MIAMI (AP) - Ozzie Guillen’s website apparently leaked the news he has agreed to become manager of the Florida Marlins.
A post Monday night quoted Guillen announcing he was Florida-bound. The blog was taken down a short time later and replaced by a post that discussed Guillen’s departure from the Chicago White Sox while making no mention of the Marlins.
Hours earlier, 80-year-old Marlins manager Jack McKeon said he’ll retire at the end of the season Wednesday.
Guillen’s briefly posted blog said he had hoped to spend his entire managerial career with the White Sox.
“But there comes a point when you need to move on, and that point has come,” Guillen was quoted as saying. “The Florida Marlins believe I am the right man for the job to bring another World Series to South Florida. …
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of the Marlins organization. I have an unbelievable amount of respect for the Marlins, owner Jeffrey Loria, president Larry Beinfest, and general manager Michael Hill. I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity and look forward to the future. I can’t wait to get started!”
After managing in Chicago on Monday, the outspoken, sometimes outrageous Guillen announced he was leaving the White Sox but said nothing about taking another job. Florida officials haven’t commented on their managerial situation.
The Marlins, who move into a new ballpark next spring, plan a big ceremony in conjunction with the final game at their current stadium Wednesday. There’s speculation they want to cap the occasion by introducing Guillen as manager.
The buzz began more than a year ago that Guillen might be headed for the Marlins, where he was McKeon’s third-base coach with the 2003 World Series champions. McKeon was coy Monday night about the possible hiring of Guillen.
“I like Ozzie,” McKeon said. “I think he’s a very, very intelligent manager. He was a smart player. He’s a good man. I like him.”
With a smile, McKeon added, “I’m going to have to like him, right?”
Guillen worked for Loria as the Marlins’ third base coach in 2002-03. After they won the World Series, Guillen became the White Sox manager that November.
The Marlins are staggering to a last-place finish in the NL East. With the team moving to a new home and making a push to become a contender, Loria has said he wants an experienced manager.
Guillen would be the Marlins’ fourth manager since early 2010, and his relationship with management could create some off-the-field excitement. Strong-willed Joe Girardi lasted only one season with Florida in 2006, clashed with Loria and others in the organization, and was fired shortly before being chosen NL manager of the year.
Guillen’s quest for a new deal with the White Sox was denied, so he asked to be released from his contract, and that request was granted. With that, his eight-year run that included a World Series title in 2005 was over.
The White Sox said they retain the right to compensation should Guillen accept a managerial position with another major league team for the 2012 season. Guillen had a 678-617 record with the White Sox.
Guillen is the only manager in franchise history to lead the White Sox to more than one division or league title. Chicago also made the playoffs under Guillen in 2008, but they will finish under .500 this season.
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