The past week’s original content from the MLBTR staff:
- MLBTR contributor Brett Ballantini (links here) had an extensive discussion with White Sox general manager Rick Hahn regarding the franchise’s decision to rebuild, its decline after a hot start in 2016 and the choice to replace former manager Robin Ventura with Rick Renteria, among other topics. Hahn also shared the rather amusing story of where he was when he found out about Chris Sale’s uniform-related tantrum last July.
- This year’s Camp Battles series kicked off with the Angels and Rockies (Jason Martinez covered the former, Jeff Todd the latter). Left field, closer and two starting rotation spots could be up for grab for the Halos. The Rockies, meanwhile, will stage competitions for catcher, closer and a place in their rotation.
I don’t understand this. Why would you replace a manager during a rebuilding time they need a good manager and that’s what Ventura was
and also those position battles will be intriguing because I always like position battles
You are either not a Six fan or you are way, way out of the Baseball loop. Robin was an excellent 3rd baseman and left handed hitter. Robin was also a horrible manager, and I mean horrible!! Where did you see good? Please explain.
Robin Ventura was one of the worst managers in the league by any measure. 375-435 over 5 years kinda sums that up.
Renta Rea isn’t any better.
Renteria will be much better IMO. He wasn’t given a fair shake with the cubs and did a good job getting a lot of those kids ready. He also speaks Spanish which will help moncada in a way Ventura couldnt… I think he’s a great guy to start our rebuild with. From what I’ve read he has a pretty good reputation around baseball.
I don’t know. The Cubs were pretty bad that year.
They were bad that year by design. The rebuild was still in its nascent stages and he had a bunch of bad players to work with. The Cubs starting outfield that year was Coughlin, Arismendy Alcantara and Nate Schierholz and the starting second baseman was Darwin Barney. Travis Wood led the team in innings pitched (with a 5.03 ERA) and the bench was a bunch of guys who arent even playing baseball anymore – Junior Lake, Justin Ruggiano, Mike Olt, Emilio Bonifacio. Chris Valaika and Ryan Kalish combined for like 300 plate appearances. Ryan Sweeney got 250 at-bats. It was a bad team filled with bad players.
Ummm….that was pre Lester,Lackey,Fowler,Montero,Schwarber,Zobrist,Bryant,Baez didn’t come up until August of that season.Renteria is a Baseball lifer who has a reputation for working well and prepping young players. This is where they’re at, this is what they need for the foreseeable future,at least.Robin wasn’t even in the game when they ridiculously virtually forced him to take the job. He even pretty much asked them if they were sure if what they were doing. Turns out they had no idea what they were doing! I sure hope thats changed, though they’ve given themselves a pass for a couple of years.Well will start judging very critically in about 2019 of how this ” rebuild” is going.
Joe Maddon is good too.
Robin was always one of my favorite players but couldn’t manage a game at all. It was time for him to go but through it all, Robin still has my respect as a player and person.
I just hope in the next year or two Kenny goes the way of RV so Hahn can do what needs to be done. Not holding my breath though.