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The Ozzie Guillen era as Chicago White Sox manager ended somewhat abruptly Monday night. It came with a 4-3 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays at U.S. Cellular Field. And without much class — or at the very least without much grace.
The Marlins do have an interesting entertainment team.
Rebuffed by owner Jerry Reinsdorf when he sought a contract extension with one year to go on his deal, Guillen exited after his postgame media duties. Meaning he will not manage the Sox for the final two games of the season, including what could be the final Sox start for veteran left-hander Mark Buehrle.
Released from his contract, Guillen is poised to become a free agent on the managerial market. Well, free for the most part. One team — presumably the Florida Marlins — would be on the hook for compensation.
Why couldn’t Guillen, whose 2005 team won the World Series, finish out the season before making the announcement and depart gracefully? Not his style apparently.
“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 prepared statement.
“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 good news is his exit provides an excellent opportunity for the franchise. Not so much in finding a fan favorite to replace Guillen. But in finding a fan favorite who actually is a player. For too long the Sox had Guillen as the franchise focus. As the No. 2 baseball team in Chicago (in popularity, attendance, etc. and not in World Series titles won in the last 90 years), Reinsdorf knew he had a media lightning rod in Guillen.
But it’s time to take the training wheels off and let the players be the main attraction. And since the staff at elliottharris.com doesn’t have to write the Sox payroll checks, here’s a suggestion: Go after a big-name player in free agency.
More specifically, Albert Pujols. If the slugging first baseman doesn’t stay with the St. Louis Cardinals, he should be playing in Chicago. And not for the Cubs. Yes, it likely would cost a lot of money. But it likely also would bring fans to the ballpark. Not to mention improve the ballclub. Even if it might be something of a challenge for general manager Ken Williams to figure out how Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn would fit into his new manager’s lineup or how to dispose of a salary or two.
Reinsdorf has done stranger things. Remember when he signed Albert Belle to a megabucks deal? Signing Pujols would surpass the Belle deal in terms of money and talent.
The Sox need to go bold. Nothing would be bolder than signing Pujols.
Well, unless he brought along Tony La Russa to manage him.
OK, how about some Marlins Mermaid video (regardless of whether Guillen ends up in Miami):