There’s a new sheriff in the South Side of Chicago. The Chicago White Sox officially announced that bench coach Rick Renteria would replace Robin Ventura as the club’s manager. The White Sox were prepared to hand Ventura an extension had he desired one; however, on Sunday, Ventura declined, stating that the clubhouse needed a new voice and direction.
Rick Renteria named new White Sox manager. Joins Johnny Evers as only person to manage Cubs and White Sox
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) October 3, 2016
Rick Renteria to Replace Robin Ventura
Ventura served as manager of the White Sox since 2012. A former infielder, he spent also a portion of his playing career with the club. When hired following the 2011 season, Ventura became the 17th former White Sox player to manage the team.
Under Ventura’s direction, Chicago failed to make serious strides in an AL Central division long dominated by the Detroit Tigers, and now the Cleveland Indians. This year, the White Sox extended their playoff drought to eight seasons. They finished with a record of 78-84, putting them squarely in fourth place in the division. Only the lowly Minnesota Twins finished below them.
Renteria, 54, last managed a Major League club when he skippered for the Chicago Cubs in 2014, his first and only experience as a manager. He led the Cubs to a 73-89 record, and was then replaced by current Cubs manager Joe Maddon. Renteria now becomes the White Sox fourth manager since 1998.
White Sox Vice President and General Manager Rick Hahn said that Renteria would have been a hot managerial commodity this offseason, had Chicago not hired him as manager. The White Sox haven’t won a World Series since 2005, and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2008. Perhaps Renteria is the man to get them back to the post-season.
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