Robin Ventura: 4 Reasons Why He Can Lead the White Sox Back to the Playoffs

When General Manager Kenny Williams announced the appointment of Robin Ventura as the Chicago White Sox’s newest manager, the decision was met with mixed reviews.

Many were wondering how the former White Sox standout was going to handle the role, as he has limited experience managing at the big league level.

Others were ecstatic with the hiring and are glad to see a familiar face leading the 2005 World Series champs.

Williams is confident in his selection and feels Ventura is the right man for the job. Time will only tell whether or not this will work out, but I feel strongly that it will.

Here are four reasons why Ventura can lead the White Sox back to the playoffs.

1. Familiarity with the Organization

Robin Ventura spent just under a decade in a White Sox uniform.

As a player, he was respected by his team and was adored by the fans. His hustle and consistency ensured he would go down in White Sox folklore.

Having spent so long with the organization, Ventura is an ideal candidate to lead the White Sox because of the emotional tie he has with the team.

It is easy to see how much admiration he has for the club because when he talks to the media he expresses desire and passion that is purely genuine.

A manager is seen as the leader of a baseball team, and with Ventura you get a manager who knows the distinct nuances and subtleties of the White Sox.

Ventura will use his vast knowledge of the club to cement his ideology into his players and rightfully lead the team back to the playoffs.

2. Attitude

Attitude is the single most important aspect to an athlete’s success.

Without the proper attitude, approaching the game is a challenge and an athlete will not prosper if they are unwilling to work hard and be selfless.

Ventura’s attitude toward the game is a big reason why he can lead the White Sox back to the playoffs.

As a player, many wouldn’t argue against his attitude towards the game; just ask Nolan Ryan.

Day in and day out, Ventura put his team first and left everything out on the field. It was noticeable from the start that Ventura was a guy who was willing to put in extra work when he needed to.

If he can transfer that attitude and outlook to his players, he will be a great manager who is capable of developing and leading them to the postseason.

3. Playing Experience

The biggest concern with skeptics when Ventura was hired was his lack of managerial credentials.

Sure, he may not have the résumé of other candidates, but what he does have is priceless: playing experience.

In my eyes, nothing can take the place of Ventura’s tenure as an elite MLB player.

With countless Gold Gloves, two trips to the All-Star game and a grand slam record matched by few others, the former player has plenty to lean on in order to dispel criticism.

A majority of managers have spent time playing in the MLB, so Ventura already has that going for him.

Based off these experiences, Ventura is benefited by the fact he has been on both sides of baseball and can carry this into his managerial role.

4. Diminished Pressure

The demands of a MLB manager can prove to be stressful, and with his new role, Ventura can expect plenty of difficulties during his tenure.

With that being said, Ventura is coming into a situation that is perfect for him.

After coming off an extremely disappointing 2011 campaign, expectations are completely different for the club and the visions of last year have changed drastically.

With the outspoken Ozzie Guillen gone, Ventura can worry less about media coverage and concentrate more on establishing himself as a solid manager.

Also, players like Alex Rios, Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn are all coming off horrific seasons and a lot of the attention will be on the way they respond.

Ventura can relish in that fact that last season’s “All In” mentality has passed, although he is still expected to wake up slumbering bats and lead this team back into contention.