Marcus Stroman is a free agent but don’t expect the pitcher to listen to any potential offers from the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox announced the surprise hiring of Tony La Russa in late October, one day after the 76-year-old was formally charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) stemming from an alleged incident in February, and Stroman made several pointed comments Tuesday about Chicago’s new manager.
The report of La Russa’s DUI didn’t become public until earlier this week and Stroman was replying to a tweet from baseball writer Keith Law that was critical of the White Sox for choosing La Russa. Stroman described the hiring as “baffling on all measures.”
La Russa began his managing career all the way back in 1979 with the White Sox and he is friends with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
The Hall of Famer, who hasn’t managed since retiring in 2011 following a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals, was criticized by some for his 2016 comments questioning the sincerity of former NFL star Colin Kaepernick’s gesture of kneeling during the U.S. national anthem.
The three-time World Series champ and four-time Manager of the Year was asked about that at his introductory press conference two weeks ago.
“I know in 2016, when the first issue occurred, my initial instincts were all about respecting the flag and the anthem and what America stands for,” La Russa said. “A lot has gone on in a very healthy way since 2016, and not only do I respect but I applaud the awareness that has come into not just society but especially in sports. If you talk about baseball, specifically, I applaud and support the fact they are now addressing, identifying the injustices, especially on the racial side. As long as it’s peacefully protested and sincere.”
As part of the aforementioned Twitter thread, one user asked the pitcher how much money it would take for him to play for La Russa, who the user described as “an old and seemingly racist alcoholic,” to which Stroman replied: “No amount of money honestly. Peace of mind is always a priority.”
Stroman did not pitch in 2020 after missing the beginning of the season with an injury then electing to opt out of the season. The 29-year-old split the 2019 season between the Blue Jays and Mets.
