June 25--DETROIT -- The White Sox continue their nine-game, 10-day road trip with a four-game series in Detroit, knowing the clock is ticking.
If they don't start showing some consistency, the front office is expected to make moves before the July 31st trading deadline.
The dismissal of manager Robin Ventura is not expected to be one of those moves, despite the cries of disgruntled fans. Ventura said he does feel support from the higher-ups.
"There's give and take there," Ventura said. "They're frustrated with what we're doing too, as a team, the wins and losses part of it. Yeah, you feel support, but I don't see us separated as far as pointing a finger. I mean we're all in it together, and I think in the end that's important but you're trying to figure out how to change it and that's all we can do."
Ventura is sitting slumping shortstop Alexei Ramirez for Gordon Beckham today in the afternoon game against the Tigers. Center fielder Adam Eaton, who stopped running twice during an at-bat against the Twins on Wednesday and got a lecture from Ventura in the dugout, is back in the starting lineup.
"We had a talk right then,'" Ventura said Thursday. "We said enough then."
So it's over and done?
"I understand what happens," Ventura said. "He understands where I stand on it. And we are going to go play today."
So Ventura is sure it will not happen again?
"I hope not," he said. "I hope not. Really, we all have been committed to that even out of spring training. You run everything out hard. Don't take anything for granted. And he understands that."
Ventura said he did not consider benching Eaton for the gaffe.
"You have that talk," he said. "He's been playing great. I think even before, when there might be a mental lapse where he's throwing the ball, he's been doing great. It's a moment that happens but for us we have to be able to get past that and you play everything out."
