http://www.nwherald.com/tablet/article.xml/articles/2011/09/28/r_oov32ca6rawydqt52r_hg/index.xml
I'd personally like to see Ryne Sandberg As mgr and put Cub fans on tilt permanently...
Created:*Wednesday, September 28, 2011 12:10 a.m.*CDT
Williams works from ‘short list’ for next Sox manager
By MEGHAN MONTEMURRO – mmontemurro@shawmedia.com
CHICAGO – The White Sox’s search for a new manager is fully under way.
General manager Ken Williams said Tuesday that there was no timetable for the hire, although he “absolutely” had a preferred candidate after manager Ozzie Guillen was released from his contract Monday with a year left on the deal.
Williams wouldn’t comment on what he’s looking for in a manager but said someone could be hired before the World Series begins in mid-October.
“There’s a very short list,” Williams said. “And I’ve already begun heading down that list.
“But we have to wait and see who the players are in the World Series and if there’s someone on a playoff team that I ultimately might want to talk to. It might have to drag a little bit.”
Williams said chairman Jerry Reinsdorf would give the final stamp of approval on the hire.
Cooper, Baines get contract extensions: On the heels of Guillen’s departure as manager, pitching coach Don Cooper and first base coach Harold Baines agreed to multiyear contract extensions with the Sox.
“I’ve been a blessed guy who has the opportunity for that to continue,” Cooper said. “I know nowhere else, and I think it makes it official: I’m going to be here for a while. I’m a lucky guy.”
Cooper also is serving as interim manager instead of bench coach Joey Cora, who has left the Sox.
Cora initially was told that he would fill in for Guillen for the rest of the season. However, Williams notified Cora on Tuesday morning that Cooper would serve as manager. Williams and Cora agreed that Cora would not return.
Cora could join Guillen if – as expected – Guillen takes the manager’s job with the Florida Marlins.
Although Cooper believes he could manage a big league ballclub if he had the right people around him, his focus and passion remain on pitching. Cooper has spent 24 years with the organization, including the past nine as the Sox’s pitching coach. Since 2003, Cooper’s starting pitchers lead the majors in quality starts (792).
“I think we’ve done well,” Cooper said. “Sometimes you think you’re doing well and you think things should happen for you, and sometimes they don’t happen for you. I’m just happy the White Sox wanted to continue that for sure.”
Buehrle’s future uncertain: Mark Buehrle might have pitched his last game for the Sox.
Buehrle – who delivered seven shutout innings to earn the victory against Toronton on Tuesday – becomes a free agent this offseason and whether he re-signs with the Sox is unknown. Williams compared Buehrle’s situation to Konerko’s last year.
“We don’t know where we’re going with our plan just yet,” Williams said.
The left-hander reached 200 innings pitched for the 11th consecutive season Tuesday. Buehrle has had 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins, 30 starts and 200 innings pitched.
I'd personally like to see Ryne Sandberg As mgr and put Cub fans on tilt permanently...
Created:*Wednesday, September 28, 2011 12:10 a.m.*CDT
Williams works from ‘short list’ for next Sox manager
By MEGHAN MONTEMURRO – mmontemurro@shawmedia.com
CHICAGO – The White Sox’s search for a new manager is fully under way.
General manager Ken Williams said Tuesday that there was no timetable for the hire, although he “absolutely” had a preferred candidate after manager Ozzie Guillen was released from his contract Monday with a year left on the deal.
Williams wouldn’t comment on what he’s looking for in a manager but said someone could be hired before the World Series begins in mid-October.
“There’s a very short list,” Williams said. “And I’ve already begun heading down that list.
“But we have to wait and see who the players are in the World Series and if there’s someone on a playoff team that I ultimately might want to talk to. It might have to drag a little bit.”
Williams said chairman Jerry Reinsdorf would give the final stamp of approval on the hire.
Cooper, Baines get contract extensions: On the heels of Guillen’s departure as manager, pitching coach Don Cooper and first base coach Harold Baines agreed to multiyear contract extensions with the Sox.
“I’ve been a blessed guy who has the opportunity for that to continue,” Cooper said. “I know nowhere else, and I think it makes it official: I’m going to be here for a while. I’m a lucky guy.”
Cooper also is serving as interim manager instead of bench coach Joey Cora, who has left the Sox.
Cora initially was told that he would fill in for Guillen for the rest of the season. However, Williams notified Cora on Tuesday morning that Cooper would serve as manager. Williams and Cora agreed that Cora would not return.
Cora could join Guillen if – as expected – Guillen takes the manager’s job with the Florida Marlins.
Although Cooper believes he could manage a big league ballclub if he had the right people around him, his focus and passion remain on pitching. Cooper has spent 24 years with the organization, including the past nine as the Sox’s pitching coach. Since 2003, Cooper’s starting pitchers lead the majors in quality starts (792).
“I think we’ve done well,” Cooper said. “Sometimes you think you’re doing well and you think things should happen for you, and sometimes they don’t happen for you. I’m just happy the White Sox wanted to continue that for sure.”
Buehrle’s future uncertain: Mark Buehrle might have pitched his last game for the Sox.
Buehrle – who delivered seven shutout innings to earn the victory against Toronton on Tuesday – becomes a free agent this offseason and whether he re-signs with the Sox is unknown. Williams compared Buehrle’s situation to Konerko’s last year.
“We don’t know where we’re going with our plan just yet,” Williams said.
The left-hander reached 200 innings pitched for the 11th consecutive season Tuesday. Buehrle has had 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins, 30 starts and 200 innings pitched.
