Grady Sizemore (Creative Commons: Rubenstein)
In a predictable move, the Chicago White Sox have fired Pedro Grifol, but as is predictable with everything White Sox, it comes with a zoo-like atmosphere. But before delving into that, let’s address the elephant in the room, “Why did it take them so long to make the obvious move?”
When considering why the White Sox make any move, you have to take into consideration they are cheap. Was that why they waited so long to fire Grifol? I suspect that was part of the thinking.
The White Sox way
In Chicago sports talk there was conjecture that the White Sox wanted to break a record-tying 21 game losing streak before making a change. The idea being that a new manager wouldn’t want the pressure of being at the helm of a team in the midst of such a long losing streak. But think about that for a minute.
Did Grifol actually hasten his demise by managing the Sox to a win? If so, that would be so typical of the bizarro White Sox world. This is on the heels of the Sox cutting alleged catcher Martin Maldonado from the team. The cutting of Maldonado was richly deserved. He hit .119 and his defense was shot.
However, in the five games before Maldonado was cut loose, he went 6-15 with three home runs. Keep in mind that those three home runs gave him a total of four. It’s just odd that a guy gets hot, and then the team cuts him. But it’s also, so White Sox,
Oh, I love a parade
In addition to showing Grifol the door, the Sox also cut bench coach Charlie Montoya loose, as well third base coach Eddie Rodriguez and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar. And that is just the outer layer of bad.
Grady Sizemore is the new interim Sox manager. Doug Sisson becomes the new bench coach with Justin Jirschele taking over as third base coach and Mike Gellinger being promoted to assistant hitting coach.
Sizemore is a first-year coach with the Sox. That makes him about as qualified for his job as White Sox GM, Chris Getz is for his. Not a comforting thought for White Sox fans.
Has anything really changed?
Ultimately, who calls the shots for the White Sox.? Most people familiar with the White Sox feel it’s still Jerry Reinsdorf, with Tony La Russa whispering in his ear. And that’s a word picture I wish I hadn’t conjured up. But beyond the word picture, it provides little help for the Sox getting better during Reinsdorf’s tenure as owner.
Sadly, the longer Reisndorf is associated with Chicago sports, the more his legacy is tainted.
Here’s a thought…
The most popular attraction at White Sox games is a milkshake. Why not do a promo where the Sox have a new interim manager for every game. Include fans in the rotation. Or maybe, as a revenue builder, have people bid on the job for a day. That could be a revenue builder. Instead of actually paying a manager, Jerry could have guys pay him.
That should appeal to Jerry. Maybe he can run that idea by Tony.
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