The Chicago White Sox made a new managerial hire. It came out earlier in the week that Pedro Grifol is going to be the new man in charge of leading this team. Tony La Russa did a bad job with it before and now it is time to see someone new take the wheel.
Grifol was introduced on Thursday via a press conference at Guaranteed Rate Field. He gave an introduction speech, answered some questions along with Rick Hahn, and took some pictures on the field. It was nice to see as things feel fresh for the first time in a long time.
Even though we knew Grifol was going to be the manager a few days ago now, the White Sox made it officially official on Thursday morning. Before that, we also knew that they were going to hire Charlie Montoyo to be the new bench coach and it was confirmed at the presser.
This is a great move by Grifol and the White Sox. He was a very successful manager with the Toronto Blue Jays before his run came to an end in 2022.
The Chicago White Sox are hiring Charlie Montoyo to be the bench coach.
Before that stint as their manager from 2019-2022, he was a manager at every level in the Tampa Bay Rays' system. From 2015-2018, he as then with the Blue Jays organization in different roles. He brings a wealth of experience to the White Sox dugout.
Grifol also now has a former manager in the dugout to help him out in certain situations. That is never a bad idea for someone who is coming in as a first time manager. Montoyo is a smart man and has had a lot of success in this league.
It is unclear what is going to happen to Miguel Cairo next year and beyond. Of course, Montoyo is taking his spot as the bench coach but that doesn't mean he won't return in some capacity after doing a good job as Tony La Russa's replacement to end the 2022 season.
There were reports that Ethan Katz will return as the pitching coach and that most of the other coaches will be gone but that's about it. Hahn confirmed that both Ethan Katz and Curt Hasler (assistant pitching coach) will be back.
We will see what the White Sox choose to reveal over the next couple of weeks as far as the rest of the group that will serve under Grifol.
It is certain that Montoyo will be brought in to help this team. It came out of nowhere after the announcement of Grifol but this could end up being a very wise move by a team that desperately needs that help.