White Sox considering Grady Sizemore as interim manager

CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz changed his mind Tuesday, saying interim manager Grady Sizemore will now be considered for the permanent job.

Previously, Getz had indicated he would hire a current coach or manager from outside the organization.

He was asked to explain this change in mentality.

“He did a very good job in our evaluation,” Getz said. “We thought he was worthy of consideration. I can’t say he’s ahead of anyone because it’s going to be a thorough process. He deserves to be in the conversation.”

The White Sox are 8-31 since Sizemore took over for Pedro Grifol in early August. After a 10-year major league career as a player, Sizemore was hired as a first-year major league manager last winter after spending time in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

He took over as White Sox manager with no expectations, but now wants to be considered for the permanent role.

“I love everything about this organization and appreciate the opportunity it has given me,” Sizemore said. “I want to be a part of it in any way I can.”

Sizemore and Getz spoke to a large contingent of reporters before the White Sox played the Los Angeles Angels, with Chicago (36-120) looking to avoid becoming the first franchise in the modern era (since 1920) to lose 121 or more games.

Getz was asked if player development experience would be part of the criteria for the next manager. The White Sox are one of the youngest teams in the league.

“That will certainly be an important part of what we’re looking for in the next manager,” Getz said. “We’ve set our criteria. We have a very broad pool of candidates and we’ll find the one that’s the best fit for us.”

The team has not yet started interviews but should contact candidates soon. Sizemore is now one of them.

“He has a lot of qualities that we’re looking for, but we certainly want to go through a full process before we make a decision,” Getz said.