Marlins Next for Ozzie Guillen

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Marlins Next for Ozzie Guillen | MLB Baseball

Marlins Next for Ozzie Guillen
John Nestor

Chicago, IL

It was a good run but Ozzie Guillen's time in Chicago is over.

After eight years as manager of the White Sox Guillen was let out of his contract with a year to go.

Guillen wanted a contract extension as the White Sox finished up a disappointing season and he had just a year to go on his current deal after his option was picked up in January.

Guillen met with owner Jerry Reinsdorf but he declined to give Guillen the extension and Guillen asked to be released from his contract and the White Sox agreed.

The ChiSox then "dealt" Guillen to the Marlins where he will take over as manager in Florida.

The parting ends a relationship that started in 1985 when Guillen started the first of 13 seasons as the team's shortstop (1985-1997).

As manager Guillen led the team to the World Series title in 2005, cementing his status as one of the greats in franchise history considering his 21 year run with the team as a player and manager.

"Awesome. No complaints. Yes it was, even the tough times," Guillen said. "I like to compete. I like to be criticized. I like to be second-guessed. I like that because it makes me a better manager, a better person.

"When you're not getting criticized in this game, that means nobody cares about you. I don't have many regrets. Satisfaction, a lot. Up and downs, yes, like everybody else did."

Guillen won't be out of a job for long. He is expected to be named the next manager of the Marlins, possibly as soon as Wednesday.

Marlins manager Jack McKeon announced earlier Monday that he will be retiring when the season ends Wednesday. The White Sox retain rights to compensation should Guillen accept a managerial position with another Major League team in 2012.

Marlins hitting coach Eduardo Perez, Marlins third-base coach Joe Espada and Nationals third-base coach Bo Porter all interviewed for the Marlins' job Monday.

"There is something in place in the event that one particular team gets him," said White Sox general manager Ken Williams of the potential return for Guillen. "But he's free to negotiate with anybody. He's free to talk to anybody at this point and time."