New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is tipping his cap to the Chicago White Sox’s Grady Sizemore. Sizemore has a big load on himself, as the temporary manager of the failing White Sox.
“He was a great teammate. I loved him, Played the game hard, incredibly skilled, tremendous athlete,” Boone said, per MLB.com. “I know he got back into the game a couple years ago, so I was excited when he did that, wanted to get back in. Excited for him to receive that opportunity.”
The White Sox hammered the Yankees, 12-2, on Monday. It was Sizemore’s first win as manager. Boone and Sizemore really played together for the Cleveland Guardians organization about 20 years ago. Then the team was known as the Indians.
Sizemore is tasked with trying to salvage a terrible season in Chicago. The White Sox are 29-91 on the year, heading into Tuesday’s games.
The Yankees and White Sox are headed in separate directions
New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo (24) reacts in the dug out after scoring against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field.
New York and Chicago are two teams that have had radically contrasting stories this campaign. The Yankees surged out of the gate to begin the season, then weathered some tough waters, before finding success again. The Yankees have 70 victories on the year, with slugger Aaron Judge having a record performance. The team is heading to the American League playoffs, unless the club has a total meltdown.
The White Sox are headed toward their second consecutive 100-loss season. Only two years ago, Chicago went .500. The club broke apart following that, under former manager Pedro Grifol. Chicago experienced a horrible 21 game losing skid this season, to send the formerly proud franchise to new lows. The team has only 11 wins away from the Windy City all year, and is on track to record the lowest run differential in franchise history.
Grifol got his pink slip recently, and Sizemore is currently interim manager. It’s safe to suggest Sizemore can win the job if he is able to keep the successes continuing. There are several more persons likely to be considered for the role following the season. Sizemore seems to recognize he’s gambling with house money.
“It was amazing, so much fun,” Sizemore remarked to reporters after beating the Yankees, citing ESPN. “These last few games, I’m just so proud of these guys, the way they played. The excitement, just everything, I know I just keep saying the same thing. But I absolutely couldn’t be happy for the guys.”
The Yankees and White Sox face battle again Tuesday.
