Chicago, IL – Ozzie Guillen was released from his contract with the Chicago White Sox on Monday night after eight years managing the team.
It might not be long before the outspoken manager lands a new gig.
The White Sox retained rights to compensation for Guillen, who was in line to become the new manager of the Florida Marlins under a deal worked out between the teams, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The paper, citing multiple sources in a story published before Monday's game against Toronto, reported that the White Sox were in the final stages of a deal that would make Guillen the manager in Florida.
Earlier in the day, interim Marlins manager Jack McKeon said he would not return next season.
In his post-game press conference after Chicago's 4-3 win over the Blue Jays, Guillen said he has not taken a job with Florida.
"No, they just let me go to talk to anyone I want," he said. "Everyone is talking about Florida cause there's a lot of rumors out there about it."
Guillen managed the White Sox to a record of 678-617 and won a World Series with them in 2005.
"I'm not going to point fingers and blame anybody," said Guillen, who also played shortstop for the White Sox for 13 seasons.
Earlier, in a profanity-laced interview with the media, Guillen confirmed that he had met with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf in the afternoon, but didn't say that any move had been made.
He did, however, say several times that he wanted more money, at one point exclaiming: "[Expletive] more years. I want more money."
Guillen said he left the meeting with Reinsdorf with "nothing" and was waiting to see what happened, although he already knew what was coming.
"I told him the way I feel, like I always do," Guillen said of the meeting.
Later, he said he had a "nice talk" with Reinsdorf over a contract issue.
"I respect Jerry for the decision because it was a decision that had to be made," said Guillen. "If anyone wants to blame Jerry, they're wrong. The best thing about this is that I walk out of here with my head up. He gave me an opportunity to play in the big league and manage in the big league."
The White Sox are 78-82 this season and currently sit in third place in the American League Central.
"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 statement.
"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."
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