Sox approach familiar face
Indians’ Alomar talks with team about being bench coach
ST. LOUIS — The White Sox have talked to Indians first- base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. about becoming Robin Ventura’s bench coach, Alomar confirmed Friday.
A six- time All- Star catcher who enjoyed a 20- year majorleague career, Alomar played in parts of five seasons with the Sox from 2001 to ’ 04 and 2006 and is well- respected by the front office.
“It’s something that’s being discussed, but nothing is firm right now,’’ said Alomar, who owned a home in Chicago until last year. He lives in Dallas now.
The Sox reached out to Alomar last week.
“We’ll discuss some things,’’ Alomar said. “They know I’m happy in Cleveland, but it doesn’t hurt to talk. That’s where we’re at right now.’’
The Sox suffered through their third consecutive losing season under Ventura, going 76- 86 and finishing fourth in the American League Central. With three games left in the season, they announced bench coach Mark Parent’s contract would not be renewed.
General manager Rick Hahn said that “certain areas from our coaching staff were missing” when he discussed the move last Friday and that he is seeking “someone who can help from certain in- game tactical decisions in a different way and has strengths in some different areas.”
Alomar called Ventura “a great player and a good person.’’
“I understand all that,’’ Alomar said. “And there are many other things that go with that. I am also in an organization that treatsme very well, too. In the game of baseball, it’s about what you enjoy the best.’’
Alomar was the Indians’ first- base coach in 2010 and ’ 11, during which time he was a candidate for managing jobs with the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Cubs. He was rumored to be on the Sox’ list before Ventura was hired but wasn’t contacted.
The Indians promoted Alomar to bench coach in 2012 and named him interim manager with six games left in the season after Manny Acta was fired. The Indians went 3- 3 in those games, then hired Terry Francona as manager.
Alomar was Francona’s bench coach for two seasons but was replaced by BradMills last season, a move that put Alomar back at first base.
A Spanish- speaking bench coach is preferred, but Hahn said it wasn’t a necessity. Former outfielder Raul Ibanez, a candidate for the Rays’ managerial job last fall who removed himself from final interviews for family reasons, is reportedly a candidate.
“I’mnot sure howmany people they’ve called, but I’m sure they have a list, that it’s not just Sandy Alomar,’’ Alomar said. “We’ll see how that works out.
“I had a great situation with the White Sox before, and I still have a lot of respect for them. That’s about all I can say.’’