Robin Ventura Named White Sox Manager

[DirtySox]

ChrisDeLuca Chris De Luca
#WhiteSox All-Star Robin Ventura has been named the team’s 38th manager
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


MDGonzales Mark Gonzales
Robin Ventura. wow!
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


BNightengale Bob Nightengale
#mlb Congratulations to Robin Ventura, who just got named #White Sox manager
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


Southpaw White Sox Mascot
BREAKING NEWS: #WHITESOX NAME ROBIN VENTURA MANAGER
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


MDGonzales Mark Gonzales
KW: “I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities. Robin Ventura was that man. "
4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
i give #chisox credit. robin ventura is a great hire for manager. shocking. but love the choice.
4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


jonmorosi Jon Morosi
#WhiteSox name Robin Ventura as their manager, sign him to multiyear deal.
3 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


pgammo Peter Gammons
great humor, best Albert Belle stories...Jerry Reinsdorf's loyalty knows no bounds
14 seconds ago


JeffPassan Jeff Passan
Last time someone w/no managing experience got hired was A.J. Hinch, and at least he'd been in front office. Robin Ventura? Wow, White Sox.
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


ChrisDeLuca Chris De Luca
Ventura: “I am excited to begin my career as a manager surrounded by former teammates, staff, media and #WhiteSox fans I know very well."
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


cst_Cowley cst_Cowley
Robin was great to work with. Dry sense of humor, makes u work for answers, but tells the truth. Some major differences from Oz, some not.
19 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply


BSLillibridge Brent Lillibridge
Looking forward to the new skip! Looking to dive all over the field for him.
26 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply


SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
enough about nolan ryan already. ventura hit 294 HRs & won 6 gold gloves. so he made a mistake charging ryan, so what?
37 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[eriqjaffe]

Didn't see that coming.

[ChicagoRushFan]

Huh. Interesting.

[comiskey2000]

Fun

[veeter]

Very stealthy Kenny. Holy ****!!! This will be interesting.

[DonnieDarko]

Didn't see that coming.

Same. Holy crap. o_O

[SOXPHILE]

This has got to be a joke. I suddenly am very cold, and I think I'm starting to break out in hives.......

[joebro25]

I am shocked and have no idea what to think of this.

[Luke]

Well. That was under the radar.

[TommyGavinFloyd]

He may not have been the front runner but I cannot hate on this in any way. Welcome home, 23!

[jmeneghini1433]

Via @MDGonzales (http://twitter.com/#%21/MDGonzales) Mark Gonzales twitter.

[eriqjaffe]

This will leave Frank Thomas as the only regular infielder from the 1993 club to have not managed a game for the Sox.

[manders_01]

I totally dig this! Can't wait to see how things unfold. Welcome back, Robin!

[DirtySox]

MDGonzales Mark Gonzales
KW: “I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities. Robin Ventura was that man. "
4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
i give #chisox credit. robin ventura is a great hire for manager. shocking. but love the choice.
4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


jonmorosi Jon Morosi
#WhiteSox name Robin Ventura as their manager, sign him to multiyear deal.
3 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply


pgammo Peter Gammons
great humor, best Albert Belle stories...Jerry Reinsdorf's loyalty knows no bounds
14 seconds ago

[LITTLE NELL]

Gadzooks.
Loved him as a player but where is the experience for managing?

[Over By There]

Other than being a successful White Sox player and apparently nice guy, what qualifications does Ventura have to be a big league manager?

[russ99]

That's quite a surprise... I don't know what to think of this...

I was hoping that if Jerry was going to go inexperienced and inexpensive, he'd go after one of the more up and coming candidates.

Also, this doesn't seem like a Kenny hire.

[kevingrt]

Jigga what!

[DirtySox]

Gadzooks.
Loved him as a player but where is the experience for managing?

That's my reaction. Not sure what to think about it.

[rdwj]

Love Robin the player. Not sure what to think of him as a manager.

[soxfan1983]

Welp.... when/if he doesn't work out we can probably expect Ray Durham to be the next logical person in line... :bandance:

[doublem23]

:KW
Under the radar, BITCHES

[hawkjt]

I am glad he has Don Cooper next to him in the dugout.
Can he teach our guys how to hit? If so, bring'em on...

[doublem23]

Well, for the moment, I am IN LOVE with this hire, as Robin Ventura was easily my favorite Sox player growing up. I am going to have some mixed reactions in 4-5 years when I inevitably turn on him.

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

Okay then...not going to judge.

[russ99]

We can bring in Nolan Ryan as a spring knuckle-sandwich consultant...

If the Sox are going there, I want Frank in as hitting instructor, stat.

[ChiSoxGal85]

Wow! Never saw his name in the mix at all. Interesting, if anything!

[Tekijawa]

Huh?

[DirtySox]

Well, for the moment, I am IN LOVE with this hire, as Robin Ventura was easily my favorite Sox player growing up. I am going to have some mixed reactions in 4-5 years when I inevitably turn on him.

Was my favorite player growing up as well. It's hard to have an opinion of him as a manager though. We have so little to go on.

[Daver]

I like it.

[jdm2662]

Way to go outside the good ol boys club. I will give Robin a chance as he deserves one, but seriously?

[samurai_sox]

I'm sorry but I ****ing hate this, don't get me wrong I love Robin when he played for the Sox but I really wanted Dave Martinez.

Once again the Sox "keep it in the family" and its not hard to see why this franchise won only 1 World Series in 80+ years.

[hawkjt]

Kenny had to move fast to beat out the Red Sox and Cubs to Robin,clearly....:D:

[doublem23]

By the way, I think we can all expect Frank Thomas to be named hitting coach sometime in the next month. I mean, why the hell not?

[doublem23]

its not hard to see why this franchise won only 1 World Series in 80+ years.

Because they've had bad players

[soltrain21]

Well, he is my favorite player of all time. Sweet.

[sullythered]

I have no idea what to think of this.

[RedHeadPaleHoser]

I just got the text message from the Score and didn't believe it.

I am also a fan of # 23, just not sure if "qualifications" per KW mean he's going to be more of a subdued presence and not compete as the team's mouthpiece like OG did.

Weird. Exciting, and weird.

[KyWhiSoxFan]

***? This is either the dumbest move ever or the smartest.

I sure hope it's the smartest, but until I get more data and results, it seems like the dumbest.

[doublem23]

Was my favorite player growing up as well. It's hard to have an opinion of him as a manager though. We have so little to go on.

Better than the last guy then

[DirtySox]

Kevin_Goldstein Kevin Goldstein
By the way, we're not the only people confused. Just got a text from a front office person who is as surprised by Ventura as we are.
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply


SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
chicago chose ventura for baseball intellect, professionalism, character, familiarity w/ white sox. also wont spar w/ kenny
2 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[Hitmen77]

Gadzooks.
Loved him as a player but where is the experience for managing?

My reaction exactly. Has Robin even coached at the minor league level? What exactly is his experience.

Do the Sox think he's a good fit for a gutted team next season? (maybe that should be half-teal).

Wow, if he doesn't work out, what is Steve Sax doing these days?

[PKalltheway]

Wow, consider me stunned like everybody else. I won't complain though (despite the lack of managerial experience). Welcome back, Robin! It'll look good to see him back in a Sox uniform again!

[Tekijawa]

Marketing Slogan for next year:

"Let's see if this works?"

[doublem23]

At least I should be able to buy a new Robin Ventura jersey now, right? I look a little weird squeezing into that one I got when I was like 14.

[DirtySox]

My reaction exactly. Has Robin even coached at the minor league level? What exactly is his experience.

Do the Sox think he's a good fit for a gutted team next season? (maybe that should be half-teal).

Wow, if he doesn't work out, what is Steve Sax doing these days?

He hasn't coached at all. He's done ESPNU work though for college baseball!

As Doub mentioned, he's still a huge improvement over the last guy.

[soxinem1]

At least they will not have to ***** out everything he says in the post-game news conferences.

Either way, glad to see #23 back again.

[kevingrt]

I'm completely confused.

And I still want Dave Martinez as our manager.

And hello Frank as our hitting coach? Yeesh! This is bizarre.

[kevingrt]

He hasn't coached at all. He's done ESPNU work though for college baseball!

Done some fill-in for Stone Pony too...

That's his baseball experience post playing days

[Martinigirl]

I love this. My love might be irrational because he is my absolute favorite player, but I am excited.

[DirtySox]

I always thought it was out of the question for Frank to be a hitting coach candidate, but I have a feeling he's the next hire.

[downstairs]

Wow. Not sure what to make of this. I guess we'll find out what coaching experience really amounts to.

[sachin]

DUMB DUMB DUMB

Hey, let's get Vinny Del Negro as the batting coach! Why not?!?

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

I love Ventura, but I have to agree with others. How could you possibly know if this is a good move with no experience whatsoever.

[ChiSoxGal85]

Seriously, though...does he have ANY baseball managerial or coaching experience? Bench coach? Single A? Anything?

Edit: Never mind, I see that's been asked and answered. Can't keep up with the posts fast enough.

[mrwag]

Man I love Robin, but I share the same sentiments. Is this going to work? I really do not want to hate him some day!!

[PaleHoser]

I'm a big fan of Robin Ventura, but he hasn't even coached at the big league level. I hope he brings in an very experienced bench coach (remember Joe Nossek was supposed to help show Ozzie the ropes but quit) to help him along.

This reminds me alot of Don Kessinger's hiring, and that didn't end too well.

On the up side, he can speak from experience to Adam Dunn about slumps since Ventura went 0-41 during April, 1990. He should help Brent Morel too.

Outside of Harold Baines, I can't think of a better clutch hitter for the Sox in the last 30 years either. I hope some of that rubs off too.

[Foulke You]

I don't think there is a soul that saw this one coming. I love Robin Ventura the player and the man but I have no idea what to expect from him as a manager. I'm hoping they put a veteran former manager as bench coach next to Robin who has a lot of experience.

[cheezheadsoxfan]

Well, for the moment, I am IN LOVE with this hire, as Robin Ventura was easily my favorite Sox player growing up. I am going to have some mixed reactions in 4-5 years when I inevitably turn on him.

A delightfully honest post!! I think I like it.

[DirtySox]

Seriously, though...does he have ANY baseball managerial or coaching experience? Bench coach? Single A? Anything?

Nope.

[Bump34]

Loved Robin as a player and as a person... As a manager...remains to be seen...

Are the White Sox just hiring back every player that left disgruntled??? Who's next... Fisk... Thomas... Ordonez... McDowell... Fernandez... its a long list...

[Hitmen77]

He hasn't coached at all. He's done ESPNU work though for college baseball!

As Doub mentioned, he's still a huge improvement over the last guy.

White Sox Baseball: We'll hire you if you're better than the last guy!:tongue:

Now we know the real reason the Sox traded Teahen. It wasn't to unload is bad contract - it was to free up #23 for Robin's return!

[doublem23]

Seriously, though...does he have ANY baseball managerial or coaching experience? Bench coach? Single A? Anything?

He might have coached his son's Little League team or something.

[BleacherBandit]

So Robin's back. No managing experience, but hey, why should that be a qualifier for managing a professional baseball team?

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

Seriously, though...does he have ANY baseball managerial or coaching experience? Bench coach? Single A? Anything?

Nope.

It's like taking a great fry cook and throwing him into district managing with no experience or training.

[TommyGavinFloyd]

I love Ventura, but I have to agree with others. How could you possibly know if this is a good move with no experience whatsoever.

Well, Ozzie's gone, so this place should be happy, right?

[soltrain21]

I feel that if Robin does not do well I will be as Russ was to Ozzie. I just love Robin Ventura so much.

[Tekijawa]

Does this mean that there will be more money available to sign Buehrle? :)

[dwalteroo]

A delightfully honest post!! I think I like it.

Agreed, but do you really think it will take 4-5 years?

[doublem23]

I feel that if Robin does not do well I will be as Russ was to Ozzie. I just love Robin Ventura so much.

I'll be your munchman.

Hey, guys, it's OK that Dunn's batted third 140 times this season despite batting .150. HE'S ALMOST WALKED IN LIKE... 400 of those at bats.

:moonwalk:

[kobo]

That's quite a surprise... I don't know what to think of this...

I was hoping that if Jerry was going to go inexperienced and inexpensive, he'd go after one of the more up and coming candidates.

Also, this doesn't seem like a Kenny hire.
Bingo. That's the only issue I have with this right now. Going to be very interesting to see how he manages this team. Think this opens the door even more now for Thomas to be hitting coach? Certainly has to help.

[DirtySox]

I wonder if this hire is any sort of indication the club is indeed going toward a rebuilding couple of years?

[Soxman219]

Uhhhhhh......WHAT?
:scratch::scratch::scratch::scratch::scratch::scra tch::scratch::scratch::scratch::scratch::scratch:

Well, let's hope this works?

[AzureJazzMan]

I am completely torn on this. I wanted RV to be our Bench Coach not the Head Coach yet. Damn...Although it looks like my hope of Frank Thomas as hitting coach may very well happen after all.

[hdog1017]

Wow. Talk about a shocker...

[Hitmen77]

I feel that if Robin does not do well I will be as Russ was to Ozzie. I just love Robin Ventura so much.

But "Robin-pologist" just doesn't have a good ring to it.

[Rohan]

I'll take it! Welcome aboard Robin Ventura!

[Milw]

I love Ventura, but I have to agree with others. How could you possibly know if this is a good move with no experience whatsoever.
Yeah, but you can go the other way too: How can you say it's a bad hire when he has no experience whatsoever? Maybe he is a brilliant baseball mind and he just blew Kenny away in the interview. He deserves the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

Give Kenny this: He doesn't play it safe. It's his blessing and his curse, but it's admirable. And he's basically betting his career on this hire.

I for one am excited.

[Hitmen77]

Loved Robin as a player and as a person... As a manager...remains to be seen...

Are the White Sox just hiring back every player that left disgruntled??? Who's next... Fisk... Thomas... Ordonez... McDowell... Fernandez... its a long list...

Did Robin leave the Sox disgruntled? :dunno:

[gr8mexico]

CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!
I rather have Sandy Alomar for around the same price.

[joebro25]

I wonder if this hire is any sort of indication the club is indeed going toward a rebuilding couple of years?


That was my first thought as well. My conclusion: It's rebuilding time.

[DirtySox]

ChrisDeLuca Chris De Luca
Ventura: “I am excited to begin my career as a manager surrounded by former teammates, staff, media and #WhiteSox fans I know very well."
1 minute ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[34 Inch Stick]

Obviously KW came to Reinsdorf with the name of Cito Gaston again.

[CubsfansareDRUNK]

Let's just hope he doesn't get his head beat in again.

[AzureJazzMan]

Great! I just realized the taunting the team is going to be receiving when they open the season next year against the Texas Rangers and their President/Partial Owner Nolan Ryan...Ugh...

[Foulke You]

But "Robin-pologist" just doesn't have a good ring to it.
I dunno but the first person who uses "Robin Lays an Egg" for a postgame thread next year after a questionable decision should get automatically banned. :tongue:

[manders_01]

Yeah, but you can go the other way too: How can you say it's a bad hire when he has no experience whatsoever? Maybe he is a brilliant baseball mind and he just blew Kenny away in the interview. He deserves the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

Give Kenny this: He doesn't play it safe. It's his blessing and his curse, but it's admirable. And he's basically betting his career on this hire.

I for one am excited.

Well said, me too!

[bestkosher]

Robin is a name I did not expect, but with the Sox resigning Cooper and going for youth it does make sense. A high profile manager would not accept that position. Also with thelack of fannys in seats, Jerry and Kenny need a familair name to but some charge into the ticket sales and Robin Ventura is a big familiar name. Especially if there is going to be some early struggles you want a familiar name to keep fan interest.

[KyWhiSoxFan]

Talk about having to make a move because you're on a shoestring budget.

What is minimum you can pay a manager? $12 an hour?

[Over By There]

Let's just hope he doesn't get his head beat in again.

Only took 85 posts. :rolleyes:

[soltrain21]

Talk about having to make a move because you're on a shoestring budget.

What is minimum you can pay a manager? $12 an hour?

Do you think Sandy or Dave would have demanded a high salary? :rolleyes:

[KyWhiSoxFan]

Obviously KW came to Reinsdorf with the name of Cito Gaston again.

LOL. And his list only had two names on it.

[doublem23]

Did Robin leave the Sox disgruntled? :dunno:

Yeah, a little bit. It wasn't on par with what went down between the Sox and Ordonez or Big Frank, but I remember when he left after the 1998 season and things between the Sox front office and Robin weren't that pleasant.

[sullythered]

I really love Robin Ventura. I hope this works out. Is the presser gonna be on TV anywhere?

[Rikirk]

I kinda like this.

All the best, and Go team Ventur...a.

[34rancher]

Let's see what robin was known for...
Great D.
Clutch hitting.
Winning attitude.
Loved by fans and teammates.
Hard nosed tough player.

Yup sounds like what the last 162 games have been missing to me.

Go get em. And I seriously would love Frank as hitting coach. Heck why not bring in Blackjack as a bench coach?

[Noneck]

Get him an experienced bench coach, add some green to his paystub and let him be manager/hitting coach.

By the way I really like this move.

[thomas35forever]

Throw me into the "didn't see it coming, but not entirely surprised" crowd. Wasn't his name being thrown around as a dark horse during early speculation? Plus, he was hired as an adviser to Buddy Bell back in June. It's not like he came completely out of nowhere.

[WhiteSox5187]

My first thought on this hire was that this was Jerry getting his guy and pretty much subverting Kenny. I don't even think they interviewed much of anyone else, I don't see how they could have interviewed Martinez which Kenny was saying was his guy (I thought I read that quote). Ventura is a nice guy, a great baseball player and one of my personal favorites but has he had ANY job in baseball since retiring? I am not enamored with this move and I could see it backfiring pretty badly.

[Bucky F. Dent]

Welcome Back, 23! My darkhorse pick.

[XplodingScorbord]

Well, if the Sox hit well, the marketing scheme could be "Batmen and Robin."

[Soxman219]

Already can't wait for next season, just to see what happens!

[CLUBHOUSE KID]

KW did this so he has another patsy on his team. I like Baines but Jesus enough with these ex-WSox guys. We need fresh blood. KW just wants a yes-man and someone who won't argue with him. ZERO EXPERIENCE. I like RV but he is not the right guy.

[tebman]

Wow. I mean, wow. I just checked before I left to go home and I see a zillion people logged in -- now I know why. Welcome home, Robin!

I'll say it too. . .Ventura's one of my all-time faves, but can he handle a bullpen?

My mouth's agape. :shocked:

[soltrain21]

Well, if the Sox hit well, the marketing scheme could be "Batmen and Robin."

They already did that. Batman, Batman and Robin.

[ChiSoxGal85]

Ok...I'm willing to see how this pans out. He might be good, who knows?

btw, someone already edited Ventura's wiki page and said that Frank Thomas was hired as the hitting coach too. :D:

[Rocky Soprano]

:o::o::o:

Wow.
Welcome home #23.

I think I like it.

[TommyJohn]

But "Robin-pologist" just doesn't have a good ring to it.


How about "Ventura-pologist"?

[MeteorsSox4367]

Loved Ventura as a player. Always has been/will be one of my favorite Sox.

I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as for his lack of experience.

For all this talk of Frank Thomas as hitting coach, can we bring back Karkovice as bullpen coach?

What's scary is that David Kaplan was right about this. He said on CTL that it wouldn't be Martinez or Alomar or Francona. Kaplan said it would be someone completely unexpected.

Damn. I hate when Kaplan's right.

[WhiteSox5187]

Let's see what robin was known for...
Great D.
Clutch hitting.
Winning attitude.
Loved by fans and teammates.
Hard nosed tough player.

Yup sounds like what the last 162 games have been missing to me.

Go get em. And I seriously would love Frank as hitting coach. Heck why not bring in Blackjack as a bench coach?

How do any of his attributes as a player hold any effect on his abilities as a manager? Tony La Russa was a pretty lousy player and he has the third most wins as a manager, same thing with Bobby Cox. Off the top of my head I can think of two good players who were good managers as well, Yogi Berra and John McGraw. I am sure someone will have some more managers but just because someone is a good player doesn't make them a good manager. Look at Ted Williams.

[October26]

I am stunned & speechless.

[downstairs]

I really love Robin Ventura. I hope this works out. Is the presser gonna be on TV anywhere?

Its just a conference call. The Score 670 said no, not possible.

[DirtySox]

cst_Cowley cst_Cowley
Robin was great to work with. Dry sense of humor, makes u work for answers, but tells the truth. Some major differences from Oz, some not.
19 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[samurai_sox]

The Sox took a step forward by getting rid of Ozzie,

now they took 2 steps BACK by hiring Ventura. :angry:

[soltrain21]

The Sox took a step forward by getting rid of Ozzie,

now they took 2 steps BACK by hiring Ventura. :angry:

Please, tell us why this is a bad hire based on his tendencies as a manager.

I'll hang up and wait for your answer.

[WhiteSox5187]

KW did this so he has another patsy on his team. I like Baines but Jesus enough with these ex-WSox guys. We need fresh blood. KW just wants a yes-man and someone who won't argue with him. ZERO EXPERIENCE. I like RV but he is not the right guy.

I am not a big fan of Kenny but I think that this could be more of a case of Jerry subverting him. A lot of people said that that is what happened when Ozzie was hired and at least Ozzie kind of made sense as a manager as he had had a job as a coach. Ventura, I don't think he's done anything!

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

Yeah, but you can go the other way too: How can you say it's a bad hire when he has no experience whatsoever? Maybe he is a brilliant baseball mind and he just blew Kenny away in the interview. He deserves the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

Give Kenny this: He doesn't play it safe. It's his blessing and his curse, but it's admirable. And he's basically betting his career on this hire.

I for one am excited.

True. Guess I walked myself into that one. Ozzie never had any experience before the Sox either. 3B coach means squat, IMO. And as bad as he became, he did get that ring only 2 years into it.

It's going to be great seeing Robin back in the Sox uni.

[tebman]

Well, #23 was available. :tongue:

[DirtySox]

The Sox took a step forward by getting rid of Ozzie,

now they took 2 steps BACK by hiring Ventura. :angry:

The only thing one can dislike about his hiring is that he is inexperienced. That's it. We have nothing to go on. Nothing. There isn't anything else to do but wait and see how he does.

[CLUBHOUSE KID]

I am not a big fan of Kenny but I think that this could be more of a case of Jerry subverting him. A lot of people said that that is what happened when Ozzie was hired and at least Ozzie kind of made sense as a manager as he had had a job as a coach. Ventura, I don't think he's done anything!

Good point. Well, this will be an interesting season already!

[Woofer]

Gutsy move by the White Sox. I sure hope this works out. Would have liked someone with more experience, but he always had a reputation for his knowledge of the game.

[TommyJohn]

I'm shocked. When I came on here I saw "Robin Ventura named..." but not the rest of it. I thought "oh, Ventura was named as Darrin Jackson's replacement on the radio."

[Tekijawa]

Maybe we can Bring Kittle Back to do the post game interviews for Robin?

[dickallen15]

How do any of his attributes as a player hold any effect on his abilities as a manager? Tony La Russa was a pretty lousy player and he has the third most wins as a manager, same thing with Bobby Cox. Off the top of my head I can think of two good players who were good managers as well, Yogi Berra and John McGraw. I am sure someone will have some more managers but just because someone is a good player doesn't make them a good manager. Look at Ted Williams.
Joe Torre was an MVP. Billy Martin wasn't a bad player. Sciosca wasn't a bad player, neither was Dusty Baker. I like this hire. I wasn't as big of fan of Ventura as a player as most. He was good, not great, but I do like his personality, and I do laugh at all the people on message boards who question his "experience." Most on this board consider themselves experts but Ventura has been around baseball and has so much more experience than any of us. He'll be fine.

[CubsfansareDRUNK]

I'm shocked. When I came on here I saw "Robin Ventura named..." but not the rest of it. I thought "oh, Ventura was named as Darrin Jackson's replacement on the radio."

That would've been amazing

[LITTLE NELL]

I keep thinking of Lou Boudreau who was named player-manager of the Indians at the ripe old age of 25. Not a lot of experience and the Indians won the WS in 1948.
I'm hoping this is a stroke of genius by KW and JR.

[veeter]

Quiet and classy replaces the classless ass. Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

[tstrike2000]

Love Robin the player and person, but meh about the choice for manager.

[Patrick134]

Joe Torre was an MVP. Billy Martin wasn't a bad player. Sciosca wasn't a bad player, neither was Dusty Baker. I like this hire. I wasn't as big of fan of Ventura as a player as most. He was good, not great, but I do like his personality, and I do laugh at all the people on message boards who question his "experience." Most on this board consider themselves experts but Ventura has been around baseball and has so much more experience than any of us. He'll be fine.

Amen. Good luck Robin!

[tebman]

Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

:rolling:

[samurai_sox]

Please, tell us why this is a bad hire based on his tendencies as a manager.

I'll hang up and wait for your answer.

Well for starters, he has no managing experience whatsoever. No bench coaching, AAA, or even AA.

At least with Martinez he bench coached under Joe Maddon for 3 seasons and hiring him would have been a better choice.

[tstrike2000]

What's next, Mike Squires for hitting coach?

[southside rocks]

Love Robin the player and person, but meh about the choice for manager.

Yes. I hope he's a pleasant surprise.

[kittle42]

Oh, White Sox - proving that the *only* qualification one must have to work for Reinsdorf these days is to have once played for him. Alomar and Martinez met that qualification, but they also had, you know, like coaching experience of some sort.

This hiring may, however, satisfy the vocal few who blasted our last manager for not having a college education.

[KenBerryGrab]

Don Baylor and Kirk Gibson are two star-quality players who turned out OK as managers. Still, my head spins on this one. True shocka, Kenny.

[hoosiersoxfan]

Quiet and classy replaces the classless ass. Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

Probably the funniest thing I've ever read on WSI

[LITTLE NELL]

What's next, Mike Squires for hitting coach?

I'll take him for fielding coach.

[DirtySox]

Sox Choice of Ventura is Smart, Innovative (http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/32541671)

[DirtySox]

Quiet and classy replaces the classless ass. Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

I read this as Robo-Oney and immediately feared for my life.

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

I want Mike LaValliere as third-base coach, while we're thinking of these things.

[Noneck]

Hopefully someone can learn from him how to be a clubhouse leader.

[KMcMahon817]

I wonder if this hire is any sort of indication the club is indeed going toward a rebuilding couple of years?

That was my first thought.

I loved Robin as a player, but as others have said, his lack of experience is well...interesting.

[The Milkman]

Quiet and classy replaces the classless ass. Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

post of the year

[JoeyCora28]

I want Mike LaValliere as third-base coach, while we're thinking of these things.


Give him a ladder to stand on so the runners can see him!

[TomBradley72]

Because this is ROBIN- I'm happy with it.

Any organization with him a part of hit- goes up a notch.

[chisoxfanatic]

There is no player in baseball history who I have liked more than Robin Ventura. I am excited about this and look forward to seeing the fruits of this signing.

[tstrike2000]

Yes. I hope he's a pleasant surprise.

Hopefully, as long as he doesn't challenge Nolan Ryan to a fight.

[beasly213]

This is either going to be a big success or an epic failure.

The total opposite of Ozzie Guillen has been hired.

[kittle42]

I wonder what Lance Johnson, Ron Karkovice, and Dan Pasqua are doing? They must not have interviewed as well, or their names were buried on the bottom of Jerry's big hat he drew Ventura out of.

[sullythered]

Teleconference will be carried live on the Score at the top of the hour.

[soltrain21]

I wonder what Lance Johnson, Ron Karkovice, and Dan Pasqua are doing? They must not have interviewed as well, or their names were buried on the bottom of Jerry's big hat he drew Ventura out of.

They got crossed off the list after their reference (Lyle Mouton) did not give glowing reviews.

[beasly213]

I wonder what Lance Johnson, Ron Karkovice, and Dan Pasqua are doing? They must not have interviewed as well, or their names were buried on the bottom of Jerry's big hat he drew Ventura out of.

Dan Pasqua is giving hitting lessons at tee time batting cages in Lockport for $200. True Story.

[Soxman219]

670 the Score will carry the conference call at 5.

[downstairs]

Now The Score 670 says they WILL broadcast the conference call live at 5pm central.

[DirtySox]

BSLillibridge Brent Lillibridge
Looking forward to the new skip! Looking to dive all over the field for him.
26 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[aryzner]

I'm excited but scared.

No experience is worrying, but I'm going to reserve judgment until we actually see what he can do.

[Viva Medias B's]

When I first signed on where I am at and saw Robin's name in the list of forums, I thought it was his hiring as hitting instructor. I am quite shocked by this move. It is works, great. But if it does not work, it will no doubt hasten KW's departure. The initial question I have is what major league coaching experience does Ventura have compared to Dave Martinez and the other candidates.

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

They got crossed off the list after their reference (Lyle Mouton) did not give glowing reviews.

Are you sure that Norberto Martin didn't lose their resumes before he handed the stack to the FedEx guy?

[JoeyCora28]

Dan Pasqua is giving hitting lessons at tee time batting cages in Lockport for $200. True Story.

Exactly what Pasqua is "hitting" is the question...

[Slats]

The good part - he'll sell tickets. Heck he might actually get us to the series again.

The bad part - Every time we play Texas - the networks will play the video of Ventura charging Nolan Ryan on the mound.

[soltrain21]

BSLillibridge Brent Lillibridge
Looking forward to the new skip! Looking to dive all over the field for him.
26 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply

If the Bridge likes it then we should all like it.

[eriqjaffe]

Exactly what Pasqua is "hitting" is the question...Rock bottom.

[hi im skot]

If the Bridge likes it then we should all like it.

:thumbsup:

[Cat Thief]

So will the 13 gm package be called the Ventura plan?

:scratch:

[pmck003]

The bad part - Every time we play Texas - the networks will play the video of Ventura charging Nolan Ryan on the mound.

Ha was just talking about this - hopefully he's learned better decision making!

[AzureJazzMan]

When I first signed on where I am at and saw Robin's name in the list of forums, I thought it was his hiring as hitting instructor. I am quite shocked by this move. It is works, great. But if it does not work, it will no doubt hasten KW's departure. The initial question I have is what major league coaching experience does Ventura have compared to Dave Martinez and the other candidates.

The easy answer to this one... Less, definitely less

[Viva Medias B's]

Now The Score 670 says they WILL broadcast the conference call live at 5pm central.

Shouldn't this be a press conference at the Cell? Introducing your team's new manager should be done that way and not by conference call.

[kobo]

When I first signed on where I am at and saw Robin's name in the list of forums, I thought it was his hiring as hitting instructor. I am quite shocked by this move. It is works, great. But if it does not work, it will no doubt hasten KW's departure. The initial question I have is what major league coaching experience does Ventura have compared to Dave Martinez and the other candidates.
None. Absolutely none.

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

So will the 13 gm package be called the Ventura plan?

:scratch:

Considering his number is 23, I highly doubt it.

I suggested in an earlier thread they add on a game to the Ozzie plan and make it the "Paulie Plan".

[kittle42]

Dan Pasqua is giving hitting lessons at tee time batting cages in Lockport for $200. True Story.

Oh, then he may have had too much coaching experience.

[DirtySox]

The bad part - Every time we play Texas - the networks will play the video of Ventura charging Nolan Ryan on the mound.


SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
enough about nolan ryan already. ventura hit 294 HRs & won 6 gold gloves. so he made a mistake charging ryan, so what?
37 seconds ago Favorite Retweet Reply


Heyman knows the deal.

[Cat Thief]

Considering his number is 23, I highly doubt it.

I suggested in an earlier thread they add on a game to the Ozzie plan and make it the "Paulie Plan".

Sounds better..... I'm kinda slow today...

[Crooked Number]

I was buried in work all day, just found out. I am just as shocked as the rest of you. I am excited, apprehensive, but also relieved. The 2012 Whitesox are going to be an interesting club.

[guillensdisciple]

ehh, lets do it.

[wassagstdu]

SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
chicago chose ventura for baseball intellect, professionalism, character, familiarity w/ white sox. also wont spar w/ kenny
2 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Bingo.

[Milw]

ehh, lets do it.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our 2012 marketing slogan. :D:

[eriqjaffe]

Shouldn't this be a press conference at the Cell? Introducing your team's new manager should be done that way and not by conference call.:KW
"A press conference at the park? That's just what they'll be expecting us to do!"

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

I was buried in work all day, just found out. I am just as shocked as the rest of you. I am excited, apprehensive, but also relieved. The 2012 Whitesox are going to be an interesting club.

That's all we can ask for...this last season, the club was the most boring, listless group I've ever had the "pleasure" of watching (save for a select few players).

[soltrain21]

Bingo.

Would you rather have a manager that will spar with Kenny and create another toxic environment?

[FarmerAndy]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

[kobo]

The good part - he'll sell tickets. Heck he might actually get us to the series again.

The bad part - Every time we play Texas - the networks will play the video of Ventura charging Nolan Ryan on the mound.

:whocares

[soltrain21]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

What exactly would be considered "forward thinking" when hiring a manager?

[Soxman219]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

Tell that to Tampa and Phoenix

[chisoxfanatic]

Considering his number is 23, I highly doubt it.

I suggested in an earlier thread they add on a game to the Ozzie plan and make it the "Paulie Plan".
That's a great idea! Paulie deserves more accolades, and naming a ticket plan after him is a great way to show appreciation.

[gregp65]

The way I see this is the Sox are going to give him the game experience over the next two years as they rebuild. In three years hopefully the pieces come together.

[eriqjaffe]

That's a great idea! Paulie deserves more accolades, and naming a ticket plan after him is a great way to show appreciation.You're presuming that the Sox have any plan at all. :rimshot:

[kittle42]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

It's a baffling hire from an objective POV. I'm not up in arms over it, but I'd have preferred a candidate that had coaching experience.

[wassagstdu]

Hey, the Sox bring up players with little or no (or not enough) minor league experience all the time, expecting them to learn the game in the big show. Why not a manager who is learning at the major league level? He'll have had plenty of experience by the time the Sox contend again.

[TheOldRoman]

I argee with most that I don't know what to think here. I was pulling for Martinez, personally. Robin doesn't have any coaching experience and didn't play under any particularly good managers, so I have nothing to evaluate him on. Hopefully he is a huge success and helps bring the Sox another title or two. At the very least, we won't have to worry about our manager saying inflammatory things or calling out the fanbase.

Welcome back, Robin.

[CHISOXFAN13]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

You are not getting tickets because of a managerial choice? Weak sauce, especially since he hasn't managed a game. You are a bad fan.

[TheOldRoman]

I like it.You mean you aren't making a "fire Robin" tag as we speak?

[A. Cavatica]

Two reactions.

1. <facepalm>

2. 2012 Marketing Slogan: "Nothing Ventura, nothing gained."

[CHISOXFAN13]

Would love the Sox to bring Torborg back as Robin's bench coach. Jeff was a fantastic and underrated manager here.

[wassagstdu]

That's a great idea! Paulie deserves more accolades, and naming a ticket plan after him is a great way to show appreciation.

Sign me up for the Jim Landis or maybe even the Nellie Fox plan.

[samurai_sox]

I read this as Robo-Oney and immediately feared for my life.

Robo Oney can shoot out 1.2 million derogatory tweets a minute.

[Over By There]

Sign me up for the Jim Landis or maybe even the Nellie Fox plan.

As an out-of-towner, I'll happily buy the Lance Johnson plan.

[MtGrnwdSoxFan]

As an out-of-towner, I'll happily buy the Lance Johnson plan.

I actually went up to the ticket counter and asked if they sold a Pierre Plan. He just gave me a weird look and asked what section I wanted.

[Daver]

You mean you aren't making a "fire Robin" tag as we speak?

I wouldn't go that far...

[rockinrobin23]

great move i love it...i know Robin will do a great job...iam stoked

[SoxGirl4Life]

I like it. Change of personality, that's for sure!

[hi im skot]

This is maddening. When will this organization get out from under itself??? I liked Robin Ventura as player. But come on. Seriously?

Haven't they learned by now that winning will sell tickets, not bringing back every fan favorite and giving them a job?

There is no forward thinking in this organization at all. They live in this little White Sox bubble. They are not in tune with the baseball landscape at all. I hate to say it because I've loved the White Sox my whole life. But this organization is a joke. I come here and read threads that rip on the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, Billy Beane, ect. Maybe we should focus a little of that hate on how our own team is run. Big market, top 5 in payroll, and look at us...... pathetic. Oh, but don't worry, Robin is back. F*** this!!!!

Now let every fan who also lives in the little White Sox bubble tell me I'm wrong........ But I'll be watching some real baseball this month. I need to not think about the White Sox for a couple of months so I can calm down.

I was actually going to throw down cash to split up a season ticket package with some friends. They just lost my sale. Call me back when you don't insult my intelligence as a fan.

Probably should have calmed down before posting this.

Also, enjoy watching "real" baseball this month. Maybe you can become a D-Backs fan...sounds like they need all of the fans they can get.

[GoGoCrede]

OMG! Why am I always not near a computer when **** goes down?! (thanks, manders, for keeping me in the loop)

I'm very excited. This is a new chapter.

[mrwag]

Probably Robin's greatest at-bat as a Sox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZCYSZSIMc&feature=player_embedded

[shes]

I love Robin and I hope this works out, but man, if we were going to go for a cheap hire, Martinez stood out head and shoulders above everyone else.

That said, as long as Robin is a better in-game strategist than Ozzie, I'll be pretty happy. An upgrade's an upgrade.

[rockinrobin23]

wait how many manger jobs did ozzie have before he was r coach??? correct me if iam wrong but he won a world series...the no
Experience thing hold no water with me.......

[Hitmen77]

Probably Robin's greatest at-bat as a Sox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZCYSZSIMc&feature=player_embedded

Yeah, but it's not as exciting without Hawk saying "YES!" twice or "Hell Yes!"

[Noneck]

My initial knee jerk reaction was because of my feelings of Ventura as a player. As a manager I hope he shows the same leadership he did as a player. He is a classy guy and it is about time they have someone like this to be front and center for this organization. This was something that has been sorely remit for many years.

A experienced, older, ex manager would be nice now for Venturas bench coach.

[russ99]

Im a big fan of Robin and willing to give the guy every chance to do well in his new job.

All of us should see this as a new beginning for the Sox and turn the page and unite as fans.

I.e. Please drop the apologist crap.

[kobo]

KW just said that he doesn't expect Ventura to hit the ground running, that he doesn't expect him to be the same now as he will be 2-3 years from now, and that's ok because he sees the next few years as years of growth.

[Rocky Soprano]

Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

Funniest. Post. Ever.

[roylestillman]

Is Ventura on this conference call? It's 20 minutes into it and he hasn't spoken yet.

[GoGoCrede]

Quiet and classy replaces the classless ass. Just don't tell me Robin has two boys named Robizny and Roboney.

For real, this is amazing.

[kobo]

KW just said Robin has in mind who he wants for bench coach and that KW is going to ask permission tomorrow to speak with that person. Will not say who that person is.

[EMachine10]

Robin has a bench coach in mind. Kenny will contact the club tomorrow to discuss.

[voodoochile]

Fits all the base criteria - cheap, loyal to the organization, JR favorite, etc.

Will be interesting to see how he copes at least with Coop still on board Robin can learn how to manage a pitching staff on the fly.

Now we need a hitting coach and a few fill ins. I expect they will give Robin a veteran bench coach who can help guide him and I doubt Robin will say anything controversial to the press.

He also won't give a **** if the team rebuilds from scratch. He's just gonna be happy to have a job.

[soltrain21]

KW just said Robin has in mind who he wants for bench coach and that KW is going to ask permission tomorrow to speak with that person. Will not say who that person is.

Ask for permission means he is employed elsewhere. Hmm...

Willie Randolph? Alan Trammel?

[AzureJazzMan]

Let the speculation begin!!! :-)

[AZChiSoxFan]

Marketing Slogan for next year:

"Let's see if this works?"

LOL, that's probably not too far off base.

Funny that one of the writers tweeted about AJ Hinch as being the only other mgr ever hired who had no previous experience managing. As soon as I heard that it was Ventura I immediately thought of Hinch. When Josh Byrnes was the Dbacks GM, he hired Hinch and everyone knew the reason was so that Hinch could be his puppet in the dugout. Because of that, Hinch had no respect whatsoever from the players on the team and that's (at least partly) why he was a failure.

I really HOPE that Ventura was not hired simply because KW knew that Ventura would do whatever he told him to do. As Lip and others have pointed out, one of the things that has plagued the Sox recently is the lack of any accountability at all. To me, bringing in a rookie manager is only going to make that situation worse.

I fear that we Sox fans are in for some really lean years.

[34rancher]

KW just said that he doesn't expect Ventura to hit the ground running, that he doesn't expect him to be the same now as he will be 2-3 years from now, and that's ok because he sees the next few years as years of growth.

So Kenny thinks Dunn will hold him back too?

[mahagga73]

Other than being a successful White Sox player and apparently nice guy, what qualifications does Ventura have to be a big league manager?
He won't question KW's authority,that's all that was wanted.

[AZChiSoxFan]

What exactly would be considered "forward thinking" when hiring a manager?

Hiring ANYONE who had at least managed at some level at some point in his life.

[Noneck]

Fits all the base criteria - cheap, loyal to the organization, JR favorite, etc.

Will be interesting to see how he copes at least with Coop still on board Robin can learn how to manage a pitching staff on the fly.

Now we need a hitting coach and a few fill ins. I expect they will give Robin a veteran bench coach who can help guide him and I doubt Robin will say anything controversial to the press.

He also won't give a **** if the team rebuilds from scratch. He's just gonna be happy to have a job.

So basically another Reinsdorf hire that he controls?

[mahagga73]

LOL, that's probably not too far off base.

Funny that one of the writers tweeted about AJ Hinch as being the only other mgr ever hired who had no previous experience managing. As soon as I heard that it was Ventura I immediately thought of Hinch. When Josh Byrnes was the Dbacks GM, he hired Hinch and everyone knew the reason was so that Hinch could be his puppet in the dugout. Because of that, Hinch had no respect whatsoever from the players on the team and that's (at least partly) why he was a failure.

I really HOPE that Ventura was not hired simply because KW knew that Ventura would do whatever he told him to do. As Lip and others have pointed out, one of the things that has plagued the Sox recently is the lack of any accountability at all. To me, bringing in a rookie manager is only going to make that situation worse.

I fear that we Sox fans are in for some really lean years.
there is no other reason for it besides maybe a money issue with the other candidates.It will be his last hire if RV don't work out.

[getonbckthr]

Robin has a bench coach in mind. Kenny will contact the club tomorrow to discuss.
My guess Don Wakamatsu....

[ZombieRob]

Well, for the moment, I am IN LOVE with this hire, as Robin Ventura was easily my favorite Sox player growing up. I am going to have some mixed reactions in 4-5 years when I inevitably turn on him.
May not take that long.

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

Robin has a bench coach in mind. Kenny will contact the club tomorrow to discuss.

Someone from another organization. I wonder who.

Also, RV seemed to hint that Coop, Juan, Salas, and Baines are the only coaches for next year in place. But I think that was safe to assume anyways.

[Foulke You]

I want Mike LaValliere as third-base coach, while we're thinking of these things.
Bo Jackson. (Half Teal. Bo's energetic personality would be a good yang to Robin's yin.) Bo knows 3B coaching. :cool:

[Lip Man 1]

Wow...to say this came out of the blue is an understatement.

Pretty good column expressing the situation as of right now:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/rosenblog/chi-ventura-brings-sox-some-quiet-20111006,0,5409625.column

Kenny has talked about a rebuild but to me, you don't have an inexperienced manager take over a young inexperienced club. Maybe this is a hint at his plans?

This will be interesting.

Lip

[AZChiSoxFan]

Probably should have calmed down before posting this.

Also, enjoy watching "real" baseball this month. Maybe you can become a D-Backs fan...sounds like they need all of the fans they can get.

Love the hypocritical double standard here. Sox fans go totally nuts whenever cub fans bring up attendance, then at the same time take shots at other teams' attendance issues.

[soltrain21]

Hiring ANYONE who had at least managed at some level at some point in his life.

That's happened plenty of times and failed. How is that "forward thinking?"

[Madvora]

I can only think that they're trying to do a 180 from Guillen. They want a guy to control, a guy who's not going to make a fool of himself and a guy who's cheap.
Too strange of a choice and very quick. We have the only managerial position open and Terry Francona is out there. I don't get it.

[kobo]

Hiring ANYONE who had at least managed at some level at some point in his life.
White Sox haven't hired a manager with managing experience since Torborg.

[AZChiSoxFan]

wait how many manger jobs did ozzie have before he was r coach??? correct me if iam wrong but he won a world series...the no
Experience thing hold no water with me.......

Really??? This is too easy.

Ozzie had at least managed for however many seasons under one of the best managers in the history of baseball.

What's Robin been doing since he retired from playing? Watching TV and playing golf?

[AZChiSoxFan]

White Sox haven't hired a manager with managing experience since Torborg.

I'm not talking about being a head coach in the bigs. I was refering to ANY managerial experience at any level.

[mahagga73]

Really??? This is too easy.

Ozzie had at least managed for however many seasons under one of the best managers in the history of baseball.

What's Robin been doing since he retired from playing? Watching TV and playing golf?
commentator for the CWS

[A. Cavatica]

Robin has a bench coach in mind. Kenny will contact the club tomorrow to discuss.

Please be Adam Dunn...please be Adam Dunn...

[Foulke You]

Someone from another organization. I wonder who
That other organization could be ESPN. It very well could be Bobby Valentine that is asked. Ventura did play under him on the Mets in the late 90s. He would fit the bill as a veteran bench coach to mentor Robin as well. The question is whether Bobby would want that job.

[soltrain21]

Really??? This is too easy.

Ozzie had at least managed for however many seasons under one of the best managers in the history of baseball.

What's Robin been doing since he retired from playing? Watching TV and playing golf?

He was a third base coach. Let's not pretend he was making difficult decisions right along with Bobby Cox or something.

[DirtySox]

Kenny has talked about a rebuild but to me, you don't have an inexperienced manager take over a young inexperienced club. Maybe this is a hint at his plans?

Lip

You don't? Seems like a young inexperienced manager inheriting a young rebuilding club is the best possible scenario. Kenny also stated that Robin won't hit the ground running, and that he will grow into the job. He was also working with Buddy Bell and the farm system this year. Sounds more like a rebuilding situation to me.

[ChicagoG19]

I wrote on 9/26/11 that Robin Ventura being hired would be the greatest thing ever. I can't believe it actually happened. :bandance::bandance::bandance:

[AZChiSoxFan]

KW just said Robin has in mind who he wants for bench coach and that KW is going to ask permission tomorrow to speak with that person. Will not say who that person is.

Sheesh. Why not just go with Herbert Perry? I'm sure he'd also come cheap, wouldn't ruffle any feathers, and would do whatever KW tells him to do.

[kobo]

I'm not talking about being a head coach in the bigs. I was refering to ANY managerial experience at any level.
Where did Guillen manage before he was named Sox manager? That's right, nowhere.

[AZChiSoxFan]

That's happened plenty of times and failed. How is that "forward thinking?"

Great. And hiring a head coach with no previous experience at any level has happened once in baseball and it wa an epic failure.

[kobo]

Sheesh. Why not just go with Herbert Perry? I'm sure he'd also come cheap, wouldn't ruffle any feathers, and would do whatever KW tells him to do.
Keep beating that "the only reason KW hired Ventura is so he can control him" drum.

[Noneck]

What's Robin been doing since he retired from playing? Watching TV and playing golf?

Managing your kids must be way tougher than managing a ball club. With a ball club you have a bunch of coaches to basically do your job. While managing your kids all you have is a tyrant above you and nothing you do is ever right. He is the right man for the job, he paid his dues.

[CAREY33]

Robin is gonna come cheap and is a popular choice for most Sox fans;this has Jerry's fingerprints all over it.

How did they not hire Davey Martinez? He's been practically glued to the best manager in all of baseball the past 4 years while Robin has bee an "advisor".

Good luck #23, you're gonna need it.

[DickAllen72]

What an uninspiring press conference.

[soltrain21]

Great. And hiring a head coach with no previous experience at any level has happened once in baseball and it wa an epic failure.

Cool story. What the **** does that have to do with Robin Ventura and the Chicago White Sox?

[enurb]

It's a dumb hire. He's a cheap placeholder, meant to placate fans, while we ride out the contracts of Dunn and Rios, and lose more games than we win, for the next three years.

Sox apparently don't care about winning now, so its hard to care about this team for the foreseeable future.

If Cubs land Francona and Epstein, whatever gains we've made on them from a fan base perspective from 2005, will soon be lost.

Flush.

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

That other organization could be ESPN. It very well could be Bobby Valentine that is asked. Ventura did play under him on the Mets in the late 90s. He would fit the bill as a veteran bench coach to mentor Robin as well. The question is whether Bobby would want that job.

Good call. Never thought of it that way.