SI's Heyman: Ventura Can Do It
(CBS) It was a shock to everyone -- literally, everyone.
No one saw it coming when the White Sox informed Chicago via a press release that they hired new manager Robin Ventura to replace Ozzie Guillen.
"I didn't see this coming," Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman told The Boers and Bernstein Show on Thursday, just minutes after the announcement. "The last I heard Dave Martinez was getting it. I'm glad I checked that out. (Ventura's) an outstanding individual, very bright. If anyone could do this job with no experience, he can."
Ventura has just that – no managerial experience. He spent the last few months as a special advisor to director of player development Buddy Bell in the White Sox organization. He now becomes the 17th former White Sox player to manage the club.
"It's not brain surgery," Heyman said. "Not to insult the other 29 guys, but if you asked me who I covered that could do a good job managing a Major League Baseball team, he'd really be at the top of the list. I give them credit for taking a gamble. I don't think it's quite the gamble that everyone will think."
Rumors had been circling that the White Sox would hiring Sandy Alomar Jr. or Dave Martienz – even Terry Francona and Tony La Russa had been mentioned in rumors -- but nothing was said about Ventura.
"They weren't getting La Russa," Heyman said. "I talked to him a couple of days ago, and he said if he manages anywhere next year it'll be with the Cardinals. I mean, you hear names out there, but (most) of their experience is only marginally more than Ventura."
Heyman said hiring inexperienced managers could be the new way of Major League Baseball.
"Maybe this is a new trend. Presumably, it's somebody that's going to make a little less money and maybe take direction a little bit better than if you bring in somebody with 15 years of managing experience."
