Chicago White Sox manager Pedro Grifol lauded Josh Barfield’s presence, Brian Bannister’s creativity and Gene Watson’s wealth of knowledge.
Grifol was asked about the three expected additions to the White Sox front office staff 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 said.
MLB.com was the first to report on Tuesday night that Barfield would be joining the Sox as an assistant general manager. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale was the first to report Bannister’s role in pitching development and Watson in “player personnel.”
Barfield, 40, has most recently been the director of player development with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“I met Josh not too long ago, he was extremely impressive,” Grifol said. “Great presence. Just a really good demeanor. A smart guy.
“He’s been doing player development over there, which I think that job really prepares you for a lot of things. Bright, bright, bright guy.”
Bannister, 42, has most recently been the director of pitching for the San Francisco Giants.
“Brilliant mind, brilliant pitching mind,” Grifol said. “He brings plans to the organization. I’m excited to start working with him, I think we all are, (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 said Bannister’s role will be geared toward pitching.
“A brilliant guy, creative,” Grifol said. “He’ll check every box and he’ll turn every stone. He’s a really good one.”
Watson has most recently been the vice president of major league scouting/assistant GM with the Kansas City Royals.
“I’ve known Gene for 13-14 years,” Grifol said. “One of the most respected guys in the game, high energy. Really, really good scout, really good evaluator, creative mind. Has put a ton of great deals together for World Series teams, has been a part of four World Series teams, two championship teams (2003 Marlins and the 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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Source:: The Denver Post – Sports
