Why Robin Ventura is safe for 2016
By Erik Brown
The 2015 season has not gone the way anyone associated with the Chicago White Sox expected. Many (including myself at one point) have clamored for manager Robin Ventura to lose his job. No matter the pressure put on by fans, this will not happen. At least not this year, or winter, or during next season.
Why?
Jerry Reinsdorf.
Reinsdorf is loyal to his managers. Don’t trust my word for it though as here was ESPN’s Pedro Gomez in June on the topic of Ventura being on the hot seat. That is why despite only four playoff appearances since 1998, the White Sox have only had three full-time managers: Jerry Manuel, Ozzie Guillen, and Ventura (not including Don Cooper‘s interim stint with two games left in 2011).
I would not count on Ventura or general manager Rick Hahn going anywhere following this disappointing season despite the fact Ventura’s White Sox are the most games under .500 since Don Gutteridge was at the helm in 1969-70.
Hahn could face criticism as well. Not only has he turned our farm system over two years from dismal to bordering on competency, (hey, these things take time) but remember how happy we all were following the moves made in the winter? Bringing aboard David Robertson, Adam LaRoche, Jeff Samardzija, and Melky Cabrera among others was ground to start celebrating Hahn’s Executive of the Year award.
The front office gave Ventura all the pieces he needed: another front-line starter, a vastly improved bullpen, a left-fielder, and a lefty, power-hitting DH, to make a push at breaking the soon-to-be seven year playoff drought.
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So why won’t we see a change despite the streak of sitting at home in October continuing? Comparing Reinsdorf to Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch provides some insight.
Ventura probably should be at least a little worried as Reinsdorf may make a push similar to Ilitch and do whatever possible to win a World Series before he has to celebrate from the grave. Seeing how Reinsdorf already has a ring and Ilitch does not, his need for validation as an owner is not there as much. I would not be overly concerned if I were managing the club as the hot seat under Ventura is only coming from the fans and media, not upstairs.
While many want a new face pacing the dugout in 2016, don’t get your hopes up any time soon.
Next: Jeff Samardzija's $100 million gamble.