Chris Getz named White Sox director of player development

The White Sox named former infielder Chris Getz as their director of player development on Friday, replacing Nick Capra.

Getz, 33, was a baseball operations assistant in player development for the Kansas City Royals for the past two years. He assisted in minor-league operations and player personnel decisions.

A career .250 hitter, Getz played seven seasons the majors, including the White Sox in 2008-09, Royals from 2010-13 and Toronto in 2014.

Getz’ impending hire was first reported Sunday. He said he was “pleasantly surprised” to receive a call from the Sox, who will move Capra into the third base coach’s box.

“It’s really a great feeling because it’s obviously a place where I got my career started,” he said. “I was drafted twice, I went through the minor leagues, big leagues. Chicago became a home to me and really that whole process, the relationships I was able to build, it was something that will always be in my heart, something that always will be in my DNA. So when this opportunity arose to get back to Chicago and be a part of the White Sox organization, it just really, there was a great appeal.”

General manager Rick Hahn cited Getz’ energy, background and intellect as reasons for the call.

“He is extremely well-regarded throughout the game, and we believe he is going to have a positive impact on the quality of play from rookie ball through Chicago,” Hahn said.

“The director of player development is an important role, and the health of the minor-league system is vital for major-league success,” Getz said. ” I look forward to putting my all into making the White Sox a strong and winning organization.”

Getz was selected by the Sox in the fourth round of the 2005 draft out of the University of Michigan.