By Jordan Long
The Chicago White Sox ended the season at 78-84, 16.5 games back of Cleveland for the American League Central crown and 11 games from a Wild Card spot. Manager Robin Ventura could have come back next season, but decided that it was time to move on. According to yahoo.com Ventura said ,”I enjoy this place, I love this place. At the end, it probably needs a new voice.”
This was a surprise to me because Robin Ventura had been the manager of the White Sox since 2012. Ventura’s best year with the White Sox was in 2012 when they went 85-77 and missed the playoffs by only 3 games. The Detroit Tigers captured the American League Central with a record of 88-74. That was the closest Chicago ever came to making the playoffs under Ventura. His overall record was 375-435, a winning percentage of .463.
The White Sox were announced his replacement on Monday. Rick Renteria will be Chicago’s manager next season. He served as the White Sox Bench Coach this past season. ESPN stated that Renteria said, “I’m extremely excited. It’s a little bittersweet because I became good friends with Robin.”
I am not sure Renteria is the right man for the job. He has one season of being an MLB manager in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs. That year the Cubs went 73-89. Renteria was let go after the season and the Cubs hired Joe Maddon.
The White Sox were too quick to hire Renteria. They could have waited a few weeks and interviewed other candidates. One that could have been a fit is Bud Black. Black was the Padres manager from 2007 to 2015. His record was 649-713 but the Padres never made it to the postseason. Black is familiar with how to manage a team at the MLB level.
The White Sox must have liked what they saw from Renteria as their Bench Coach. The White Sox are taking a risk by hiring him. I hope he can turn Chicago into a winner. The White Sox ownership must be patient with Renteria and give him a few seasons. If he fails to turn Chicago into a winner, then look for a new manager.
What do you think of the Chicago White Sox hiring Rick Renteria?
Thanks Adam for the comment. I do agree with you.