Despite a disappointing season, the White Sox will retain manager Robin Ventura next season.
White Sox general manger Rick Hahn said Friday in a press conference that Ventura will return for his fifth season as the Sox skipper. Ventura, who is 295-350 (.457) at the helm, received praise from Hahn for being a "tremendous communicator" who creates the right environment for the players.
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"If the team didn't believe in Robin's ability to manage a championship team, he wouldn't be here," Hahn said.
The club had lofty expectations for 2015 following a big-spending offseason that brought in pitchers Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson and veteran slugger Adam LaRoche. Teamed with stars Jose Abreu, Melky Cabrera and Chris Sale, there was talk about an AL pennant, but the team faltered, falling to 74-85 entering Friday's game.
"Fundamentally the players didn't achieve in the way I expected them to. I put that on me." - Hahn
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 2, 2015While Ventura will return, there will be some changes to his coaching staff. The team informed bench coach Mark Parent on Thursday night that his contract wouldn't be renewed, and assistant hitting coach Harold Baines will move at his request to an "ambassador-type role."