Chicago White Sox news: Ozzie Guillen opens up on state of the team

Never one to stay quiet, former Chicago White Sox manager talked about the team’s rebuilding program. He also spoke about his managing. As always, he was colorful.

Ozzie Guillen was never one to stay quiet. The former Chicago White Sox shortstop and, later, manager never backed out of a situation to talk. He gave his opinions whether you asked for it or you wanted it.

Of course, in addition to his good play on the field, Guillen is known (and loved) by many fans for managing the White Sox to a World Series win in 2005. Until the Cubs’ title in 2016, that was the only title most Chicago baseball fans experienced in their lifetime.

Retirement certainly hasn’t softened Guillen’s mouth. He spoke to Comcast Sports Net Chicago and spoke on the White Sox’ rebuild. He also touched on his managing in the future. As always, he was colorful and emphatic.

On the White Sox rebuild:

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"It’s something I never heard before (talking about rebuild). I know exactly the front office, I know them. One thing they did not want to do in their life is try to use that word rebuilding. But, people have to understand why and how. The White Sox fans and the media don’t have enough patience for the White Sox — they did it for the Cubs. Maybe it was because they did it in a different way, maybe they were more honest. They have a great talent in the minor leagues because they traded a couple of good players… They should be better in the future. People gotta believe and be open to the different moves they make."

Ozzie doesn’t mince words, right? He felt the Cubs were more “honest” in their approach to rebuilding? Well, Theo Epstein came to Chicago and quickly announced that there was a plan to bring a winner to the Northside. Fans knew from the start that things would get uglier than they already were before they got beautiful. The White Sox haven’t even used any word connected to rebuild.

On how the Sox will fare without Chris Sale:

"If they couldn’t win with him, how will they win without him? It’s gonna be hard. Everyone needs to step it up a notch."

Guillen went on to compare the Sale/Sox situation to Aroldis Chapman/Cubs. He feels Chapman is the best closer in baseball, and that the Cubs will not be the same without him closing games at Wrigley.

On new White Sox manager Rick Renteria:

"I don’t know Rick that well. He’s gonna be a good teacher for the young players. Rick is a great, great baseball man. He’s been around baseball for a little while. He’s got the experience with the Cubs. Going to the American League, I think it’s easier for him to manage. Good managing is all about how many games you win or how many games you lose. I don’t see this guy as a good manager when you lose 100 games. A lot of people say I got fired in Miami because of the Fidel was a stupid thing. I got fired from Miami because I lose 99 games."

On whether he wants to return to manage in the big leagues:

"Sometimes I wake up and think “Yes, I miss the game,” Sometimes I wake up and think “Thank God I’m not there.”It depends on how you wake up. Sometimes you have a bad day with your wife or your kids and you wish you were managing. Do I think I can manage in the big leagues? Of course, I’m better than a lot of people there."

Guillen may be out of the big leagues but he isn’t out of baseball. He is a general manager for teams in Mexico, and he manages a team in Venezuela. In addition, he broadcasts games for ESPN Deportes, so the game is still in his blood.

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Love him or hate him, one thing is certain — Ozzie Guillen brings passion and excitement to the game. I wonder how he’d fit in today’s game. Maybe one day we’ll get a chance to see.

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