White Sox convinced Renteria is right man as manager
The time is coming, likely in 2019, when Rick Renteria will be judged more closely by his win/loss record.
Last season, his first as the Chicago White Sox's manager, Renteria's main responsibilities involved teaching a young roster how to compete at the major-league level and building a positive culture in the clubhouse.
More of the same is on Renteria's to-do list this year, and the 55-year-old manager worked off a similar template in 2014, his one season as manager for the rebuilding Cubs.
Based on his one year in the Sox's dugout, Renteria will be able to handle all upcoming challenges - including winning baseball games.
Just ask general manager Rick Hahn, who is convinced Renteria is the right man to manage the White Sox in the present and the future.
"There are a lot of positive attributes with Ricky," Hahn said. "His ability to communicate and articulate what the goals are of the organization, and what the expectations are, his work ethic and preparedness so that they see that he means it and he asks a level of commitment out of them, that's not different from what he's providing himself.
"That high energy and those communication skills allow him to touch each player almost every day in terms of having one-on-one conversations, and I think they know he has their backs. I think players fundamentally want someone who puts them in a position to succeed and that is honest with them and gives them the opportunity to fulfill their promise. Ricky does those things."
Renteria paid his dues before replacing Robin Ventura as White Sox manager in 2017.
Following a five-year playing career as a utility infielder with the Pirates, Mariners and Marlins, he managed in the minor leagues for eight seasons and spent six years on the Padres's coaching staff.
Renteria was the Sox's bench coach under Ventura in 2016 before taking over as manager.
He took his lumps last year - the White Sox finished 67-95 as Hahn further gutted the roster by trading veterans for prospects. Renteria understood what was happening and stayed upbeat.
"I think that as long as I maintain a consistent approach, my demeanor is what it is, they understand the long-term of what we're trying to do," Renteria said. "I don't think you want to have a club in perpetual rebuilding. I think we want to ultimately get to the point where you're supposed to be striking, and I think we just have to continue to chip away and maintain the process, the teaching, the communication that's necessary for us to continue to go out there even at this particular juncture to try and win ballgames on a daily basis."
To help the Sox get back to where they need to be, Renteria won't hesitate to roll up his sleeves and go to work.
He's helped Jose Abreu with his defensive footwork around first base. He's helped Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada with their swings.
Renteria always seems to be helping someone, even if it's just one of his frequent encouraging pats on the back.
Catcher Welington Castillo played for Renteria with the Cubs and jumped at the chance to play for him again with the Sox, signing a two-year, $15 contract in December.
"He's a great person, great human being and great manager," Castillo said. "He's very positive and I'm happy to have the opportunity to play for him again. Playing for Rick Renteria means a lot."