"I did not fit the criteria" - World Series champ reveals conversation with Chris Getz in light of Will Venable's new role with the White Sox

Since announcing his retirement in 2017, former MLB catcher AJ Pierzynski has embarked on a career in media that has made him one of the leading voices in the sport. However, as he recently revealed, that was not enough for some teams who were looking to replace their manager.

On October 30, reports surfaced that the Chicago White Sox would be hiring former outfielder Will Venable as their new manager. After a historically bad season that saw the Sox finish with 41 wins, Venable has his work cut out.

In the Wednesday edition of Foul Territory, AJ Pierzynski revealed that Chicago GM Chris Getz never called him for the job, claiming he "did not fit the criteria." According to Pierzynski, the GM was looking for "someone in uniform, but not in the organization."

""I was told by Chris Getz that I did not fit the criteria." @AJPierzynski explains why the White Sox didn't hire him as their new manager" - Foul Territory

A former catcher with over 2000 career games behind the plate, AJ Pierzynski won the World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 2005. However, following his career, Pierzynski decided to embark on a career in broadcast journalism, first with FOX before founding his own outlet.

"The White Sox are hiring Will Venable as their next manager, per @Scottmerkin" - B/R Walk-Off

Will Venable had a nine-year career spanning from 2008 until 2016. After his retirement, the 42-year-old embarked on a managerial career, beginning as a special assistant to Cubs president Theo Epstein. From 2023 until 2024, Venable served as the associate manager of the Texas Rangers, alongside Bruce Bochy.

AJ Pierzynski has expectations for Will Venable in White Sox dugout

A member of the White Sox for eight seasons, Pierzynski was likely vexed to see his former club put up such an awful season. Further on in his Foul Territory segment on Wednesday, Pierzynski addressed his expectations for Venable:

"Accountability and holding the players accountable. I want somebody who will stand up there and say "this is what we're going to do, this is our philosophy that we are going to have"

For a team that finished 45 games behind the division winners Cleveland Guardians, Venable certainly has a huge challenge ahead. Regardless of how long the former outfielder's tenure lasts, we can be sure that AJ Pierzynski and his constant rotation of guests will provide sufficient commentary.