While White Sox wait on La Russa, Cairo managing quite well
When the White Sox took the field against Seattle at T-Mobile Park Tuesday night, it marked Miguel Cairo's eighth game as acting manager.
The 48-year-old bench coach is filling in for Tony La Russa, who is still in Arizona undergoing medical testing by his personal physicians, according to the Sox.
Further details on the 77-year-old Hall of Fame manager have not been provided.
In an appearance on WSCR, 670-AM Tuesday, White Sox TV broadcaster Steve Stone said he's been in touch with La Russa, he's feeling "much better" and wouldn't be surprised if he returns this season.
"I do know that when the doctors are absolutely sure that he's entirely healthy, he will come back," Stone said on "The Mully and Haugh Show." "I know that he wants to come back."
While the Sox wait and see on La Russa, Cairo has made a surprisingly smooth transition from coach to manager.
Almost three decades younger than La Russa, Cairo is more relatable to White Sox players and he brings a different - louder - level of energy than La Russa.
White Sox right-hander Johnny Cueto, who started against the Mariners Tuesday night, was Cairo's teammate with the Reds from 2010-12.
Ten years later, they have a similar relationship.
"To me, he's another teammate," Cueto said through a translator. "I treat him with respect but he's just another teammate."
In the Sox's 3-0 loss to Seattle Tuesday, Cueto allowed a run on 5 hits and 3 walks over 6 innings.
The White Sox were held to 7 hits and were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
It's barely been over a week, but Cairo has shown promise as a manager while going 5-3.
The Anaco, Venezuela native said he's literally day-to-day as an MLB manager, but Cairo's made a quick impact, he's aggressive and he also showed his support going nose-to-nose with Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli when the Sox and Twins nearly brawled last Friday night after Andrew Vaughn was hit by a pitch.
"I've got to be Miguel Cairo," said Cairo, who was an infielder for 17 major-league seasons. "I've got a good group of coaches, they're going to help me. I'm going to ask for their opinion and then I making the decision. But this is teamwork, we're going to do it together, the players, the front office, myself and the coaching staff."
So far, so good.
"We have Cairo stepping in for us as our manager," relief pitcher Kendall Graveman said. "I think what we have to do is communicate very well and hopefully you'll continue to see games go as planned and we win some games moving forward."
Making decisions from his "gut" while La Russa is away, Cairo is also a strong believer in communication.
"Communication to me is the most important thing," Cairo said. "Honesty, I'm going to be up front. Just make sure you're ready to go out there and do the job. We're going to have fun. The game, it should be fun.
"The players, they're the ones that play the game. They're going to go out there and do their job. My job is to guide them, to make good decisions, to put them in the right spot to be successful. That's what I'm going to do."