Williams Considered Adding Manager to Konerko's Plate

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Paul Konerko is going to end his career as one of the most beloved players to ever don a White Sox uniform. But could ha have handled the pressures of being a player-manager?

That's the question White Sox GM Kenny Williams apparently asked before hiring Robin Ventura to replace Ozzie Guillen. During yesterday's press conference to formally announce Ventura's hiring, Williams confirmed reports he considered naming Konerko player-manager.

“It was considered long enough for me to realize that Paul is a very cerebral person and he would probably drive himself nuts right now playing and managing at the same time,” Williams said. “But that’s the kind of respect I have for him that. I did consider it. Then I thought I think I would rather him be focused more on hitting third or fourth in the lineup and driving in 100 runs rather than trying to worry about 25 other guys in addition to it. We are trying to win.”

The White Sox do have a history with player-managers, most recently Don Kessinger from 1978-79. But there hasn't been a full-time player-manager in the major leagues since Lou Boudreau's days in Cleveland. (Pete Rose was only a part-time player manager and wrote himself into lineups only to chase Ty Cobb's hits record.)

Combined with Ventura's hiring, this news further puts Williams on the firing line for any future White Sox woes. Benjy is on record as saying the underachieving Sox teams of recent vintage are mainly Williams' fault. One of the things we've always admired about Williams is his tendency to take a gamble. A lot of those gambles have failed miserably; others - like hiring Guillen - paid off handsomely.

Could Konerko have handled the double duty? We'd like to think so. The Sox captain has grown on us over the years simply by sticking to what he does well and becoming a consistent run producer and clutch hitter. We're certain if Konerko decides on pursuing a coaching career after his playing days are over, he'll find success.

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By Chuck Sudo in News on October 12, 2011 9:00 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

oonagh1

If Kenny Williams only entertained the idea of asking Konerko to become a player-manager, why would he mention it to the media? This makes no sense. KW is notorious for keeping his cards close to his vest. I can't help but think this was a(nother) backward slap to Ozzie. Is KW trying to say that a manager is not that important of a position that an experienced player can handle the responsibilities of both jobs? It's just an odd statement.

twocee

I found it odd too. It's almost like he's saying - hey, if Ventura doesn't work out, when Konerko's current contract is up in 3(?) years, that manager's seat will be open and waiting for him.

Really bizarre.

BlueFairlane

I'm quickly losing confidence in Kenny Williams. I had been thinking the problems of the last couple of years were merely personal conflict that boiled over onto the playing field. I'm starting to think it's more that Williams has gone all-out nutcase. I've learned to take a wait and see approach with Williams, but this whole manager thing has me leery. I fear Ventura = Del Negro.

ChicagoD

Oh, did Nolan Ryan beat Del Negro's ass too?

BlueFairlane

And that's another thing. Why am I supposed to be impressed with a guy whose only claim to fame is rushing one of the meekest men ever to play the game and subsequently having that meek man hand his ass back to him without ever getting in a punch? I expect the first time Ventura kicks dirt at an umpire, the dirt will turn around and break Ventura's leg.