There will be a change in the dugout on the Southside. Here are the best fits for the job.
Following Monday’s announcement that Tony La Russa is stepping down as Chicago White Sox manager due to health concerns, general manager Rick Hahn has begun the search for a new skipper. Hahn’s criteria for the next manager included recent dugout experience as a coach or manager for a winning organization, good communication skills and an understanding of how the game has evolved over the last decade. He also added this twist:
“One thing that perhaps breaks from the mold of at least the last few hires, having a history with the White Sox, having some sort of connection to White Sox DNA is by no means a requirement,” Hahn said.
The description would almost immediately eliminate several names who had been speculated as possibilities, including former catcher A.J Pierzynski and former manager Ozzie Guillen. But it leaves several intriguing candidates as the White Sox look for a fresh voice. Here are some potential best fits for the role.
Miguel Cairo — Hahn indicated Cairo would be the one exception to the idea he could be looking outside the organization. As the current acting manager, he seems to have provided a burst of energy as the team played well under him for a short time. But that all came to a halt when the Sox were swept at home by the Guardians in a critical September series. The White Sox went on to lose eight straight under Cairo despite his attempts to instill some accountability in the clubhouse.
Davey Martinez — The current manager of the Washington Nationals has one year left on his deal, but could be a leading candidate for the White Sox job — assuming he could be lured to Chicago.
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