The Chicago White Sox are still getting organized and building the criteria they’re looking for in their next manager.
“Obviously names come in left and right to various people throughout the organization,” general manager Chris Getz said Friday afternoon. “We want to put pen to paper on what the attributes are going to be for our future manager and then we’ll go out and target those individuals.
“We’re still building the process and look forward to getting into it more in September and October.”
Getz discussed the managerial search and what he has seen from the team under interim skipper Grady Sizemore and provided some injury updates while meeting with reporters before the opener of a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Sox are searching for a new manager after firing Pedro Grifol on Aug. 8. Getz said it’s possible interviews could begin in September.
“You’re at the mercy of other clubs and very sensitive to their situations, whether in a playoff hunt or even to get to the finish line,” Getz said. “We want to get started when the appropriate time is for the White Sox. But in regards to the right timetable, there are some variables we won’t have control over.”
The Sox (31-97 entering Friday) have struggled in many areas as they near 100 losses for a second consecutive season. They rank near the bottom in the majors in several offensive categories, including last in runs, on-base percentage and slugging.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Sox are going to prioritize an offensive-minded background for the next manager.
“It’s possible,” Getz said. “But we’re still building that out. You certainly don’t want to force yourself into a decision just to check one box, so to speak. There’s going to be a wide range of candidates and hopefully we can check all the boxes that are needed for this organization.”
There’s still the matter of closing out this season.
Getz liked what he saw from the club during the 2-4 trip to Houston and San Francisco.
“I feel like the staff is doing a great job with Grady,” Getz said. “I feel like players have been responding well. Excited about what they’ve been able to do in a short period of time and knowing that we’re in good hands to get us to the end of the season.”
The Sox are 3-8 under Sizemore, with four of the losses coming by three runs or fewer. Players wore T-shirts with Sizemore’s image during Friday’s pregame workout. It was a gesture Sizemore called “a nice surprise.”
“One of the things Grady does so well is the ease he has just with people in general,” Getz said. “He’s one that can take what many would make a complex issue and simplify it. Speaks to his confidence, his ability to communicate in an effective manner. I knew he had that talent in him, but to see him go to work with it has been enjoyable. It’s really motivated the staff around him.
“I look into the dugout and they’re all working together to make decisions on the field. It’s very refreshing to see. Players have responded pretty well. There have been plenty of positive takeaways this past road trip.”
Those positives included a four-run ninth inning Wednesday in a 6-2 victory against the Giants.
“When you look at how we played our last game in San Francisco and the fight that we’ve shown in a majority of these games — the outcome hasn’t always come in a win, but the style of, the defensive plays made, our bullpen and how they have responded in certain moments,” Getz said. “Putting together runs late in the game is something we were struggling to do, and that’s a testament to Grady and the staff and the environment they’ve created.”
A couple of veterans are preparing to take another step to returning.
Third baseman Yoán Moncada, who has been on the injured list since April 10 with a left adductor strain, is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Charlotte. Pitcher Michael Soroka, who has been out since July 16 with a right shoulder strain, had a live batting practice session Friday and is headed to Charlotte as well.
Rookie pitchers Drew Thorpe (right flexor strain) and Jordan Leasure (right shoulder impingement) have side sessions planned.
“We’re not going to push (Thorpe and Leasure) to a point to where we risk long-term health. There’s no need to do that at this point,” Getz said. “But they’re responding very well, they’ve been diligent with their rehab and our staff has done a nice job too. We feel like they’re close to making their next step.”
