12 off-the-beaten-path manager options the White Sox could consider originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Since Tony La Russa announced his retirement last week, the media has been inundated with names of potential managers White Sox fans should familiarize themselves with. But, with so much media, a lot of names have become incredibly redundant, and while these are probably some of the best leadership candidates, the same names we see everywhere can’t be the only names considered. . So what are some of the names that haven’t been mentioned, but might be worth considering?

Many of these names are either current bench coaches who have a long coaching/management history, current managers, or more recent coaching hires who have been interviewed multiple times for leadership positions, even though they did not get the job. Essentially, these are names that are likely to get a managerial position in the future – so it wouldn’t be all that surprising if one of their names popped up in connection with the White Sox.

So, without further ado, here are 12 names the White Sox might consider for their open manager job that you probably haven’t seen too often on Twitter and in rumors, along with their credentials.

Skip Schumaker

Current position: Bench Coach, St. Louis Cardinals

There aren’t many organizations with the consistent dedication to producing a winning product like the St. Louis Cardinals. As a player and coach, Schumaker would come with plenty of experience in a winning environment. An 11-year major league veteran, Schumaker has coached the Padres and Cardinals since the 2018 season. From 2018 to 2019, Schumaker served as the Padres’ first baseman coach, and in 2020-21 he served as the club’s associate manager. . He joined St. Louis as a bench coach ahead of the 2022 season.

Having played and coached the Cardinals, Schumaker is familiar with the Cardinals’ organizational philosophy — and, given its rich history, it’s a philosophy the White Sox could use some insight into. Additionally, Schumaker was considered a candidate to take over at St. Louis after former manager Mike Shildt left the organization – although that job eventually went to current manager Oliver Marmol. The fan-favorite might not be easily taken away from the Cardinals, but he’s someone well worth a few more managerial interviews in the years to come. It wouldn’t be surprising to see his name in the mix for certain jobs this offseason.

Bob Geren

Current position: Bench Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers

Geren is easily among the most credentialed candidates on this list. A former first-round pick, Geren has the distinction of being the Yankees’ catcher when Andy Hawkins didn’t touch the White Sox, but lost, in 1990. He began his coaching career with the Red Sox, where he managed from 1995 to 1998. at the Rookie and Class-A levels. He left for Oakland the following season and would be their Single-A manager through the 1999 season. Geren then moved to AAA to manage for three seasons before finally heading to the majors in 2003 as a bullpen coach. Oakland relievers. From there he became a bench coach until being named coach in 2007. It was a position he held until 2011 when he was fired mid-season at the benefit of Bob Melvin. He then served as bench coach with the Mets from 2012 to 2015, before assuming his current role as bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Geren’s managerial tenure was not incredibly successful and he was sometimes criticized for his communication style. At the same time, he was praised by the Mets for his “statistical aptitude” and “strong working knowledge of advanced analysis.” He worked under Billy Beane, proving he has a lot of experience with modern and revolutionized thinking; he also spent the last few seasons with the Dodgers, who are the pinnacle of forward thinking and a winning organization.

It’s hard to find too many more qualified people than Geren; whether or not he’s a good fit for the White Sox is unclear, and shots of some of his communication styles aren’t great. But given where he’s been in his career, especially recently, the 61-year-old could see another chance to manage very soon.

Don Mattingley

Current position: Manager, Miami Marlins

If there’s anyone more qualified than Bob Geren on this list, it’s Don Mattingly. Mattingly started as a special coach for the Yankees during spring training from 1997 to 2003. In 2004, Mattingly began the first of three seasons as the Yankees’ batting coach. He spent a year as Joe Torre’s bench coach, and after being let go as manager in New York after the 2007 season, he moved to Los Angeles to join Torre again with the Dodgers. He would spend a few seasons there as batting coach, and after being dropped from the open Cleveland position prior to the 2010 season, he would eventually be named Joe Torre’s successor in Los Angeles at the start of the 2011 season. term, the Dodgers would make it to the playoffs three times, losing twice in the NLDS and NLCS. After his fifth season in Los Angeles, Mattingly and the Dodgers mutually parted ways, and Mattingly went on to manage the Miami Marlins – a position he still holds today. The Marlins haven’t played well during his tenure, but that’s for reasons that are largely beyond his control.

With the Marlins and Mattingly mutually agreeing to move on after the 2022 season – Mattingly citing his developmental and teaching role – the 61-year-old finds himself back in the market for a new role. Perhaps the White Sox would be more interested in Mattingly for a hitting coach or bench coaching role, but given his extensive credentials and solid leadership, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the White Sox give a interview with Mattingly before making a decision on their next manager. Not to mention, Mattingly credits Tony La Russa as one of his mentors.

Check out the rest of the unique candidates and their potential fits for the White Sox at soxon35th.com.

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