Birthday man – Ozzie Guille talks about upcoming Baseball season 2011
White Sox Manager, Ozzie Guille turned 47 years old yesterday; one day prior to the start of the weekly event SoxFest at Palmer House, Chicago. Guille’s birthday marked an opportunity for the Sox’s man to talk about the recent events that have transpired.
Ozzie has been the talk of the town lately and that is somewhat understandable, given the fact that it was the skipper’s birthday, yesterday. Previously, there have been concerns regarding his relationship with the General Manager, Ken Williams. Last year
saw a backdrop between the two leading figures at the club. The battle of egos played havoc, as the organization did not benefit from it at all, and the team crashed out of contention for the American League Central trophy.
Nevertheless, Guille passed up opportunities to vent out and answer criticism from many quarters. Instead he talked lightly about the situation surrounding the club and the players. Former team closer, Bobby Jenks, made a lot of comments on Ozzie’s management
skills concerning the bullpen. The skipper was willing to respond to the remarks.
"Sad, not surprised," said Guillen of Jenks' comments. "When you're the manager, a lot of people are going to have different opinions. I was sad because I think I personally gave Bobby every opportunity on the field and off the field. Everything Bobby did
was a good thing for the White Sox. Great things. I have so much respect for his family, his wife. I was sad. ... What he said, 'I can't handle the bullpen ....' Well, I only have to worry about two people saying that - Jerry Reinsdorf and Kenny Williams."
If there’s one thing the Chicago White Sox fans will be hoping for this year, it would probably be a place in the playoffs. Competition will be tough and even though chances look grim for every team in the American League Central Division, there is still
hope that the Ozzie Guille’s men will be able to break the limelight with a top class performance in the regular league season.
With a record breaking budget of over $120 million this year, there is a chance that the roster will break through the contest and make it to the grandest stage in Major League Baseball; the World Series. That’s what Ozzie is looking onto right now and hopes
that he would deliver his best as a manager. Last year, Guille iterated his role in the way things turned out. He was, however, very much proud of his players for holding strong.
"I feel proud of the players because they went through h**l last year," Guillen said. "They did. And that was my fault about that. I don't think the players could have handled it better than they did. No way."
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