Is White Sox Coaching Staff Worth Negative WAR?

Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (64) in the dugout against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, July 12th:

I’m not contending that Robin Ventura’s move in this contest cost the White Sox the 3-1 loss, but it’s a perfect blueprint to express my point. Down by two runs in the top of the 9th, Ventura pinch hit for Jose Quintana against the Chicago Cubs. His choice: Emilio Bonifacio.

Alternative options included J.B. Shuck, Geovany Soto, Gordon Beckham, and Jose Abreu. That’s not a typo.

Yes, Abreu had been given a day off due to various ailments, but the All-star break started the following day so a pinch-hitting appearance wouldn’t have killed him.

Bonifacio struck out on a terrible at-bat, essentially killing the chances of any start to a rally. Robin Ventura chose to pinch-hit his pitcher with a .151 hitter, who by all standards is a below-replacement player.

If Ventura is electing to go with a negative WAR player when he has his best on the bench, then how can we not call him a negative WAR manager?

Next: Mismanaged bullpen?