White Sox Hire Robin Ventura: 5 Reasons Why Ventura is Best Choice for Chicago

In an announcement that literally stunned everyone, the Chicago White Sox announced on Thursday afternoon that they have hired former third baseman Robin Ventura to become the 38^th White Sox manager in the history of the franchise.

Ventura, who spent the first 10 seasons of his 16-year career with the Pale Hose, has been working with the team since last June as a special adviser to director of player development Buddy Bell.

In his announcement, general manager Kenny Williams cited Ventura’s familiarity with the franchise and his overall baseball knowledge as key reasons for the hiring.

“I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities. Robin Ventura was that man,” Williams said. “His baseball knowledge and expertise, his professionalism, his familiarity with the White Sox and Chicago and his outstanding character make him absolutely the right person to lead our clubhouse and this organization into the seasons ahead.”

Williams bypassed Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez and former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who were all considered likely candidates for the position.

“When I rejoined the White Sox this June, I said this was my baseball home and that part of me never left the White Sox organization,” Ventura said. “My family and I are thrilled to be returning to Chicago. Managing a major league baseball team is a tremendous honor. It’s also an opportunity and a challenge.”

Is Ventura the right man to lead the Chicago White Sox into the future? Here are five reasons why.

Robin Ventura and His Familiarity with the Entire White Sox Organization

Since Robin Ventura was hired in June as a special adviser to director of player development Buddy Bell, he has spent his time researching the entire minor league organization and evaluating the White Sox players in the system.

His knowledge of what the White Sox want to do in terms of development certainly gave him a head start over other applicants who would have needed time to get up to speed with the organization’s growing talent.

Robin Ventura Is the Yin to Ozzie Guillen’s Yang

Many believed that when the Chicago White Sox released manager Ozzie Guillen from the remainder of his contract, that they would be looking for someone who was the very antithesis of Guillen.

They certainly may have found that person in Ventura. While Guillen was famous for his Twitter account and his sometimes outrageous moments with the press, Ventura may not even have a Twitter account, nor a website for that matter.

White Sox Prefer Homegrown Talent When Selecting Managers

With the hiring of Robin Ventura, the Chicago White Sox have now employed 38 managers, 17 of whom were former players.

While both Sandy Alomar Jr. and Dave Martinez played for the White Sox at one time in the past, neither played for as long in Chicago as Ventura did.

Ventura’s Blue Collar Work Ethic Fits Well with White Sox

When Robin Ventura was roaming third base for the Chicago White Sox, he became beloved both as a teammate and by the local fans. Ventura was always willing to go the extra mile in terms of preparation and his style of play.

GM Kenny Williams obviously hopes that Ventura can bring that same exact style with him in his new managerial position.

Ventura’s Lack of Major League Managerial Experience a Non-Factor

While many people will question hiring a former player who never before managed in the big leagues, isn’t that exactly what the Chicago White Sox did when they hired Ozzie Guillen in 2004? The following year, Guillen led the White Sox to their first World Series championship in 88 years.

That argument certainly can’t fly this time around.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.