Potential managerial replacements for Robin Ventura
Jun 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura looks at his team playing against the Houston Astros during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Robin Ventura should not be back in 2016 as the Chicago White Sox manager. His downfall never being able to capitalize on the success he and the team had in 2012, his first year as manager.
So who should be the next White Sox manager?
Well there are plenty of options out but only White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn really knows what he wants so the best we can do is speculate. With that in mind here are five candidates that I’d love to see managing this team to the postseason in 2016.
Next: A former Twins manager on the list
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire (35) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Gardenhire – The former Minnesota Twins manager is currently taking a year but is going to be one of the hot names on the market this offseason.
His career winning percentage is .507, but only had one losing season prior to 2010 before the Twins started the rebuild. He’s shown the ability to get the most talent out of his teams and develop players.
Next: A recently fired Padres manager could be the one
May 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; San Diego Padres manager Bud Black (20) watches game action during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Bud Black – His winning percentage is not flashy as it sits at .477 but there have been plenty of managers who have failed somewhere before finding success elsewhere (Tony La Russa managed the White Sox before the Oakland Athletics).
Given an opportunity to manage a team that may not be as offensively challenged as many of his San Diego Padre teams he could find consistent success with the White Sox.
Next: A former White Sox player could be the skipper
Jul 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. (15) sits in the dugout in the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sandy Alomar Jr. – A former catcher for the White Sox along with many other teams in a career that spanned almost 20 years.
Alomar Jr. could be the perfect fit for the team. It seems as if former catchers have had their fair share of success in becoming managers (Mike Matheny and Joe Girardi come to mind). He’s a Latino which could help ease some of the language barriers that may exist within the clubhouse and he’s young enough to be able to relate to the players.
Next: Could a former Cub lead the White Sox?
Jun 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg (23) sits in the dugout during game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Ryne Sandberg – How could I put a former Chicago Cub on here?
His Philadelphia Phillies teams were awful without a doubt. However I’m not sure if Connie Mack himself could have turned those teams into a winner.
Sandberg was a very successful minor league manager and while he’s been known to be a bit abrasive he may be a welcome addition to a team that could use some edginess.
Next: How about a former Marlins skipper at the helm?
May 17, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond (11) laughs in the dugout prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Redmond – Former Miami Marlins manager. It’s not easy to manage the Marlins. They go out and sign free agents only to gut the team. Redmond is a former catcher so he there is no questioning his baseball knowledge he showed improvement from year one to year teo before being fired 38 games into this season.
He’s the youngest option on this list and deserves a second look, and while he may not get the fan base excited I’d like to see what he can do with a capable organization.
While this list only contains five potential options there are plenty more out there who could be considered.
Southside nation who would you like to see managing the White Sox next year?
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