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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Grady Sizemore was named the Chicago White Sox's interim manager on Thursday as the team searches outside the organization for a permanent manager beginning next year.
Sizemore's promotion came shortly after White Sox general manager Chris Getz fired Pedro Grifol amid one of the worst seasons in baseball history.
More news: MLB's Worst Team Fires Its Manager Amid Historically Awful Season
Read More on MLB
At 28-89 going into Thursday's off-day, Chicago is on pace to lose 123 games, which would eclipse the modern record for losses in a single season (currently 120, held by the 1962 New York Mets).
Three other coaches were fired: bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third base coach Eddie Rodriguez, and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar.
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Now, Justin Jirschele will move up from Triple-A Charlotte to coach third base and the White Sox's infielders. Longtime White Sox minor league coach Doug Sisson and catching coach Drew Butera will be the new co-bench coaches. Mike Gellinger, another veteran of the minor league coaching ranks, will move into a hitting coach role.
During a 43-minute conference call with reporters, Getz said he delivered the news to Grifol and the coaches Thursday morning.
"You look at the 2023 season, the 2024 season, win-loss projections and how dramatically below we were int he win column, obviously there's a long list of reasons that go into shortcomings," he said. "You look at a roster, the chemistry of the team, the makeup of a clubhouse, a 40-man roster — it is much deeper than simply a manager's decisions. With that being said, there was underperformance. It's now our job to turn the page and move forward and create an environment for the players we currently have on this roster and for the younger players we are going to be breaking into the big leagues here shortly, and finish this season with more positives than we've had so far."
It's the first managing opportunity for Sizemore, 42, who played for the Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and Tampa Bay Rays from 2004-15. A three-time All-Star outfielder, Sizemore joined the White Sox's coaching staff before this season.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Grifol's departure was not a bitter one:
Grifol told the Sun-Times via text after the firing that he was grateful to chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, former vice president Ken Williams and Hahn.
"I have health and a loving family. I have a spiritual foundation that gives me incredible strength, peace and freedom," Grifol said.
"This won't break me. As a matter of fact it only motivates me. The next thing I do in my life, I will do it for the love and passion I have for this game and for the sole purpose of serving others."
The White Sox had lost 21 consecutive games, tying an American League record, before beating the Oakland A's on Tuesday.
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