Venable named new Sox Manager-per Merkin

[Saufley]

1 hour ago, Chicago White Sox said:

Hire is meaningless?  Every single move matters at this point if we ever hope to get back to even mediocrity.  This is a very nice move on paper and Sox fans should be excited accordingly.

Maybe it is a good first step, hopefully.  I'm getting somewhat interested, but time will tell. 

[Springfield Soxfan]

Stunned and will eat crow.  Nice job Getz! Now sell optimism to good free agents.  

[PaleAleSox]

7 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

This isn't at all how it happened. Getz was also involved in the initial hire.

Yeah, he was one of many. And this time he was the main person to make the call.  Just because the last guy was terrible does not mean the new guy will be.

[Falstaff]

Chuck Tanner took over the 1971 team that was coming off a 106 loss season.  1972 the Sox were in 1st place as late as August 28th, ahead of the A's who went on to win 3 straight WS.  1972 was my favorite baseball season outside of 2005. To this day I still find joy in that 2nd place team. 

The White Sox will be contenders again, it is going to happen, and this could be the beginning of the process. 

 

Edited October 30 by Falstaff

[Capn12]

Oops, we accidentally did something right.

[Harold's Leg Lift]

9 hours ago, fathom said:

Given the situation, this is as good of a hire as Getz could have made. Hopefully they find a little bit of talent to give him to see what he can do.

It's a narrative crushing hire.  They didn't hire the LaRussa guy, the cheap guy or the ex-Royal guy.  They hired the best available young manager who has turned down other manager jobs which means Chris had to sell him on his vision for the organization.  It's a very exciting hire.  

[hogan873]

11 minutes ago, Harold's Leg Lift said:

It's a narrative crushing hire.  They didn't hire the LaRussa guy, the cheap guy or the ex-Royal guy.  They hired the best available young manager who has turned down other manager jobs which means Chris had to sell him on his vision for the organization.  It's a very exciting hire.  

This hire makes me think (hope) that they are serious about improving and getting back to being a competitive ballclub.  I don't think any of us are under the illusion that it will happen overnight or even in 2025 or 2026.  But this is the first step in a new and potentially exciting direction.  Time will tell, of course, but the fact that they didn't hire TLR's guy or stick with Grady or grab an ex-Royal no one wanted is encouraging.

[Look at Ray Ray Run]

20 minutes ago, hogan873 said:

This hire makes me think (hope) that they are serious about improving and getting back to being a competitive ballclub.  I don't think any of us are under the illusion that it will happen overnight or even in 2025 or 2026.  But this is the first step in a new and potentially exciting direction.  Time will tell, of course, but the fact that they didn't hire TLR's guy or stick with Grady or grab an ex-Royal no one wanted is encouraging.

The team that told everyone they are slashing payroll again, after a historically bad season, is serious about winning because they hired a manager with zero managerial experience who adds very little value because managers add very little value?

It's amazing how low some of you have sunk in the world of expectations.

[A-Train to 35th]

8 hours ago, hi8is said:

Will Venable would be an intriguing choice for a baseball team looking to develop young talent with an emphasis on offensive growth. Known for his intelligence and a multicultural understanding of the game (stemming from his time in Japan and experiences with MLB teams), Venable’s approach is widely respected. He has built a reputation as a coach who can connect effectively with players, making him relatable and capable of nurturing young talent in both strategic and developmental capacities.

Venable's experience spans several MLB organizations, including the Red Sox, Cubs, and Rangers, where he worked closely with players to improve their skills. His background as an MLB outfielder, along with coaching roles that involved responsibilities for outfielders and offensive strategy, means he brings a balanced, on-field understanding to his coaching. This versatility can be highly beneficial for a team focused on developing offensive skills among younger players, as he not only provides insights from his own MLB career but also understands the structure of player development from bench coach and associate manager perspectives.

His blend of strategic awareness, player rapport, and deep experience with offensive development would make him a strong managerial candidate for a team focused on growing young offensive talent.

===========

Will Venable has demonstrated an openness to modern analytics, blending traditional baseball insights with advanced data to inform his coaching strategies. Venable has gained experience in analytically progressive organizations like the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, where he was exposed to sophisticated statistical tools and advanced metrics as these franchises embraced a data-centric approach to decision-making. His tenure with these teams likely involved using player metrics to shape in-game strategies, defensive alignments, and development plans, especially in support of young players who benefit from analytical feedback on mechanics and performance adjustments.

Venable’s analytical background is paired with an ability to communicate complex data in ways that young players can understand and apply. His player-centric approach and openness to innovation position him well to support a team in cultivating its offensive potential through data-driven improvements, such as optimizing batting approach and launch angles or tracking swing paths and exit velocities to maximize hitting outcomes. This blend of traditional and analytical coaching gives Venable an edge in both understanding and applying data to player development—an essential skill in today’s analytics-driven baseball landscape.

His style mirrors that of other analytically inclined managers, aligning well with a team focused on nurturing emerging talent with actionable insights from advanced metrics.

===========

Will Venable has a fascinating background, blending athletic excellence, Ivy League education, and a unique journey in baseball. Here are some interesting facts about him:

Dual-Sport Athlete at Princeton: Venable is one of the rare athletes to excel in both basketball and baseball at the Ivy League level. At Princeton, he played varsity basketball and baseball, even earning All-Ivy League honors in both sports.

Basketball Runs in the Family: Venable initially pursued basketball more seriously than baseball. He nearly played professionally before switching to focus on baseball, influenced by his mother, who saw baseball’s long-term potential for him.

Late Start to Baseball: Venable didn't fully commit to baseball until college, making his achievements even more impressive. Despite limited focus on baseball before college, he rapidly developed into a top player and was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2005.

Son of MLB Veteran Max Venable: His father, Max Venable, also played Major League Baseball, and they briefly shared time in the Padres’ system. This legacy has given Will a rich understanding of the game’s culture and demands.

Multi-Role MLB Career: After his playing career, Venable quickly transitioned into coaching, taking on multiple roles with the Cubs and the Red Sox before joining the Texas Rangers as an associate manager. This experience across teams and responsibilities has contributed to his reputation as a well-rounded and player-focused coach

Analytical Approach: Venable is known for his openness to baseball analytics, which he combines with his own in-game insights. Working in analytically forward organizations like the Cubs and Red Sox, Venable has grown adept at using data to guide player development and on-field decisions.

All good and looks promising and thanks for putting that together.  One thing to remember is JR holds the purse strings and is known to have made cuts in scouting and the analytic department.  I'm not sure if we even have one based on our recent Managers who embraced the "gut feeling" instead of analytics.  Time will tell if the new hire has any say in how JR spends his war chest, I seriously doubt it but it's a nice start instead of hiring Sizemore which I expected.  Nothing against Grady, just wanted someone better and based on the reviews we have him.

[DFAthewave69420]

Does Venable dump the coaching staff and bring in his own guys?  Very curious if he brings in any offensive minds from Texas with him.

[Kyyle23]

2 minutes ago, DFAthewave69420 said:

Does Venable dump the coaching staff and bring in his own guys?  Very curious if he brings in any offensive minds from Texas with him.

I think you know the answer to that 

[PaleAleSox]

6 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

The team that told everyone they are slashing payroll again, after a historically bad season, is serious about winning because they hired a manager with zero managerial experience who adds very little value because managers add very little value?

It's amazing how low some of you have sunk in the world of expectations.

He literally says in his post he does not expect them to be good next year or in 2026. That doesn't mean they can't start actually taking steps to improving. And people are hoping this is one of those steps. 

[PaleAleSox]

2 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

I think you know the answer to that 

No. We really don't. Only thing I am assuming is Getz/Bannister stick around. Probably Sizemore. Everything on the hitting side is up in the air. 

[Falstaff]

9 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

The team that told everyone they are slashing payroll again, after a historically bad season, is serious about winning because they hired a manager with zero managerial experience who adds very little value because managers add very little value?

It's amazing how low some of you have sunk in the world of expectations.

Got to start somewhere, scouting, analytics, manager

Edited October 30 by Falstaff

[Highland]

At least they hired someone with no connection to the White Sox and a man who has a good resume. Change has to start somewhere. A winning team? We don't know when that will happen. I'd feel even better if JR lets Getz build this team even with recent results. No Tony LaRussa or other weird controlling behind the scenes. It appears that Venable is a good man.

[LittleHurtCG]

11 minutes ago, DFAthewave69420 said:

Does Venable dump the coaching staff and bring in his own guys?  Very curious if he brings in any offensive minds from Texas with him.

This team is coming off the worst season in modern baseball history. Every single coach from last year should be fired. None of them will ever likely work in professional baseball in a serious role gain either. 

[Dick Allen]

15 minutes ago, Look at Ray Ray Run said:

The team that told everyone they are slashing payroll again, after a historically bad season, is serious about winning because they hired a manager with zero managerial experience who adds very little value because managers add very little value?

It's amazing how low some of you have sunk in the world of expectations.

I don't think anyone is fooling themselves. They are going to suck for a while. But we do know what happens when they hire an idiot brown nose.

[South Side Fireworks Man]

1 hour ago, Falstaff said:

Chuck Tanner took over the 1971 team that was coming off a 106 loss season.  1972 the Sox were in 1st place as late as August 28th, ahead of the A's who went on to win 3 straight WS.  1972 was my favorite baseball season outside of 2005. To this day I still find joy in that 2nd place team. 

The White Sox will be contenders again, it is going to happen, and this could be the beginning of the process. 

 

Too bad we don't have Roland Hemond running things and making trades.  Is there a Dick Allen on our horizon?

[Kyyle23]

22 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

No. We really don't. Only thing I am assuming is Getz/Bannister stick around. Probably Sizemore. Everything on the hitting side is up in the air. 

I feel pretty confident that they won’t be firing all the guys they hired last year when they purged Grifols staff.  But you can believe what you want 

[A-Train to 35th]

1 hour ago, Falstaff said:

Chuck Tanner took over the 1971 team that was coming off a 106 loss season.  1972 the Sox were in 1st place as late as August 28th, ahead of the A's who went on to win 3 straight WS.  1972 was my favorite baseball season outside of 2005. To this day I still find joy in that 2nd place team. 

The White Sox will be contenders again, it is going to happen, and this could be the beginning of the process. 

 

I knew with a name like "Falstaff" you have experienced the same pain I have over the years.  Agree completely about Chuck and the 1972 team.  What a year, until it ended, I didn't realize they lost 1st place on Aug. 29th my birthday but I followed that team and kept a scrap book of articles and pictures from that season.  I can only hope your last statement comes to fruition.

[Look at Ray Ray Run]

28 minutes ago, PaleAleSox said:

He literally says in his post he does not expect them to be good next year or in 2026. That doesn't mean they can't start actually taking steps to improving. And people are hoping this is one of those steps. 

Oh, got it. The guy who just lost 120+ games after turning over a roster he didn't like should be trusted to turn the org around. 

[GreenSox]

1 hour ago, Falstaff said:

Chuck Tanner took over the 1971 team that was coming off a 106 loss season.  1972 the Sox were in 1st place as late as August 28th, ahead of the A's who went on to win 3 straight WS.  1972 was my favorite baseball season outside of 2005. To this day I still find joy in that 2nd place team. 

The White Sox will be contenders again, it is going to happen, and this could be the beginning of the process. 

 

Chuck Tanner is the best manager the Sox have had since I started following the team as a kid in 67.  But he was aided immensely by Hemond’s work in the 70 and 71 offseasons.  We need some of that out of Getz.  He’s got to make some trades, but he just can’t let the other GMs lead him around by the nose like the Dodgers and Cardinals GMs did.  

[Look at Ray Ray Run]

Imagine being OK with a GM saying we're going to be horrible for at least my first 3 years. So bad that conversations of moving and etc come into the world. 

Then imagine celebrating a move that guy made.

I have no interest in watching this team tank and pocket cash for another three years. 

You know what would change the fucking narrative? Signing Juan Soto given the zero payroll obligations. Pretending that Chris Getz is turning the tides because he got some manager here is laughable. 

[WestEddy]

2 hours ago, hogan873 said:

Pleasantly surprised by this news this morning.  I really thought they'd end up with Nevin (who I didn't have as much disdain towards as others) or Sizemore.  Hiring Grady would have been the easy route, essentially saying it doesn't matter who the manager is when the team will suck for a few years.  Nevin would have been a Tony-influenced hire for sure.  Venable is a solid hire and lends some hope that they will be serious about trying to build a team.  Hiring a guy like this to manage a bunch of scrubs for three years wouldn't make much sense.

I was fully expecting Sizemore to "check all the boxes", and didn't even really mind. It had occurred to me that Sizemore has never prepared a team for Spring Training. I'm glad they have a guy who at least has been part of the process and has the experience of managing a full club from "pitchers and catchers report" through the playoffs. 

[T R U]

2 hours ago, Snopek said:

You answered your own non-question.

There is a difference between genuine excitement and "About time they did something right" excitement.

Im like Randy Quaid in Major League right now until proven otherwise. Ok, big deal they finally made a good move they'll still blow it. I think we can all agree the White Sox have to earn our excitement back at this point.

Edited October 30 by T R U