Chicago White Sox managerial search shows team’s dysfunction

Sep 2, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf (L) jokes with general manager Rick Hahn (R) as they stand on the sidelines before a baseball game against Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf (L) jokes with general manager Rick Hahn (R) as they stand on the sidelines before a baseball game against Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox had their manager. Or so it seemed.

Joe Espada was reportedly set to be the White Sox next manager. Then came the news that Ozzie Guillen was set to be interviewed. Suddenly, he was regarded as one of the favorites, with Espada, Guillen, and Kevin Long as the perceived finalists. And then Espada was out of the running and Guillen was set to be the new manager.

Chicago White Sox have no idea what they are doing

Now there is a new entrant in the White Sox managerial hunt. According to Jon Heyman, the White Sox now have permission to interview Yankees’ bench coach Carlos Mendoza for their managerial opening. Heyman further opines that Guillen, Espada, and Ron Washington are now considered unlikely to get the job.

At this point, the White Sox may as well get a dartboard with all of the names of the candidates they have interviewed, blindfold Jerry Reinsdorf, and have him fire a dart after spinning him around in circles. It may be the only way a new manager is named prior to the 2023 season.

This could also be part of a brilliant strategy by general manager Rick Hahn. He cannot be criticized for hiring the wrong manager if he never actually does bring one in. Galaxy brain move right there.

In all seriousness, this shows the disconnect and dysfunction in the organization. It was believed that the front office wanted Espada as the manager going forward while owner Jerry Reinsdorf was pushing for Guillen. As Reinsdorf is the entire reason for the Tony La Russa Debacle, one can imagine that there is a good amount of pushback on his ideas for manager.

The best that can be hoped for now is to find a middle ground. That had seemed to be Long. Then it was Washington and a slew of other candidates that had interviewed. Now? The holidays could be long over and the White Sox may be trying to figure out who will guide the team in 2023. Everyone may as well send in a resume at this juncture.

Next. White Sox could keep important piece for 2023. dark

The Chicago White Sox now have a new candidate for their managerial opening. One has to wonder if anyone there knows what is going on.