CHICAGO -- Tony La Russa has frequently talked this season about how lucky he feels to come into a managerial position with a contending team, a situation not afforded to many new managers.

But La Russa also has 70 postseason victories, six pennants and three World Series titles on his resume, so will his 2021 success truly be measured in the playoffs? It’s a topic La Russa spoke about during a Zoom session on Tuesday following a White Sox workout at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“It comes in categories of fans and media. Some fans, I think, believe -- and some media -- that the most difficult thing to do is win the division,” La Russa said. “That’s just fact -- 162 games against your opponents, all kinds of obstacles, challenges.

“There’s also a significant number of people that believe, whether it’s media or fans, they disrespect the regular season. ... I think you can respect the regular season and understand that if you get to October, you want to win, you want to be the last one standing. If you’re not, you’re disappointed. If we do, we’ll celebrate it. If we don’t, everybody’s disappointed. I think we’d be disappointed, too.”

La Russa encouraged his team to celebrate in Cleveland after clinching its first division title since 2008. But the White Sox quickly shifted their focus to the playoffs and the 11 games they need to win for their first World Series title since 2005.

“I told our club that division championship was very difficult and well-earned. Embrace it, but turn the page,” La Russa said. “After the next two days, it’s going to be eight teams playing and we have as good of a chance as anybody, so let’s take our best shot.”

Game 1 starter coming Wednesday

There was no word on Chicago's Game 1 starter against the Astros' Lance McCullers Jr., with La Russa indicating the decision would come during Wednesday’s workout in Houston. La Russa also took umbrage at the idea that delaying the announcement was some sort of gamesmanship on his part.

“Guys were pitching until the end of the weekend, and so when they did, we weren’t together yesterday, so today is our first day eyeballing them,” La Russa said. “So, we’ll talk about it.

“Really, it’s wanting to track at the end of a long season who needs the extra day and who doesn’t. I don’t believe in gamesmanship, by the way. It’s counter to sportsmanship, and I believe in sportsmanship. But I also believe you’ve got to take care of your club, and you don’t want to rush to something and change your mind later because you have more information.”

Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn should work the first two games in Houston, with an order to be announced.

Rodón remains in play

Carlos Rodón “had a nice throw yesterday,” according to La Russa, and “looked OK today.”

“That pushes it to Wednesday,” La Russa added. “So far, still under consideration. It’s a good sign.”

With his his innings total jumping from 42 1/3 frames combined over 2019-2020 to 132 2/3 in 2021, Rodón has dealt with shoulder soreness and fatigue. The southpaw has been one of the best starters in MLB when healthy, not to mention he had a 0.64 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 14 innings against the Astros this season.

In his last regular-season start against the Reds, Rodón allowed one hit over five scoreless innings and earned his 13th victory. He'd be working on more than one week of rest if he pitches on Friday.

“He's always been confident,” said White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal. “I said it at the beginning of the year in Seattle, Rodón is going to have a really good year.

“Some people thought I was messing around, and then all of the sudden, Rodón throws a no-hitter and everybody's on his corner. I believe he's got the ability to pitch on this stage and I'm hoping everybody else does, too.”

He Said It

“It’s the urgency, and that’s why, whether it’s to the coaches, myself or the player, we try to preach urgency every series. So by the time you get to October, it’s not something that’s different.” -- La Russa on the difference of managing in the postseason.