White Sox ’22 New Hiring
Pedro Grifol is the new Chicago White Sox Manager. Who is he, and how will he catapult this team back into the playoffs?
Formerly employed by the American League Central rival Kansas City Royals, Pedro Grifol is a frequent viewer of the Chicago White Sox. Working as a bench coach for the past three seasons with the Royals, Grifol has seen a ton of what the White Sox have to offer. In the pool of managerial candidates, Grifol was certainly a surprise to the general public when General Manager Rick Hahn announced his hiring at a press conference soon after it was leaked to the media. With the likes of former manager Ozzie Guillen, a part of the 2005 World Series White Sox team in the running for manager as well, it was clear to Hahn that the White Sox needed someone that was not already a part of the organization.
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What can Pedro Grifol to the White Sox that the other candidates in the running for the managerial position can’t? Well, Pedro is fluent in both English and Spanish, where half of the White Sox roster is from Spanish speaking countries. He also has a clean track record, and does not come with any baggage, unlike when Tony La Russa was hired two years ago. Grifol has also been on the other side of the diamond many times when facing the White Sox, and will bring another viewpoint when it comes to managing the team, unlike someone who has already been involved with the organization that might have a bias towards the team. If I had to compare Grifol with a current Major League Baseball manager, I would compare him to Alex Corra of the Boston Red Sox. They carry a similar demeaner, and they both expect the best out of their players.
Rick Hahn will look to continue to do his job as the managerial search is over. His next steps will be bolstering the White Sox roster with key talent that needs to be addressed. Starting with a new right fielder, as A.J. Pollock has denied his offer to stay with the team next season. He will also need to address pitching, and wherever on the roster he can add depth to positions. With injuries being a focus point last season, it is key that Hahn gives all of the tools that Pedro Grifol needs to be able to have a first successfull season with the White Sox.
