GM Chris Getz says he understands the frustration as the White Sox finish a historically bad season

CHICAGO (AP) — General Manager Chris Getz insisted he understands the frustration in Chicago.

The White Sox came to play against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday evening on a par with the 1962 New York Mets, who set the MLB record of 120 defeats in a season after 1900.

“This is not something we are proud of,” said Getz. “There are countless reasons why we are here today and can show this record. Nevertheless, I personally see this as an enormous opportunity to build something.”

Does he see it as an embarrassment?

“We are not proud of it,” said Getz. “Nobody wants to be associated with it. But we are certainly up to the challenge.”

Getz faces a big challenge as the White Sox face a second consecutive 100-game losing streak, and he gave no time frame for the title challenge.

“It’s hard to say at this point,” he said.

Getz's most immediate task will be hiring a manager, and with that in mind, he said Tuesday that Grady Sizemore is in the running after taking over as interim manager in August following the firing of Pedro Grifol.

The White Sox had never lost more than 106 games in a season before. They surpassed the 1970 team's record in time when the New York Mets beat them on September 1, and they just kept stumbling from there.

On Saturday in San Diego, Chicago tied the American League record of 119 losses set by the Detroit Tigers in 2003. A day later, the White Sox tied the 1962 Mets. The 1899 Cleveland Spiders hold the major league record with 20-134 losses.

Chicago has suffered losing streaks of 14, 21 and 12 games. The 14-game losing streak from May 22 to June 6 was a franchise record until the White Sox tied an AL record with 21 consecutive losses from July 10 to August 5.

A few days later, they released Grifol in the middle of his second season and temporarily replaced him with Sizemore, who was on the major league coaching staff. Getz said at the time that a replacement would likely be hired from outside the organization after the season and would be someone currently playing in the major league uniform. The announcement that Sizemore was being considered was a bit of a surprise.

“In our estimation, he's done a very good job and we think he deserves to be considered,” Getz said. “I can't say he has an advantage over anyone else because it's going to be an in-depth process and we're going to find someone who fits us best. But he deserves to be in the conversation.”

The White Sox had an 8-31 record under Sizemore before Tuesday's game.

“Obviously, I like everything about this organization,” Sizemore said. “I like the opportunity they've given me. I want to continue what I started and be a part of it in any way I can and just try to get this organization back on track as quickly as possible.”

Chicago was last in the major leagues in batting average (.220), being beaten 799 to 479. But it's not just this year. The White Sox are in such a decline that it's hard to remember them making the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

“As players, it's on us,” said Gavin Sheets, who made his debut in 2021. “At the end of the day, wins and losses are what we get on the field. It's sad to be in this position now and hopefully, like I said, this is the last time we're in this position.”

The White Sox finished 61-101 last season, their worst record since 1970 (56-106). During the season, they fired their top managers Ken Williams and Rick Hahn and promoted Getz to general manager.

The White Sox certainly didn't expect to be able to keep up this season. But how are things going?

Even Stephen King, who knows something about horror stories, expressed his sympathy for the White Sox fans in a post on X this week.

Relief Pitcher Aaron Bummer And Gregory Santos were released in the offseason, and the right-hander Dylan Cease was transferred to San Diego in March. Then the All-Star centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. and important attackers Yoan Moncada and Eloy Jiménez had to take a break at the beginning of the season due to serious injuries.

Chicago kept Robert and ace Garrett Crochet until the trade deadline. But the White Sox traded From Jiménez to BaltimoreJug From Tanner Banks to Philadelphia and infielder Paul DeJong to Kansas City.

It is difficult to say what the squad will look like next season.

Getz could try again to get rid of Robert and Crochet. He also made it clear that the White Sox will not play a major role in the free agent draft.

“It won't be the top of the market, but there will be other opportunities to go out and sign players to help us,” Getz said.

___

APMLB: