Chicago White Sox supervisor Pedro Grifol lauded Josh Barfield’s presence, Brian Bannister’s creativity and Gene Watson’s wealth of information.
Grifol was requested in regards to the three anticipated additions to the White Sox entrance workplace after Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.
“I think (general manager) Chris (Getz) has assembled a really good team around him,” Grifol mentioned.
MLB.com was first to report Tuesday evening that Barfield can be becoming a member of the Sox as an assistant common supervisor. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale was first to report Bannister’s function in pitching improvement and Watson in participant personnel.
Barfield, 40, is director of participant improvement for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He performed 4 major-league seasons (2006-09) as a second baseman for San Diego and Cleveland.
“I met Josh not too long ago; he was extremely impressive,” Grifol mentioned. “Great presence. Just a very good demeanor. A sensible man.
“He’s been doing player development over there, which that job really prepares you for a lot of things. Bright, bright, bright guy.”
Bannister, 42, is director of pitching for the San Francisco Giants. The son of former Sox pitcher Floyd Bannister, he made 114 begins for the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals from 2006-10.
“Brilliant pitching mind,” Grifol mentioned. “He brings plans to the organization. I’m excited to start working with him … (pitching coach) Ethan (Katz) and (bullpen coach Curt Hasler) and everybody is excited for him to be part of this thing and help us move forward.”
Grifol mentioned Bannister’s function will likely be geared towards pitching.
“A brilliant guy, creative,” Grifol mentioned. “He’ll check every box and he’ll turn every stone. He’s a really good one.”
Watson is an assistant GM and vice chairman of major-league scouting for the Royals.
“I’ve known Gene for 13, 14 years,” Grifol mentioned. “One of probably the most revered guys within the recreation, excessive vitality. Really, actually good scout, actually good evaluator, artistic thoughts. Has put a ton of nice offers collectively for World Series groups, has been part of 4 World Series groups, two championship groups (the 2003 Marlins and 2015 Royals).
“A wealth of knowledge, great leader. He’s been doing this for a long, long time. In my opinion, he’s one of the better scouts in the game.”
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