After 2022’s fiasco, changes are coming for the Chicago White Sox.
Tony La Russa was in charge this year, but could only lead the pale hose to a mediocre 81-81 record.
He often forgot rules, intentionally walked hitters that were on pitchers’ counts already, and preferred to defend baseball’s unwritten rules before sticking for his players during his White Sox’s stint.
In short, the game adjusted and he didn’t adjust back.
Dealing with some health issues, he announced near the end of the season that he wouldn’t be returning in 2023.
After a thorough (albeit sloppy) search, the White Sox will appoint Pedro Grifol as his successor.
It’s not the only change coming Chicago’s way, though.
“Sources confirm: Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol expected to be named next White Sox manager. A number of White Sox coaches not being asked back. Pitching coach Ethan Katz expected to return. First on Grifol: @Buster_ESPN,” MLB insider Ken Rosenthal tweeted.
Sources confirm: Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol expected to be named next White Sox manager. A number of White Sox coaches not being asked back. Pitching coach Ethan Katz expected to return. First on Grifol: @Buster_ESPN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 1, 2022
Katz has long been one of the most respected pitching coaches in the game, so retaining him is actually a no-brainer.
Changes Are Coming To The White Sox
Grifol, however, will apparently bring his own coaching staff to Chicago.
The former Kansas City Royals bench coach will manage a big league team for the first time in his career.
He has been coaching for years: he was a member of the Royals’ World Series-winning squad in 2015.
Before that, I played professionally in the minor leagues from 1991 to 1999.
He didn’t make it all the way to the majors, though.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have experience: he has prepared for this moment, and has managerial experience in the Winter Leagues.
At worst, he should be an upgrade over La Russa.
We will find out about his ceiling as a skipper in the upcoming months or years.
