It feels like a situation where names have been floated and it seems like they've done a legit search but ultimately hire someone from the White Sox family they are familiar with.
He would have been worth it for merchandise and tickets alone. I gotta find the article but I remember they sold a significant amount of tickets the day after they signed him. He also brings more national attention to the team.
Espada, named a finalist for the Marlins, is in the same spot as Long.
Just wish we had some concrete names instead of the inevitable former manager/player hire.