Hahn, Ventura disregard contract talk

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The question concerning Robin Ventura's contractual status brought an audible sigh from White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.

Hahn has so much to deal with in regard to reshaping a 99-loss team from 2013 that even after adding center fielder and leadoff hitter Adam Eaton from Arizona in a three-team deal Tuesday, Ventura being in the last year of a three-year deal doesn't exactly stand front and center in his mind.

"That contract stuff is so far removed from anybody's mind right now," Hahn said. "Both Robin and I are committed for doing this as long as possible.

"We are on the same page in terms of where we want to go and what needs to be done in order to get there. Frankly, at the end of the day, all the contract really means is that if one of us were let go, how long we would continue to receive money.

"It won't dictate the length of anyone's contract, mine included. It won't dictate how long we are in the position," Hahn said. "It's going to be based on performance and desire and [team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's] and [executive vice president Ken Williams'] wishes. The contract status is pretty much irrelevant from my point of view."

Ventura also spoke about his contract Tuesday at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort. He turned down a one-year extension prior to the 2013 campaign, but doesn't look at it as an opportunity missed.

His pay-no-current-mind approach is very close to that of Hahn

"Again, I enjoy doing what I'm doing, I love who I work for. I'm just getting ready for the season," Ventura said. "And whatever happens from here on happens. But I'm happy with what I do. I would like to keep doing it, but again, that will be for later.

"If for some reason Rick wants somebody else to do this, then he's going to have somebody else do this. That's just the way it works."

As for Ventura being on the proverbial hot seat after last year's struggles, Hahn laughed at the notion.