By winning percentage, the 2-1 loss to the Padres in 11 innings concluded the sixth-worst season — 61-101 — in White Sox history.
First-year manager Pedro Grifol has been assured a return in 2024, but he acknowledged that change is coming to his coaching staff, declining to get into specifics.
“It’s a very sensitive issue,” Grifol said. “When you talk about the staff, you talk about people that have been here for a long, long time. Unfortunately, this is a game that’s predicated on wins and losses, so obviously every year this is a tough time of the year for staff. We’ll talk more about that in the next few days.”
Much of the coaching staff — hitting coach Jose Castro, third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez and field coordinator Mike Tosar — has worked previously with Grifol during his stops in the Mariners’ and Royals’ organizations.
Pitching coach Ethan Katz, who has a close relationship with new senior adviser to pitching Brian Bannister from their time together with the Giants, also would seem likely to return.
Several sources confirmed to the Sun-Times that assistant pitching coach Curt Hasler will be reassigned to a minor-league role for next season.
Hasler, 58, has spent the last seven seasons overseeing the bullpen on the major-league staff. Pitching and coaching at different levels, Hasler has been with the Sox since 1987.
Last day of school
A lineup without Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada was held in check, save for Zach Remillard, who drove in the Sox’ only run in the 10th inning Sunday with his third hit.
“Could they play? Yes,” Grifol said. “Do I want them to play? No. The guys that are not in the lineup today are guys that are battling through some injuries and guys that we need moving forward. I’m not going to put them in a position where something might happen on the last day that’s going to hinder their offseason.”
Despite throwing six scoreless innings, starter Jose Urena ended the season winless with an 0-7 record, but he will live on as an excellent Immaculate Grid option. Garrett Crochet struck out two in a perfect eighth for a positive ending to a rocky, injury-marred season.
“We need him moving forward,” Grifol said. “I was excited to see him finish the season on a good note.’’
Infamous history
The 101 losses are the Sox’ highest total since 1970, when Bill Melton’s 33-homer season was wasted on a 56-106 team. They had the lowest attendance in the majors that year, and manager Don Gutteridge lost his job at the start of September.
Organist Nancy Faust was hired that season, so it wasn’t all bad.
On the mend
At great relief to his wife and pets, who no longer have to fear him tossing and turning in his sleep, Liam Hendriks is out of the large metal arm brace he had to wear after Tommy John surgery. The three-time All-Star says he’s feeling less pain in his elbow than before he underwent the procedure in August and expects to resume throwing in February.
In most circumstances, Hendriks would be a long shot to pitch next season.
“We’re still going to push it,” he said. “It’s just who I am.”
