Paul Sullivan: Tony La Russa’s bullpen management takes center stage with White Sox’s loaded corps of relievers

CHICAGO — Few managers in baseball have had as great an impact on the game as Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa, whose bullpen maneuverings in Oakland and St. Louis led to the creation of a new term: “La Russaization.”

Boston Globe sports writer Bob Ryan is credited with coining the term, which he sometimes used in conjunction with an adjective, decrying the “creeping La Russaization” of the game.

In essence, La Russaization referred to the specialization of relievers, including using closers for one inning only and just in save situations, such as the Athletics’ Dennis Eckersley, and bringing in relievers to pitch to one or two batters