Sox Fire Mark Parent

[southsider2k5]

Having an interview is different than being handed a GM job on a silver platter. He's a Chicago native, been living here forever, he knows the owner is super loyal to a fault, so the job is his no questions asked. Why risk that to MAYBE get a job somewhere else? Even if that job wields more power, you gotta take the sure thing when offered to you. How many GM jobs even open up every year? That's why I don't question why he might take a job under KW & JR calling the shots.

 

There is no risk for Hahn. If he didn't get a different job, he'd come back just like everyone else who has interviewed for other jobs.

 

And as I said before, he also knew that as long as he worked with Kenny here, Kenny was going to be his overseer. He either was OK with that, or stupid enough to think that Kenny wouldn't be involved.

[Dick Allen]

Having an interview is different than being handed a GM job on a silver platter. He's a Chicago native, been living here forever, he knows the owner is super loyal to a fault, so the job is his no questions asked. Why risk that to MAYBE get a job somewhere else? Even if that job wields more power, you gotta take the sure thing when offered to you. How many GM jobs even open up every year? That's why I don't question why he might take a job under KW & JR calling the shots.

 

So why isn't Hahn ripped for being a loyalty hire?

[NorthSideSox72]

The black and white coming from some (DA mostly) here is hilarious. Seriously, the guy got promoted to GM from within. Guess what happens for EVERY executive in ANY field when that happens? They still have to report to the person above them, especially if they moved into their job. The reins are never handed over instantly. The job allows lots of control, but not all. This is reality. Why is that even a question?

 

KW has some control, and Rick works for KW. Rick is the GM and makes a lot of, but not all of, the decisions. And major decisions go through management. This is not complicated, nor does it mean Rick is either a dolt or a master knight of the secret squirrels.

 

He took a job that is a lifetime dream. He took it knowing FULL well who KW is, I am quite sure - specifically, KW is a control freak. Zero chance Hahn didn't know that. He's working into more control. He's young and has time.

 

[Dick Allen]

The black and white coming from some (DA mostly) here is hilarious. Seriously, the guy got promoted to GM from within. Guess what happens for EVERY executive in ANY field when that happens? They still have to report to the person above them, especially if they moved into their job. The reins are never handed over instantly. The job allows lots of control, but not all. This is reality. Why is that even a question?

 

KW has some control, and Rick works for KW. Rick is the GM and makes a lot of, but not all of, the decisions. And major decisions go through management. This is not complicated, nor does it mean Rick is either a dolt or a master knight of the secret squirrels.

 

He took a job that is a lifetime dream. He took it knowing FULL well who KW is, I am quite sure - specifically, KW is a control freak. Zero chance Hahn didn't know that. He's working into more control. He's young and has time.

Which is precisely what I have pointed out. But to think he has nothing to do with what people think are bad decisions is beyond ridiculous. I have never said KW wasn't in charge, in fact, last winter when all were giddy about "Rick's" moves and how different it was from the KW era, I pointed out that the Shark trade, was extremely KW-like, and KW had final say. I also don't think he would turn down requests to interview to be a real GM because he would rather stay with the White Sox and be a fake one, 4and tell everyone how he screwed up when KW made a bad decision. No way. I have changed jobs twice in my life when I knew getting to the next level at my current company wouldn't mean much, that there would be too much interference, and there was an opening at the next level somewhere else, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

 

Hahn is a smart guy, and would have no problem getting another job in baseball if he told KW and JR to go scratch. If he truly was just the spokesman taking blame for lousy seasons, he would be a fool.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Dick Allen

[LittleHurt05]

So why isn't Hahn ripped for being a loyalty hire?

 

Probably because he seems qualified for the job and hasn't proven to be inadequate yet.

[Dick Allen]

Probably because he seems qualified for the job and hasn't proven to be inadequate yet.

 

 

What would it take for him to be considered inadequate? He's been the GM for the Robin Ventura era, except the season they won 85 games, who supposedly has shown all he is inadequate. Gave him an extension. Signed Jeff Keppinger, Belisario, thought Hector Noesi was a #4 starter, likes Avi Garcia, had Gillaspie and Micah starting on opening day, so apparently doesn't think much of defense. Still seems to think Tyler Flowers is a good idea. Blew $4 million on Bonifacio. Blew $4 million on Scott Downs, spent $25 million on LaRoche, the list goes on and on.

 

 

What he is, in essence ,is Jay Cutler's back up QB. People are hoping against hope he knows what he is doing without much evidence, except for contract extensions, he does. People hate KW, therefore, like RH, when the reality is they probably agree more than disagree.

 

 

This is pretty much proven on this website. He was lauded for the moves made last winter. Most thought the Sox were a contending team. When that went by the boards, all these moves Rick was lauded for were the idea of KW.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Dick Allen

[Hatchetman]

What would it take for him to be considered inadequate? He's been the GM for the Robin Ventura era, except the season they won 85 games, who supposedly has shown all he is inadequate. Gave him an extension. Signed Jeff Keppinger, Belisario, thought Hector Noesi was a #4 starter, likes Avi Garcia, had Gillaspie and Micah starting on opening day, so apparently doesn't think much of defense. Still seems to think Tyler Flowers is a good idea. Blew $4 million on Bonifacio. Blew $4 million on Scott Downs, spent $25 million on LaRoche, the list goes on and on.

 

Say it again Dick! Time for a major overhaul of the front office.

[LittleHurt05]

What would it take for him to be considered inadequate? He's been the GM for the Robin Ventura era, except the season they won 85 games, who supposedly has shown all he is inadequate. Gave him an extension. Signed Jeff Keppinger, Belisario, thought Hector Noesi was a #4 starter, likes Avi Garcia, had Gillaspie and Micah starting on opening day, so apparently doesn't think much of defense. Still seems to think Tyler Flowers is a good idea. Blew $4 million on Bonifacio. Blew $4 million on Scott Downs, spent $25 million on LaRoche, the list goes on and on.

 

 

What he is, in essence ,is Jay Cutler's back up QB. People are hoping against hope he knows what he is doing without much evidence, except for contract extensions, he does. People hate KW, therefore, like RH, when the reality is they probably agree more than disagree.

 

 

This is pretty much proven on this website. He was lauded for the moves made last winter. Most thought the Sox were a contending team. When that went by the boards, all these moves Rick was lauded for were the idea of KW.

 

So you want Rick Hahn fired? Noted.

[Dick Allen]

So you want Rick Hahn fired? Noted.

Never said that. I just find it odd that there are so many things people would usually consider fire able offenses, and for some reason, the GM is getting a pass, he has nothing to do with it, although when it was thought the team was a contender, it was all him.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Sox make a couple of trades, sign a player or 2, and have a young player actually develop, and they make the playoffs next season, if that will then be all of Rick Hahn's doing. I imagine it will.

 

Although the Sox are set up in the same type of dynamic as the Cubs, although KW doesn't have Theo's title, all the good stuff that happens to the Cubs, no one ever mentions Hoyer. Theo gets praised for everything. I wonder why on the Sox, neither are ignored, but KW is responsible for the bad and RH for the good. It really makes no sense.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Dick Allen

[OmarComing25]

Never said that. I just find it odd that there are so many things people would usually consider fire able offenses, and for some reason, the GM is getting a pass, he has nothing to do with it, although when it was thought the team was a contender, it was all him.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Sox make a couple of trades, sign a player or 2, and have a young player actually develop, and they make the playoffs next season, if that will then be all of Rick Hahn's doing. I imagine it will.

 

Although the Sox are set up in the same type of dynamic as the Cubs, although KW doesn't have Theo's title, all the good stuff that happens to the Cubs, no one ever mentions Hoyer. Theo gets praised for everything. I wonder why on the Sox, neither are ignored, but KW is responsible for the bad and RH for the good. It really makes no sense.

You would think Hoyer doesn't do anything at all if you listen to the media/Cub fans here.

[Dick Allen]

You would think Hoyer doesn't do anything at all if you listen to the media/Cub fans here.

 

I wonder if you went to a Wrigleyville bar next playoff game and asked everyone in the bar who is Jed Hoyer, how many would actually know.

[Pants Rowland]

I wonder if you went to a Wrigleyville bar next playoff game and asked everyone in the bar who is Jed Hoyer, how many would actually know.

 

I think you may be giving that fan base too much credit to think they would know who Jed Hoyer is. To be fair, picking any random fan of any team at a bar during a playoff run, there is a good chance you will be disappointed with their general knowledge of the roster, let alone upper management.

[OmarComing25]

Almost feels like more casual baseball fans know who Rick Hahn is than Jed Hoyer with how little attention he receives.

[Bigsoxhurt35]

All this dick measuring over KW and Hahn. They're in the "paid to get it right" business. Right now, they're not getting it right. Bottom line. This is a big offseason.

[kitekrazy]

All this dick measuring over KW and Hahn. They're in the "paid to get it right" business. Right now, they're not getting it right. Bottom line. This is a big offseason.

 

In most organizations, yes. They are protected by the Reinsdorf loyalty program.

 

[MindGame2004]

In most organizations, yes. They are protected by the Reinsdorf loyalty program.

 

Correct. That's why firing Mark Parent is nothing more than P.R. junk. He was expendable because he never played for the White Sox and doesn't really do anything, including speak Spanish.

 

So hire Sandy Alomar Jr. because he played 265 games with the club. I actually think it is a good move, but the only reason it is happening is because he played for the club. Bottom line.

 

Makes me wonder how Parent got hired in the first place, to be honest.

[Dick Allen]

Correct. That's why firing Mark Parent is nothing more than P.R. junk. He was expendable because he never played for the White Sox and doesn't really do anything, including speak Spanish.

 

So hire Sandy Alomar Jr. because he played 265 games with the club. I actually think it is a good move, but the only reason it is happening is because he played for the club. Bottom line.

 

Makes me wonder how Parent got hired in the first place, to be honest.

He didn't get fired because he never played for the White Sox.

 

I do agree, it was pretty much a PR move, and a move made because his was the contract that was up. It does seem strange, all the other contracts including Robin's went through next year. I wonder why Parent's did not? Maybe he as the bench coach was identified as the potential scapegoat a couple of years ago.

 

As for Sandy or anyone else, it would seem with a staff that are all entering their final seasons under contract, you would be gambling on either a big season or a promise of getting the job if things didn't go well to take a job. I thought Ibanez, who has been mentioned as a possibility, could be added in Harold's place, but the more I think about it, the less likely it seems to me. This guy would probably also have to be a bench coach candidate. Why would you take an assistant hitting coach position with a lame duck staff if you are a guy who is interviewing for managerial jobs? He probably gets paid pretty well on Fox.

 

Most teams hire guys they are familiar with, and a lot of times it means ex-players. Theo hired Hoyer to be the GM because he worked with him in Boston. The fact is, the Sox know Sandy pretty well, better than probably any team other than the Indians, and maybe the Braves because of John Hart.

Edited October 15, 2015 by Dick Allen

[MindGame2004]

He didn't get fired because he never played for the White Sox.

 

I do agree, it was pretty much a PR move, and a move made because his was the contract that was up. It does seem strange, all the other contracts including Robin's went through next year. I wonder why Parent's did not? Maybe he as the bench coach was identified as the potential scapegoat a couple of years ago.

 

As for Sandy or anyone else, it would seem with a staff that are all entering their final seasons under contract, you would be gambling on either a big season or a promise of getting the job if things didn't go well to take a job. I thought Ibanez, who has been mentioned as a possibility, could be added in Harold's place, but the more I think about it, the less likely it seems to me. This guy would probably also have to be a bench coach candidate. Why would you take an assistant hitting coach position with a lame duck staff if you are a guy who is interviewing for managerial jobs? He probably gets paid pretty well on Fox.

 

Most teams hire guys they are familiar with, and a lot of times it means ex-players. Theo hired Hoyer to be the GM because he worked with him in Boston. The fact is, the Sox know Sandy pretty well, better than probably any team other than the Indians, and maybe the Braves because of John Hart.

 

I realize that, but it doesn't mean he was less expendable. Harold Baines got to "step down" and take some bulls*** ambassador role or something, right? Parent? Gone.

 

Theo hiring Jed in the front office is one thing. The whole reason they're there in the first place was due to an ownership change.

 

My saving thought with Alomar is he was more Cleveland than Chicago and played there when they were winning. That supersedes his White Sox tenure.

[Dick Allen]

I realize that, but it doesn't mean he was less expendable. Harold Baines got to "step down" and take some bulls*** ambassador role or something, right? Parent? Gone.

 

Theo hiring Jed in the front office is one thing. The whole reason they're there in the first place was due to an ownership change.

 

My saving thought with Alomar is he was more Cleveland than Chicago and played there when they were winning. That supersedes his White Sox tenure.

Joe McEwing never played for the White Sox.

 

Todd Steverson never played for the White Sox.

 

Don Cooper never played for the White Sox.

 

 

Why weren't they fired?

[caulfield12]

McEwing is LaRussa's favorite son, so by proxy.

 

Cooper has a thirty year history with the organization in some capacity...

 

Steverson, because Hahn and KW kept Ventura, so, if the manager's not at fault, how can the hitting coach be more to blame than Vince Coleman, for example? Besides, he did enjoy some success his first year and with selected minor league hitters (supposedly).

 

Coleman never played for us but has ties to KW personally and LaRussa through the Cards.

 

 

[Bigsoxhurt35]

I'm completely fine with not canning Stevenson. We need better hitters. Last year we started off extremely hot (Steverson was awesome) this season started off historically bad (does that make him bad?). This year I expect some kind of mean between the two.

[MindGame2004]

Joe McEwing never played for the White Sox.

 

Todd Steverson never played for the White Sox.

 

Don Cooper never played for the White Sox.

 

 

Why weren't they fired?

 

Great question. The Jerry loyalty clause? McEwing came up from Charlotte, no? I don't have an answer. Why was Parent expendable other than not being able to speak Spanish? They couldn't find another role for him in the organization? Did he want one? All great questions.

 

I liked the Steverson hire when they made it. Based on the results, either he's bad at his job or they don't listen to him. They're not blaming him for the lack of getting on base, so it if isn't his fault, whose is it? If the players are professional and not accountable for their production why do you pay a hitting coach?

 

Again, great question. No idea why he's still here.

 

Whoever becomes manager, you get Don Cooper. I don't have an answer for that either. I know that Jeff Samardzija wasn't great but also wasn't as bad until he started throwing under Cooper. It doesn't really matter who they hire as manager. If he can't bring in his own guys and has to keep Cooper, it matters little.

 

The point is Jerry loves his kids. We know this. The organization needs a serious cleansing from top to bottom. If we're going to live off of one championship that was ten years ago, cool. Bring in people who know what they're doing so we can win more. There are people all over the game that know the information, how to use it and can at least attempt to put the team in position to be good and stay good. We're seeing nothing but business as usual to this point. Look outside of your own circle and actually interview people for these jobs.

[Dick Allen]

Great question. The Jerry loyalty clause? McEwing came up from Charlotte, no? I don't have an answer. Why was Parent expendable other than not being able to speak Spanish? They couldn't find another role for him in the organization? Did he want one? All great questions.

 

I liked the Steverson hire when they made it. Based on the results, either he's bad at his job or they don't listen to him. They're not blaming him for the lack of getting on base, so it if isn't his fault, whose is it? If the players are professional and not accountable for their production why do you pay a hitting coach?

 

Again, great question. No idea why he's still here.

 

Whoever becomes manager, you get Don Cooper. I don't have an answer for that either. I know that Jeff Samardzija wasn't great but also wasn't as bad until he started throwing under Cooper. It doesn't really matter who they hire as manager. If he can't bring in his own guys and has to keep Cooper, it matters little.

 

The point is Jerry loves his kids. We know this. The organization needs a serious cleansing from top to bottom. If we're going to live off of one championship that was ten years ago, cool. Bring in people who know what they're doing so we can win more. There are people all over the game that know the information, how to use it and can at least attempt to put the team in position to be good and stay good. We're seeing nothing but business as usual to this point. Look outside of your own circle and actually interview people for these jobs.

 

 

What it shows you is he wasn't fired because he didn't play for the White Sox. It shows you he isn't coming back because it was convenient to let go of the guy who didn't have a contract for next year. If he had one and McEwing or Steverson didn't, one of those guys would have been launched. I think though, they anticipated a possibility of a needed scapegoat years ago, and had the bench coach's contract expire earlier than the others.

[MindGame2004]

What it shows you is he wasn't fired because he didn't play for the White Sox. It shows you he isn't coming back because it was convenient to let go of the guy who didn't have a contract for next year. If he had one and McEwing or Steverson didn't, one of those guys would have been launched. I think though, they anticipated a possibility of a needed scapegoat years ago, and had the bench coach's contract expire earlier than the others.

 

That's what it boils down to.

 

Parent and Baines gone, but look, we're changing things up!

 

What's sad is there is a portion of the fanbase they're fooling in doing so, but I think the majority of us know it is nothing more than scapegoating, as you said.

[Dick Allen]

That's what it boils down to.

 

Parent and Baines gone, but look, we're changing things up!

 

What's sad is there is a portion of the fanbase they're fooling in doing so, but I think the majority of us know it is nothing more than scapegoating, as you said.

They are changing things up. They aren't trying to fool anyone. What they need really is not a better bench coach or assistant hitting coach, they need better players.