Robin Ventura ‘Confident' About White Sox Job

"I feel confident that I can do it"

The Chicago White Sox formally introduced its new skipper Tuesday morning.

Robin Ventura, the club’s 39th manager, called the job an honor, saying he is both humbled to have gotten the offer and confident to take the helm.

"It's exciting," Ventura said during a news conference with general manager Kenny Williams. "Being where I was and now being able to do this for a franchise that I love and people that are in the organization that I love, I'm excited. I'm confident about being able to do this."

Ventura, 44, had already been with the team since June, as a special advisor to Buddy Bell, director of player development. Ventura agreed to terms with the Sox for the new post on a multi-year deal.

The Santa Maria, Calif., native spent 16 major-league seasons with the Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He said Tuesday he already talked with Paul Konerko and played phone tag with a few other players, but "there's plenty of time to get in touch and talk." 

Still, he's already received plenty of advice. The best so far? "Be yourself," an adage Ventura thinks won't be too hard for him. He said he plans to lead the team by being up front, honest and fair.

"Later in my career something was evident that i could do it," he said of the job. "I feel confident that I can do it."

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