Hahn: Any potential Sox changes won't come until off-season
Whether the season is breaking good or bad, Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn always makes himself available to the media on the first game of a homestand.
Quite frankly, the sessions have mostly consisted of Hahn trying to answer the difficult questions that accompany losing.
In 2013, his first season as GM, the Sox dropped 99 games and finished last in the AL Central. It was their worst record since 1970.
Last year was a bit better, but the White Sox went 73-89 and finished fourth in the division.
Considering they spent $30 million upgrading the roster over the winter, the White Sox were expected to be much better this season and were widely viewed as a playoff contender.
Heading into Thursday night's game against the Angels, the Sox instead were a mammoth disappointment. The White Sox (56-63) were able to snap a three-game losing streak, beating Los Angeles 8-2.
Jose Abreu sparked the offense with 3 RBI and Adam LaRoche hit a 2-run homer.
Breaking out of his normal routine, Hahn spoke to reporters before the Sox and Angels wrapped up a four-game series.
When asked if another lost season is going to lead to changes on the roster, coaching staff or even front office, Hahn hit the brakes.
"Any questions on the staff, myself, others, everyone, that's all in the future," Hahn said. "We're focused on the here and now and winning tonight's game. Anything in terms of personnel changes, players, staff, coaches, front office, whatever, will wait for the off-season."
Managers are typically the first to go when expectations are not met, but when asked if he was satisfied with Robin Ventura and the coaching staff, Hahn said "absolutely."
Ultimately, Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is going to have the final say about who stays and who goes when the season ends. Reinsdorf has been incredibly patient throughout a roller-coaster season, but you have to wonder how much longer it's going to last.
"Look, I think we're all disappointed, Robin included, about where we sit right now," Hahn said. "We're going to have to go in the off-season and evaluate everyone in terms of, 'Are we putting ourselves in the best position to succeed?'
"I will say that if we felt it made sense to make a change we would have made a change in any position, whether it's a player on the field, the staff or the manager. So obviously that can happen, and going forward we'll have to wait for the off-season and evaluate all of us.
"I'm not too different in a lot of ways from any other fan in that the ups and downs and the unmet expectations are extremely frustrating and difficult to stomach."
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet today and Sunday; WGN Saturday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Sox' Chris Sale (11-7) vs. Felix Hernandez (11-7) today at 9:10 p.m.; Carlos Rodon (5-5) vs. Vidal Nuno (0-1) Saturday at 8:10 p.m.; John Danks (6-10) vs. Taijuan Walker (8-7) Sunday at 3:10 p.m.
At a glance: This is the White Sox' first meeting of the season with the Mariners. They were 3-4 against Seattle last year, the Sox' first losing season vs. the Mariners since 2009. In his last start, against the Cubs on Sunday, Sale allowed 1 hit over 7 scoreless innings while matching his career high with 15 strikeouts. The left-hander is a career 3-0 with a 2.41 ERA and 2 complete games vs. Seattle. Hernandez, one of baseball's elite starters, was shelled in his last outing. Facing the Red Sox, Hernandez allowed 10 runs on 12 hits in 2⅓ innings. Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz leads the majors with 36 home runs.
Next: Boston Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, Monday-Wednesday
- Scot Gregor