The Chicago White Sox were very average in 2022. In fact, 81-81 is a record that screams average when it comes to a baseball team. However, it feels way worse than average because of the fact that the World Series was on everyone’s mind coming into the season.
Tony La Russa was a subpar manager and we learned that some of his health issues might have contributed to that. He left the team in August to address a heart condition and he did not return. Of course, everyone wishes him a speedy recovery back to full health.
However, he is not going to be back in 2023 as the team is going to go in a different direction because of Tony’s condition. It is a wise decision for Tony’s health but it is also good for them as a franchise trying to get back on track.
Well, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, there are two people that have impressed the White Sox in the interview process. He was clear that there are other candidates involved but two of them were mentioned by name.
Pedro Grifol and Joe Espada have impressed White Sox officials in the interview process, sources say.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 17, 2022
Additional managerial candidates are believed to be involved, with a final decision possible before the end of the month. @MLBNetwork @MLB @670TheScore
The Chicago White Sox have some names to think about for the manager job.
Pedro Grifol is one of the two names mentioned. He is currently the bench coach of the Kansas City Royals so he has watched a lot of White Sox baseball by default of being in the same division.
Now, he might be someone looking for a managerial position. It should be noted that the Royals are also looking for a new manager heading into the offseason.
The other name is Joe Espada who is the bench coach for the Houston Astros. Of course, the Astros just swept the Seattle Mariners and are waiting for their opponent for the ALCS later this week (it will either be the Cleveland Guardians or New York Yankees).
Espada has been a part of some very good teams down there in Houston as they are in the ALCS pretty much every year. A guy who comes from a winning culture like that is certainly attractive.
The last time an Astros bench coach was hired, it went well for the team that did it as the Boston Red Sox and Alex Cora were World Series Champions in 2018.
Anything can happen here but these two seem to be the favorites to be the manager of this team. Morosi also claimed that a decision could be made before the month of October is over. It will be interesting to see.