MLB: Ozzie Guillen Out As White Sox Manager

Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Unable to get a contract extension, Ozzie Guillen walked away from the Chicago White Sox.

Guillen’s quest for a new deal was denied, so the talkative, sometimes outrageous and always colorful manager asked to be released from his current contract Monday.

That request was granted.

After Guillen met with owner Jerry Reinsdorf, the team agreed to release him from his current deal and his eight-year managerial run that included a World Series title in 2005 was over. He managed his final game Monday night as the White Sox beat the Blue Jays 4-3.

Guillen said he had a great talk with Reinsdorf, who respected his decision.

“It was my call and I appreciated the White Sox organization letting me do what I like to do and what is best. … Maybe not the best, maybe it’s the worst,” Guillen said. “You don’t know what is out there. Maybe I’m dreaming. I might not appreciate what I got here. You don’t know. You have to close the page and move on. That’s life. Hopefully the next book treats me the way this book treated me.”

Guillen will accept a managerial job with the Florida Marlins, a source close to the situation told ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine. The source said Guillen’s deal with Florida is for four years.

Should Guillen, who had a 678-617 record with the White Sox and will not be in uniform for the remaining two games this year, take a managerial job with a different organization in 2012, the White Sox said in a release they retain the right to be compensated. In order to fulfill that right, the Marlins will send two minor leaguers to Chicago, the source said.

Guillen, whose contract option for 2012 was picked up at the team’s winter convention in January, began talking late last month about an extension, even with the team going through a disappointing season.

“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.

“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.”

General manager Kenny Williams said because of “warnings,” the White Sox had narrowed down possible replacements.

The Marlins talked to Chicago last year about acquiring Guillen, but the deal never materialized. They could bring him in now to lead the club into a new ballpark next season.

“It could be anybody. They sound like they are interested,” Guillen said. “They just let me go to talk to whoever I want, anyone I want. Right now, a lot of people are talking about Florida … a lot of rumors are out there.”

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WRITTEN BY ESPNChicago.com’s Doug Padilla and Bruce Levine and The Associated Press contributed to this report & FULL STORY HERE