North: Disappointing White Sox have a lot to prove

White Sox Executive Vice-President Kenny Williams gave us some fascinating reading material over the last few days.

The words from the man who runs the show have been clear: manager Robin Ventura isn't going anywhere, and the players are at fault because they have underperformed.

I'll say it again: hiring Ventura was a huge mistake.

Ventura's efforts have been admirable, but as my old friend Dan Jiggetts used to say to me probably three times a week when talking about failure, "Don't confuse activity with accomplishment."

Isn't that what we have here?

Ventura should be gone after the All-Star Game break, but Williams is standing by his guy and refuses to admit Ventura isn't the man for the job.

Yep, it's his call, but in the end it's Jerry Reinsdorf who will make the ultimate decision.

The front office is blaming the players, but who acquired them?

Smart White Sox fans knew the team wasn't going to be good enough to beat Kansas City or Detroit. Rick Hahn might have the title of general manager, but it's always been a bit of a smoke screen. Kenny Williams runs this squad and is pretty much in line with Jerry Reinsdorf's wishes.

While Williams now lets Hahn make decisions, he also declares he can approve or veto any of Hahn's moves.

Let's not forget Williams has a World Series championship on his resume, but that was 10 years ago and he couldn't get it done a second time.

I know Reinsdorf covets baseball championships more than basketball ones. The Sox marketing man, Brooks Boyer, recently denied a radio deal that was prematurely reported. Sox fans are no-nonsense people and respond to what they see and perceive. Maybe Boyer should spend more time on a plan to engage their interest.

Did fans get a statement from Reinsdorf telling them that the current state of the team is unacceptable? No, nothing but a lot of nonsense to read in the papers.

Tell us who is accountable for an underperforming team with declining attendance and low-rated broadcasts.

Years ago after a White Sox game in Detroit, I ran into Williams in a hotel lobby. He invited me for a drink and we had a great time. I believe Williams is not much different from me in some ways. He is a chip-on-the-shoulder kind of guy, and he uses that for personal motivation. Sometimes, though, you need to let the chip go.

He says he doesn't care what the media or fans think, but I think he does and should. Baseball is still a people business.

If you would have told me in 1981 when Jerry Reinsdorf bought the Sox that he would only claim one championship over the next 34 years, I would have said you were nuts.

Time to look in the mirror and prove to Sox fans you aren't one-hit wonders

Program notes:

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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.