SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — More than a year removed from managing his last game with the White Sox in 2022, Tony La Russa is feeling well and healthy and staying involved in the organization as a senior adviser.
‘‘That type of experience is invaluable in the team-building aspect with so many little pieces that go into a major-league club,’’ first-year general manager Chris Getz said Tuesday. ‘‘There is going to be mentoring with some of our minor-league coaches and our players, as well. He’s an asset. I’m going to take advantage of [having] him.’’
After coming out of retirement and guiding the Sox to the American League Central title in 2021, La Russa didn’t finish the 2022 season in his second tour of managing the team because of heart issues and cancer.
But La Russa, 79, a close friend of chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, is enjoying improved health and has been watching prospects and the major-league team since the summer.
‘‘Tony is going to be around,’’ Getz said. ‘‘We’re going to use him as a resource.’’
Difficult decision on Anderson
Getz said it was a difficult decision to decline the $14 million club option for 2024 on shortstop Tim Anderson — and not just because he is his son’s favorite player.
‘‘We had 101 losses last year, so we have to fill so many holes on our club in both near term and long term,’’ Getz said. ‘‘We are open to bringing TA back, but he’s earned the right to see if there is a better opportunity for him.’’
Anderson, 30, was coming off his worst season offensively and again was inconsistent defensively, and Getz is emphasizing defense in 2024 and beyond.
This and that
Reliever Gregory Santos is rehabbing a strained right flexor, but Getz said: ‘‘Everything’s been really positive with how he’s feeling, how he’s healing. All the testing has been an indication that he should be on track to come back.’’
• Getz didn’t rule out Yoan Moncada playing second base, first base or the outfield to expand his versatility, but he acknowledged third base ‘‘is his best position.’’
