With the White Sox managerial search intensifying, two names have turned heads early.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, Kansas City’s Pedro Grifol and Houston’s Joe Espada have both impressed team officials in the interview process. Morosi says additional candidates are believed to be involved and hinted that a final decision could be possible before the end of the month.
Based on the guidelines set forth by GM Rick Hahn, the White Sox will be placing a high value on a candidate’s postseason experience, communication skills, and ability to evolve while still possessing “old-school sensibilities.” Though past managerial experience is not a requirement, both Grifol and Espada appear poised to take the next step in 2023.
Grifol, 52, is someone who has flown under the radar of most fans. After joining Kansas City in 2013, he’s held a variety of positions ranging from special assignment coach to hitting coach. For the past three seasons, he’s served as the Royals’ major league bench coach under the recently fired Mike Matheny. Though he doesn’t possess the recent postseason experience that many other candidates have, Grifol was with the team during their runs in 2014 and 2015.
When it comes to managerial searches, this is nothing new for the former minor leaguer. He was a candidate for the Tigers (on two different occasions), Orioles, Giants, and Royals before they opted for Matheny. While Grifol is still looking to make it out of the final round with the job secured, he clearly has earned a level of respect amongst his peers and seems to be an intriguing name to watch.
Espada, on the other hand, is one of the more popular candidates among White Sox fans. He is expected by many insiders to be a hot commodity among teams with a managerial opening this offseason. Currently Dusty Baker’s bench coach, Espada has served as the Marlins’ third base coach from 2010-2013 after spending several seasons as a minor league manager and instructor. He then moved on to the Yankees as a special assistant to Brian Cashman before becoming the bench coach for the Astros in 2017.
When it comes to a resume, few have the one Espada owns at age 47. The only thing he is missing is managerial experience. He has been interviewed for several managerial openings over the past few years, including both the Rangers’ and Cubs’ most recent openings. His experience with a winning organization like the Astros only adds to his appeal, and he is well-regarded in the Astros clubhouse – including by Dusty Baker himself. Though many see him as a favorite for the Marlins opening given his history there, he would also be the perfect fit on the South Side.
With further updates expected to be released in the coming days, we will be monitoring the situation closely. Be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more!
Featured Photo: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Whoever takes the job… you can bet it will be someone with ties to the organization, first time manager at the MLB level and willing to work cheap. (regardless of what Hanh claims)
Sox do not like to leave their comfort zone. Plus, they do not want someone who could potentially “rock the boat”. Said person will also not be able to choose their own coaching staff. So, that will take several high profile candidates out of the running. Such as: Washington, Bouchy, Alomar Jr, Maddon and Shildt.
Espada, I think will have his pick of openings. And, I just don’t see him wanting to have to put with with this front office and ownership. So, I think he will withdraw his name from the position.
So, that leaves the likes of Grifol, Harris, Long, Ozzie and Quatraro. And, if I am not mistaken, the coaching staff are all under contract still. So that means, Jerry will want to keep them on rather than pay them not to work.