Grady Sizemore to lead White Sox with 'different energy' - ESPN

CHICAGO — Managing a big league baseball team was far from Grady Sizemore's mind when he joined the Chicago White Sox as a coach this season, but after being elevated to that position on an interim basis Thursday, he said he's looking forward to the challenge.

«I was surprised — surprised but excited,» Sizemore said before his first game on Friday. «I welcome the challenge and the opportunity. Just could not wait to get going.»

Sizemore and general manager Chris Getz spoke to reporters in the dugout before their team took on the crosstown Cubs one day after Getz fired manager Pedro Grifol and three coaches.

Sizemore said he had a hard time sleeping Thursday and is hoping to bring a different energy to the dugout.

«I'm a different person, so it's definitely going to be a different voice, a different attitude, a different energy,» Sizemore said. «Everyone's different. I'm just going to be myself, try to be authentic and try to be the same guy these players have seen since spring training.»

Inside the clubhouse, players were not surprised by the managerial change just days after the team broke a franchise-record 21-game losing streak. The club also fired bench coach Charlie Montoyo, third-base coach Eddie Rodriguez and assistant hitting coach Mike Tosar.

«It's very unfortunate to see people lose their jobs,» first baseman Andrew Vaughn said. «Good people, but sometimes change is good.»

Vaughn said he views Sizemore as a contemporary as much as an authority figure. As a player, Sizemore was a three-time All-Star for Cleveland, earning MVP votes in four consecutive seasons (2005-08).

«Out of all of us, he has the most experience,» Vaughn said. «He's been around the game for a long time. Great attitude, great energy. We're