Jerry Reinsdorf (Creative Commons: artistmac)
The Chicago White Sox are hurtling towards the worst record in the history of MLB, but you can always count on Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, to make things worse. Reinsdorf has a way of dashing any hope before it can take root. Reinsdorf made this statement regarding the White Sox situation Wednesday:
“Everyone in this organization is extremely unhappy with the results of this season, that goes without saying. This year has been very painful for all, especially our fans. We did not arrive here overnight, and solutions won’t happen overnight either.
“Going back to last year, we have made difficult decisions and changes to begin building a foundation for future success. What has impressed me is how our players and staff have continued to work and bring a professional attitude to the ballpark each day despite a historically difficult season. No one is happy with the results, but I commend the continued effort.”
The statement closed with Reinsdorf adding, “I expect to have more to say at the end of the season.”
Here’s the MLB link: Jerry Reinsdorf issues statement on 2024 White Sox season (mlb.com)
Why that’s statement is so depressing
The Sox will probably be the biggest losers in the history of MLB. And the Sox are still talking about attitude and culture. Maybe MLB will give them a participation trophy. In hiring Chris Getz as the Sox GM, Reinsdorf conducted one of the laziest job searches in the history of MLB. Getz was the overseer of player development in an organization that hasn’t developed any players. Naturally the man deserved a promotion. At least in Reinsdorf World. If you look up the term “Peter Principle” in the dictionary, it will show you a picture of Chris Getz. Actually, as I think about it, Getz has been bad at his last two jobs.
Jerry was right about one thing. The situation didn’t get this bad overnight. The ineptitude of Reinsdorf’s oversight has gradually debilitated the franchise to the point it’s years away from being competitive. But Jerry was wrong about something else. The situation could be remedied overnight.
Sell Jerry, sell!
The Sox situation could improve automatically if Jerry would just sell the team. Right now, Reinsdorf trying to right the White Sox ship is like OJ trying to find the real killer. Definitely the wrong guy for the job.
I’m curious if Jerry’s other businesses performed like the White Sox if he would be happy because employees tried. I doubt it. Jerry has turned failure into an art form and he’s Leonardo Da Vinci.
Reports indicate there is no finger pointing in the White Sox clubhouse. Of course not. Who’s in a position to point a finger? Even the talented White Sox like Luis Robert Jr. have taken a year off and joined the debacle. The team seems devoid of leadership at every level. Especially at the ownership level.
