Rick Renteria is the White Sox new manager. Photo Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Renteria was named manager of the Chicago White Sox on Monday.
Renteria served as bench coach for outgoing manager Robin Ventura last season and was manager of the Chicago Cubs in 2014.
Ventura had a record of 375-434 in five seasons and is in the final year of his contract. The White Sox finished 78-84 this season, fourth in the American League Central.
“I just feel it’s the right time, it’s more of a personal decision than anything,” said Ventura following Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Twins. “I finished what I signed up to do.”
Renteria went 73-89 with the Cubs in 2014 before they rebuilt with manager Joe Maddon.
“Rick is great,” White Sox catcher Alex Avila said. “He brings a lot of energy and is always prepared, makes sure his guys are prepared. He knows what he’s doing, knows what he’s talking about. I don’t know what’s going on.”
Ventura was offered the chance to return on Wednesday, according to USA Today, but opted to step away from the team.
The White Sox are concluding their fourth consecutive losing season and entered the 2016 with high hopes. After starting the season strong and holding the top spot in the Central division in the first month, they fell out of the race quickly and ended a fifth straight season under Ventura out of the playoffs.
“I love Robin,” third baseman Todd Frazier said. “I love him to death. He’s a good manager for sure.”
