Tony La Russa doesn't see a rift in the Chicago White Sox's clubhouse despite some players saying that they disagree with the manager's comments about rookie Yermin Mercedes.
La Russa called Mercedes "clueless" for homering on a 47 mph pitch with a 3-0 count against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning of a 16-4 blowout win Monday.
He emphasized that it was a teachable moment, especially considering Mercedes missed the take sign. "What did I say publicly?" La Russa asked reporters. "I said a young player made a mistake -- which, by the way, he did -- and we need to acknowledge it. Part of how you get better as a team is, if something goes wrong, you address it."
Some White Sox players didn't agree with their manager, noting the Twins were pitching a position player at the time.
"The way I see it, for position players on the mound, there are no rules," Lance Lynn said. "Let's get the damn game over with. And if you have a problem with whatever happens, then put a pitcher out there. Can't get mad when there's a position player on the field and a guy takes a swing."
La Russa said that when he walked around the clubhouse, no one was giving him "the Heisman." The manager was adamant that he's simply trying to teach good sportsmanship to a rookie.
"If you're going to tell me that sportsmanship and the respect for the game of baseball and respect for your opponent is not an important priority, I can't disagree with you more," La Russa said. "... You think you need more [runs] to win, you keep pushing. If you think you have enough, respect the game and opposition. Sportsmanship."