White Sox general manager Chris Getz has said he’s “very open-minded” when it comes to ideas for improving the organization.
You have to be when you’re the leader of a rebuilding team that broke the modern-era record (since 1901) for losses with a 41-121 record last season.
In the offseason, the team made modest improvements, including hiring manager Will Venable and replenishing the farm system by trading left-hander Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for prospects (catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez). Entering the season, the Sox had the No. 6-ranked farm system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Meidroth is batting .304/.368/.392 with four doubles and a homer in 20 games as the leadoff hitter. He and catcher Edgar Quero have given the lineup a boost since being called up.
Despite the changes from last season, however, some things remain the same. The Sox’ season is effectively over near Memorial Day for a second consecutive season. After 50 games, the Sox are 15-35 and 18 games out of first place in the American League Central. Last season, they also were 15-35 after 50 games.
Getz’s hiring of Venable has drawn positive reviews from players for his direct communication style and calm demeanor.
“Will continues to impress,” Getz said. “His steady hand is showing up in a lot of different ways. Most important, the players have been fairly consistent in their play. If we identify areas in which they can improve, he’s got a strong ability to attack it.”
The rotation, considered a weakness entering the season, has overachieved with the 15th-best ERA (3.79) in the majors entering Thursday.
After 50 games last season, the Sox’ run differential was minus-107. They haven’t been blown out as frequently. This season, the Sox have a run differential of minus-57.
The 6-5 loss to the Mariners on Wednesday at Rate Field demonstrated the Sox’ competitiveness. They traded leads with Seattle, but reliever Mike Vasil allowed a two-run homer to outfielder Leody Taveras in the eighth inning.
“We are in a lot of these games like [Wednesday],” catcher Matt Thaiss said. “We can get a couple more hits or make a couple more pitches and come out on top.”
The unreliable offense and shaky bullpen are largely why the Sox have the same record as last season. They have blown eight saves in 12 opportunities and relied on starter-turned-reliever Mike Clevinger (7.94 ERA) in high-leverage spots before designating him for assignment April 16.
The bullpen’s ERA was 24th in the majors. Of the relievers who’ve pitched more than 10 innings, six of the eight have an ERA of 3.00 or higher.
And more often than not, the Sox’ offense hasn’t produced enough runs when needed to support the rotation. Entering Thursday, the Sox were last in batting average (.216) and on-base percentage (.286), second-to-last in runs (164) and slugging percentage (.332) and third-to-last in weighted runs created plus (76). The league average for wRC+ is 100. After 50 games last season, the Sox were last in runs, OBP, slugging percentage and wRC+.
Getz said the goal this past offseason was hiring director of hitting Ryan Fuller, Venable and the rest of the coaching staff. With the Sox being more pitcher-oriented, Getz said the organization needs to “focus on bringing in players that can help us on the offensive side.”