Chicago White Sox manager Pedro Grifol has addressed concerns about accountability amidst the team’s recent struggles.
Before the White Sox’s 7-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins, Grifol acknowledged the team’s need for improvement but declined to provide specific details on the measures being taken.
“I really care about our fans, I truly care about our fans,” Grifol said. “But I’m not going to throw our there anything that I speak to our players as individuals or as a team. I’m just not going to do it. That’s how I choose to lead. That’s how I choose to run this club.”
Grifol reiterated that poor execution and fundamentals are being addressed.
“I can tell you this, rest assured, that everything that happens on this ballclub, on the field, off the field that affects us being able to win a baseball game or the integrity and character of this organization, is being addressed. That’s the only thing I can say. As far as getting into the specifics of it, I’m never going to do this. We can continue to talk about it and you guys can continue to ask those questions and I’ll continue to answer this way. The only thing I can assure you is that everybody here, including myself, is being held accountable.”
Grifol mentioned specific instances of poor play, without naming players, including a botched rundown by Lenyn Sosa and an overthrow by Andrew Benintendi. Sosa has been optioned to Charlotte, while Benintendi was not in the lineup against the Twins.
“There’s nothing that’s not going to be addressed,” Grifol said. “If we’re talking about rundowns, cutoffs, about whatever happens on or off the field, rest assured that it’s being addressed.”
The White Sox have struggled defensively in recent games, despite being built around defense and fundamentals. Jonathan Cannon gave up six runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Twins, who entered the game with a .195 batting average.
Grifol also had a heated exchange with plate umpire Mike Estabrook, resulting in his ejection. Right fielder Gavin Sheets was also ejected.
