Despite four consecutive seasons without a winning record and never making the playoffs, Robin Ventura is likely going to be extended by the Chicago White Sox.
From reports coming out of Chicago, it seems the decision is up to Ventura on whether to stick around with the White Sox or not. There’s been plenty of speculation on Ventura, who played for the White Sox from 1989 to 1998, as the White Sox fell apart after a strong two months to open the season. Jose Abreu said hinted that the White Sox lack effort compared to the Kansas City Royals, which many viewed as a dig at the manager.
But is seems the White Sox brass doesn’t feel that Ventura’s record is a problem with the manager, but more on the front office. With Ventura suddenly in line for a new deal, there are rumors regarding the future of some White Sox executives, especially Kenny Williams, who has been around forever in various positions. The White Sox will improve their win-loss record for a third consecutive season, but can’t finish better than 81-81, and have long ago been counted out of the playoff race.
In 2012, Ventura’s first season as the manager, the White Sox posted a 85-77 record. Since then, it’s been 63, 73, 76 and somewhere between 77 and 81 in 2016. As we’ve written about a number of times, the White Sox problems are probably deeper (or higher up, depends on the perspective) than just switching managers, if that’s the problem at all.
Assuming Ventura doesn’t have too many gigs waiting for him (there will be a few fired managers at the end of the season), it’s a matter of money, but not just. The White Sox might be headed into a rebuild, with players like Abreu, Chris Sale and Jose Quintana up for grabs through a trade. This could mean managing a losing team with young players for a couple of seasons, which might not sound that attractive to Ventura, who for now, is keeping quiet about whether or not he’s going to sign the new contract.
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