Pitching coach Cooper heralded as one of the best after Sox let him go
The White Sox's decision Monday to part ways with manager Rick Renteria was not the only surprising news.
Their decision to replace Don Cooper was actually a bigger shock.
Not only did Cooper just complete his 19th season as pitching coach — far and away the longest run in the major leagues — he was in the Sox's organization for 33 years.
“The fact that Coop was in that position so long and so successfully showed he had the ability to evolve and change and learn and communicate with young players,” general manager Rick Hahn said.
The 64-year-old Cooper will always be remembered for guiding a starting rotation that threw four straight complete games in the 2005 American League Championship Series and carried the White Sox to a World Series sweep over the Astros.
“I would be remiss as the general manager, this organization would be remiss and White Sox fans would be remiss, if we didn't take a moment to appreciate the contribution that Don Cooper has made to this organization over the last three decades,” Hahn said. “The memories we have, not only from '05, but from the developments of some of these pitchers over the recent history of this organization, from the Mark Buehrles to Jon Garland and Chris Sale, some of the big names that have thrilled us over the years, are thanks in part to Don's efforts.”
Crochet update: Garrett Crochet, the rocket-armed rookie that joined the Sox in September after being drafted No. 11 overall in June, left Game 3 of the playoffs with an arm injury.
The White Sox are hopeful it's not elbow related.
“The information is good, it's positive,” GM Rick Hahn said. “He is dealing with a flexor strain, essentially a muscle strain in the forearm. The UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) is clean. No issues there. We expect him to continue to progress and he'll be without restriction come next spring. That's obviously was a little bit scary for all of us.”
Madrigal surgery: Second baseman Nick Madrigal had shoulder surgery last Tuesday and he might not be 100% when spring training opens in February.
Madrigal separated his left shoulder sliding into third base during an Aug. 4 game at Milwaukee and was sidelined over three weeks.
“That was a planned procedure based on the shoulder separation that will stabilize the area and make it so, knock on wood, he should not suffer from another separation,” Rick Hahn said. “The recovery time for that can range from 5 to 6 months, so it's conceivable when we get to spring training he still is on a rehab program. But we won't know about that until things get a little bit closer.”
Kopech update: Starting pitcher Michael Kopech opted out of the current season after missing all of 2109 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
That led to speculation the hard-throwing righty's days with the White Sox were over. Not true, says general manager Rick Hahn.
“We look forward to having Michael back with us come the start of spring training,” Hahn said. “He's been in contact with primarily the minor league pitching coaches and sharing the program he was working on, getting their input on it. In fact, he recently reached out to recommend an individual who was let go by another organization as a potential add for us to our organization.
“So he's obviously fully invested and committed and remains the same view of him as when we announced he was opting out of the season, that we still see his future as very bright and has the potential to be a very impactful arm for us for a very long time.”