With the White Sox sitting at just 31-42, everyone is starting to read the writing on the wall: this is very likely a lost season for the White Sox. Because of this, national media personalities are starting to weigh in and make their headlines.
Today’s name to make headlines was Jon Heyman who, on 670 The Score, claimed that the White Sox could end up making Pedro Grifol a “one-and-done” manager if the team continues to sink further and further away from contention this season.
“That frustration really showed. He had Burger batting eighth, I really don’t know what to make of that other than he’s frustrated. I don’t know if he’s frustrated with his bosses or the questions or what, but it wasn’t a great look. He’s supposed to be a disciplinarian, probably should show some discipline on his own. It’s nice we got a window into his frustration, but I would say if this year doesn’t turn around, he could be one-and-done.”
Jon Heyman (on 670 The Score) on Pedro Grifol
“I would say they’re giving him the year likely. But among the managers, I would say (Oli) Marmol is probably in greater trouble, based on the expectations in St. Louis and the performance of that team. But (Grifol) cannot be in great standing at this point. They have underachieved immensely.”
Jon Heyman (on 670 The Score) on Pedro Grifol
Of course, the White Sox also failed to meet high expectations under the leadership of Tony La Russa. The team missed the playoffs while going an abysmal 81-81 in 2022, after which La Russa stepped down due to ongoing health problems. Though the White Sox won the AL Central in 2021 by going 93-69, they were dismantled by the Astros in the divisional round and secured just one playoff win.
“I know I say this every show, but they should be a decent team, they really should, and they have not been. I’m sure he’s frustrated, I’m sure he’s probably hearing it from his bosses, somebody above, this is probably a window into that. So from that perspective, I guess that was good, but he really shouldn’t be saying stuff like that.”
Jon Heyman (on 670 The Score) on Pedro Grifol
Heyman, if you did not see, was in particular discussion Grifol’s response to a reporter’s question behind his reasoning for batting Jake Burger eighth in Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Mariners. Clearly frustrated by the team’s lack of production, Grifol offered the following response that was met unfavorably by most fans:
While the blame can be placed on many people due to this year’s poor start, it should begin with those in much higher positions within the organization rather than a manager who inherited a poor situation to begin with. Heading into today’s game against the Rangers, the White Sox are 31-42 and sit 5.5 games behind the first-place Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
Their performance in the coming weeks will likely dictate how the organization approaches this year’s trade deadline and potentially even their long-term future. However, we have gotten some glimpses into their direction, as there have been reports in recent days that the White Sox are apparently willing to trade players on expiring contracts at this year’s deadline.
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Featured Image: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
While Grifol was a terrible hire (no experience / came from a losing organization / had ties to the Sox from Chris Getz)… he is not the one to blame for current state of affairs. Grifol was sold a ticket on the Titanic. No one can win this team as constructed – PERIOD. Grifol had the one and probably most important factor in getting the managers job; he works cheap (Jerry requirement).
With that said, he will probably get one more year, as Reinsdorf will not pay two managers at the same time. But it is clear, he is not MLB manager material.
At least they played hard for Renteria, although he made many managerial mistake.
Not only are the White Sox owned by an A Number One Cheapskate, there seems to be an us against them mentality when it comes to relations between players and ownership! With Giolito ownership had to win over negotiations where the difference was minuscule! They made no effort to retain Rodon or Abreu. Of course, would either want to remain with so screwed up an organization? While Grifol might not be a good manager, who would be with this group?