Tony La Russa announced Monday that he is leaving as Tony La Russa’s successor. Chicago White Sox Manager due to health concernsRick Hahn, general manger, began the search to find a new skipper. Hahn had several criteria to choose the next manager. These included previous experience in the dugout as a coach, manager or manager for a winning team, communication skills, and an understanding of the evolution of the game over the past decade. The following twist was added by Hahn.
Hahn stated, “One thing that maybe breaks from the mold at least the last couple of hires, having an history with White Sox, having some type of connection to White Sox DNA, is by no means necessary.”
Many names, such as Ozzie Guillen and A.J Pierzynski (ex-catcher), would be eliminated from the description. However, it does leave many intriguing candidates as the White Sox search for a new voice. These are some of the most suitable candidates for the job.
The internal candidate
Miguel Cairo — Hahn stated Cairo would be the exception to the notion that he could be looking beyond the organization. He seems to have given the team a boost of energy while he was the acting manager. The Guardians swept the Sox at home in a crucial September series. Cairo attempted to hold the clubhouse accountable, but the White Sox lost eight straight games.
Other than the organization
Davey Martinez — The current manager Washington Nationals He has one year remaining on his contract, but could still be a top candidate for the White Sox job — provided he is lured to Chicago.
Martinez, 58 was a White Sox player from 1995-1997. In 2016, Martinez was the bench coach for Chicago’s Cubs, who won a World Series. As the Nationals’ man in command, he also received a ring. Despite his experience with the team in its 90’s era, he would still fit the criteria for going beyond the organization’s comfort zones.
Washington is starting to rebuild in a very difficult NL East. The team is also on the market. Martinez could be able to make a comeback to Chicago if the timing is right.
Sandy Alomar Jr. — Alomar had a tremendous impact on the organization while he was a player with the White Sox in the early 2000s. He has not been with the team in over a decade, again due to the criteria of leaving the organization. However, he is still very familiar with the market as well as the team.
Current first base coach of Cleveland GuardiansAlomar also has recent managerial experience. Terry Francona, manager of the Guardians, was unable to play due to health issues in the middle of the 2020 season. Alomar managed the Guardians to a 28-18 finish with a playoff appearance.
Joe Espada — Since he was the Astros’ bench coach, he’s been the top candidate for the job. While it is still unclear if Espada will be in Houston’s position when Dusty Baker retires from the game, Espada has interviewed for several other openings recently — including those with the Cubs or Rangers. Espada will be in line for a top job soon, and it’s likely that he would have a good understanding of the game’s evolution having worked at an organization at the forefront.
Will Venable Venable is an industry name that is rising in popularity. He’s widely regarded as the bench coach for the industry. Boston Red Sox. The former major league outfielder needs to be considered for managerial consideration now that he has been in uniform for five seasons. Hahn considers his dugout experience a key component of a franchise’s recent success.
Pedro Grifol — After playing eight seasons in minor league baseball, Grifol appears to have done all he can as a coach and coordinator. It might be his chance to finally manage the team in Chicago. Grifol is a bench coach for the Royals in this division, so he would be well-versed with White Sox players. One admirer called him “the complete package”, noting that his previous experience with Latin players could make Chicago’s clubhouse a good fit.
Don Mattingly After recently announcing he wouldn’t be returning in the Miami dugout, Hahn checks many of the boxes Hahn is searching for.
Outside-the-box option
Joe Maddon Although this is a unlikely candidate, it would not be the first time that the White Sox have hired a former Cubs manager. Ricky Renteria was the Cubs manager in 2014, and then the White Sox from 2017 to 2020. Although Maddon has a lot of experience, his best years as a manager were when he helped to build a culture for younger teams. The White Sox should not be left at that stage.