White Sox Give Ventura Contract Extension

The Chicago White Sox signed manager Robin Ventura to a contract extension announced Friday in conjunction with the start of SoxFest. After all, if your team went 63-99 last season, isn’t that the move to make? Ventura, who turned down a contract extension in 2013, must have taken a look around to see how few managerial jobs there are and how few teams there are that would offer him the chance to be in that job.

Hannah Davis was a rookie in the 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The 2014 version is to come out in February.

* So the 2014 season will be a success for the Sox if they a.) win 64 games or more, b.) win 60 percent or more of their home games, c.) have better concession sales than in 2013, d.) have better attendance than in 2013, e.) have bettter attendance than the Cubs.

* To those of us not involved with the inner workings of the Sox, there is one question regarding the extension: Why? And another: Why now? The latter question can be answered simply: To provide continuity and a sense of optimism as diehard fans gather to dream of another World Series crown. Of course, they might as well dream of temperatures in the mid-70s in Chicago in January.

* Of Ventura’s multi-year extentsion, Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement: “I have great confidence that Robin’s leadership and direction will help us reach our goals, and there was never really any question in our minds as to who we wanted in the White Sox dugout now and into the future.” Well, unless perhaps that future is 90-loss seasons.

* The popularity Ventura garnered during his seasons as a Sox third baseman work in his favor. The loyalty Jerry Reinsdorf-run teams have shown works in Ventura’s favor. But unless the players perform well enough to be competitive — meaning to at least challenge for the American League Central division title — retaining Ventura for several years won’t be doing anyone any favors. Well, unless perhaps Ventura’s financial advisors and tax accountant.

* What Ventura’s contract extension really means is that the franchise — with first baseman/designated hitter Paul Konerko entering his final season — really does not have a face of the franchise for the future.

* Speaking of the future, the Sox once again seem to be relying on having all their young players turn into instant stars. Much like the Sox have relied on their projected starters to all be above-average if not simply downright excellent. Much like the Sox have relied on their young players improving each season (something that does not happen even in the best of circumstances) to step up a level or more while other teams’ players won’t. Then again, SoxFest is not a place for rational thought to overwhelm or even challenge the optimism that such midwinter gatherings produce.

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