Konerko as White Sox’ player-manager?
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams is always thinking big, always trying to make the biggest splash in the pool.
Since replacing Ron Schueler as GM after the 2000 season, Williams has pursued big-time players ranging from Alex Rodriguez to Roy Halladay.
He has successfully landed major names such as Roberto Alomar, Ken Griffey Jr. and Manny Ramirez, even though all three were at the end of the line.
With little money to spend after a disappointing 79-83 season, Williams has continued to make news with his outside-the-box style.
He hired Robin Ventura as manager last Thursday even though the former all-star third baseman has never managed or coached at any level.
Ventura was formally introduced Tuesday morning at U.S. Cellular Field.
Last week, veteran New York Daily News baseball writer Bill Madden reported Williams also floated Paul Konerko to chairman Jerry Reinsdorf as a player-manager.
“The report is not false,” Williams said. “I believe Paul Konerko, if he wants to, can ultimately run a major-league club and would be able to do so as soon as he steps off the field.
“Why do I believe that? Because I spent the last 11 years talking to him about baseball.”
What about Konerko managing the Sox while still playing? Pete Rose was baseball’s last player-manager, in 1986.
“It was considered long enough for me to realize that Paul is a very cerebral person and he would probably drive himself nuts right now playing and managing at the same time,” Williams said. “But that’s the kind of respect I have for him that yeah, I did consider it.
“Then I thought I think I would rather him be focused more on hitting third or fourth in the lineup and driving in 100 runs rather than trying to worry about 25 other guys in addition to it. We are trying to win.”
Where are the coaches?There are multiple reports that three new coaches are joining manager Robin Ventura#146;s staff.Former major-league catcher Mark Parent, who managed Philadelphia#146;s Class AA Reading farm club this season, is going to replace Joey Cora as bench coach.Class AAA Charlotte manager Joe McEwing is going to replace Jeff Cox as third-base coach, and roving minor-league hitting coach Jeff Manto is positioned to replace Greg Walker.#147;We#146;re still going through that as far as the personalities and the people and who I#146;m comfortable with,#148; Ventura said. #147;It#146;s still in the process.#148;General manager Kenny Williams said the coaches should be named in the #147;next couple of days.#148;#147;It#146;s probably a good idea that we inform them before we let you know,#148; Williams said.Pick up the pieces:The White Sox have a new manager in Robin Ventura, but GM Kenny Williams is going to take a break before he assembles the 2012 roster.#147;This was the most difficult season and we are still feeling some of the residual effects of it,#148; Williams said. #147;I think at this point and time we#146;ve got to take a step back and really allow ourselves to see the entire picture.#148;