Chicago White Sox expected to add 3 new front office members: Josh Barfield, Brian Bannister and Gene Watson
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 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 first to report Tuesday night that Barfield would be joining the Sox as an assistant general manager. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale was first to report Bannister’s role in pitching development and Watson in player personnel.
Barfield, 40, is director of player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played four 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 said. “Great presence. Just a really good demeanor. A smart guy.
“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 starts for the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals from 2006-10.
“Brilliant pitching mind,” Grifol said. “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 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 is an assistant GM and vice president of major-league scouting for the 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 (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.”
