Inbox: White Sox manager options for 2021

CHICAGO -- Here’s this week’s White Sox Inbox inquiries following what has been a very eventful week for the team.

Let's assume AJ Hinch and Alex Cora aren't going to be considered for the managerial opening due to their controversy. Looks like [general manager Rick] Hahn is likely to go with an outside hire. If not Hinch or Cora, which outside candidates do you believe the front office will consider?
-- Anthony S., Batavia, Ill., @AMSchullo

With all due respect, your assumption is wrong Anthony. I believe Hinch is one of the top choices for the White Sox managerial vacancy, although the White Sox can’t talk with him until the end of the World Series when his one-season suspension is done. I understand the past misstep in regard to involvement in the Houston sign-stealing scandal, but Hinch is a good man and a good leader by all accounts shared with me by people who know him well as a person and as a manager. He’d be a great fit with the White Sox, especially at their current competitive level.

But other candidates certainly will be explored. The White Sox already have permission from the Angels to talk with Tony La Russa per a Major League source. The next manager is going to have previous managerial experience, specifically previous championship-level managerial experience, so other candidates without that sort of resume won’t be as strongly in the mix barring an overwhelming interview such as Ozzie Guillen had before getting the job. Hahn said Monday they would keep an open mind to all possibilities.

Do you fear this season could be a one-off and we’ve missed a huge opportunity?
-- Bob, Essex, UK, @RobertF58844721

Absolutely not. The 2020 playoff appearance really was just the beginning for the White Sox run of contention.

I’m not guaranteeing a single title, let alone multiple titles. The Major League landscape is strewn with really good teams having not won it all in the last decade or so. But if the White Sox stay healthy and continue to build off what they started, then this team should be in prime contention for the next six to seven years.

What sort of prayers, seances, etc., do I need to do this offseason to assure that Alex Colomé is on the roster next year?
-- Andy, Brooklyn, N.Y., @andystevieklein

Colomé not only was an excellent closer for the White Sox, but he also did a great job pitching at a less-than-pitch-friendly Guaranteed Rate Field. It’s important for a contending team to have a strong finishing presence, as those eighth- and ninth-inning losses can be momentum crushers. But in Aaron Bummer, the White Sox have an in-house closing option. It ultimately depends on what sort of deal Colomé wants, what kind of offers he gets elsewhere and how the White Sox prioritize their offseason team needs.

Any possibility the Sox keep James McCann?
-- Luke, Des Moines, Iowa, @iowaradiog

It’s a possibility, but not a likelihood.

Many White Sox pitchers formed a connection with McCann over his two years, including staff ace Lucas Giolito. He has been an incredibly valuable component, but McCann is going to be looking for a starting job, which he wouldn’t have here with the equally capable Yasmani Grandal in place.

Do you think McCann could switch positions and play right? Other catchers have done it.
-- @GaryHoyd

McCann will remain a catcher, aside from a few days at designated hitter or maybe even first base depending on the opponent.

If healthy, where do you think Garrett Crochet starts next spring? Is this kid a starter going forward? Love the work man!
-- Andy, Kendallville, Indiana, @AndrewBorders10

Crochet is a starter going forward. But in following the Chris Sale plan, I believe Crochet will be part of the 2021 White Sox bullpen. Look at the impressive transition Sale made from parts of two years in the bullpen into a perennial All-Star starter. And thanks for the kind words, Andy.

Will the White Sox look to add a number two/three type pitcher or a back end guy and hope either Dylan Cease/Dane Dunning or Michael Kopech can fill the three spot?
-- Jon, Grafton, Wis., @chisoxjon

Add a couple of solid starters and slot them in where needed, as opposed to worrying about adding a one, two or three. Think along the lines of a starter such as Jake Odorizzi.