Guillen met with owner Jerry Reinsdorf for about 30 minutes earlier in the day. Guillen said he told Reinsdorf he would like to return, but only with a contract extension for more money. He had one year remaining on his current deal.
“We certainly cannot thank Ozzie enough for all he has done during his eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox, highlighted by an unforgettable 2005 World Series championship,” Reinsdorf said in a release issued by the team following its 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
“I personally appreciate everything he has done for this organization, our fans and the city of Chicago. We shared the greatest moments together and wish him nothing but future success in baseball and in life.”
The White Sox said in the release they retain the right to compensation should Guillen accept a managerial position with another major league team for the 2012 season. Guillen, who had a 678-617 record with the White Sox, will not be in uniform for the remaining two games this season.
The Florida Marlins talked to Chicago last year about acquiring the colorful Guillen, but the deal never materialized. They could bring him in now to lead the club into a new ballpark next season.
Two scouting sources said the Marlins were prepared to offer the frequently profane, always candid Guillen a contract of at least four years at about double his $2 million salary for 2012.
MCKEON, 80, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Florida Marlins manager Jack McKeon says he’ll retire after the season, ending at age 80 a three-month career comeback.
He’s already plotting his next return.
The retirement announcement had been anticipated, and McKeon made it before the team’s final series of the year. He’s the second-oldest manager in major league history, and he joked he hopes to come back in a few years to surpass Connie Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics until age 87.
“I’ll still be on call,” he said with a chuckle. “Hopefully in 2017 or ’18 I’ll be back. That would be the big motivation — to beat Connie.”
SHORT HOPS
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi doesn’t like this season’s postseason schedule, which leaves one day off after the regular season. … Twins catcher Joe Mauer says he’s sure there’s nothing wrong with him more than the pneumonia that prematurely ended his rough season. But Mauer insisted that the illness is too much for him to play, that he’d be on the field if he could. … The Braves have gotten the expected bad news on right-handed reliever Peter Moylan, who will need surgery for a torn rotator cuff and labrum. … It appears Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis will not play the rest of the regular season. He’s been dealing with hip bursitis along with a sports hernia and remains “pretty sore,” said manager Terry Francona.
