Robin Ventura’s time with the Chicago White Sox will end on Monday, as the club is expected to announce that bench coach Rick Renteria will replace him as manager, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
#WhiteSox expected to replace manager Robin Ventura with Rick Renteria. https://t.co/7MoFSNsJON
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) October 1, 2016
Ventura has been in the White Sox dugout since 2012. His most successful season came in his first year, guiding Chicago to an 85-77 record. He hasn’t been able to capture the same magic since, with four straight losing seasons, including a 78-82 record in 2016. Ventura’s status entering next season has been in question with his contract expiring. Van Schouwen reports the split is amicable and the organization and the 49-year-old are on good terms.
Renteria doesn’t have to go very far for the new position, as he’s spent the 2016 season with the White Sox as bench coach. Renteria is widely respected in baseball circles and has a familiar rapport already with White Sox players. His only managerial experience came in 2014, after a one-and-done stint with the Chicago Cubs, going 73-89, only to get canned when Joe Maddon opted out of his contract in Tampa Bay. The 54-year-old deserved another chance as manager at the MLB level and promoting him internally makes sense for both him and Chicago.
Ventura had a rough go of things recently in Chicago, but if the reports are accurate, at least he’s leaving on his own terms. Relationships in this day and age are important at the MLB level. I expect this isn’t the last time Ventura manages in the big leagues. At the same time, it’s great to see Renteria get a second chance in Chicago.
