Republic when he stepped down. “I’m gonna do something. I’ve had a few calls already that people are interested. So, we’ll see what’s out there.”
The Red Sox would not confirm or deny that La Russa is joining the organization, but a team source said he will not be new manager Alex Cora’s bench coach. He is expected to take a role in the front office. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in an email that MLB rules don’t allow teams to comment on moves until after the World Series.
La Russa won three World Series titles during more than three decades as a manager. He first won with the Athletics, then won twice with the Cardinals, but his managerial career started with the White Sox in 1979. His nine years on the Chicago bench matched up almost perfectly with Dombrowski’s stint in the White Sox front office.
When La Russa retired from managing after the 2011 season, he joined the league office as a special assistant to commissioner Bud Selig. He also served on a league committee for on-field matters before joining the Diamondbacks’ front office in May 2014.
La Russa was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 2014.