On Sunday afternoon, longtime MLB.com writer and trusted reporter Scott Merkin reported that the White Sox will bring in Chris Getz to be the new Director of Player Development. The position was left vacant after it was announced that Nick Capra would be leaving the position to become the White Sox new third base coach. Despite Merkin’s report, the White Sox have yet to state officially that Chris Getz would be assuming Capra’s former position. We have been told that is due to regulations that the MLB has this time of the year and the report from Merkin is accurate per usual.
A Major League source confirmed to https://t.co/G34Or1fW3B today that Chris Getz will take over as White Sox director of player development
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) October 16, 2016
The White Sox, who have been criticized by fans and the media for their in-house loyalty, have seen continued criticism for the appointment of Chris Getz with the initial reactions. Getz, 33, was a 4th round pick for the White Sox out of Michigan in 2005 and he suited up for the White Sox in 2008 and 2009. So he would, given his past experience in the organization, technically qualify as another inside hire. However, it should be noted that in his post-playing career, Getz has only spent time in the Kansas City Royals organization working as a baseball operations assistant in player development. So as far as the chain of events goes, he is an outside hire that is unlikely to have relationships with the other personnel in player development to this point.
Past those clamoring at the White Sox for the loyalty, there have been gripes about Getz’ level of experience. This complaint would seem to hold some weight as his standing in the Royals front office was in an entry-level capacity. That being said, a full media release from the White Sox might be able to shed some light on why the White Sox feel the former second baseman is qualified for the position. It is not unprecedented for an individual to be appointed to the Director of Player Development with minimal experience in baseball operations as Gabe Kapler, the Dodgers’ current Director of Player Development, was hired by the Dodgers’ reformed front office with just one year of experience in baseball operations. Kapler, however, brings an out-of-the-box holistic philosophy to his helm with Los Angeles. What Getz brings to the job should be unveiled around the end of the month.
With Capra heading up Player Development, the White Sox have moved their players quickly through the system. While it seems to be a White Sox philosophy, as opposed to a Capra philosophy, this may be something to keep an eye on. Expect Getz to be announced as the Director of Player Development after the World Series.
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