Ozzie Guillen And The Chicago White Sox Need Each Other

Since Ozzie Guillen departed in 2011, the Chicago White Sox have not been the same. Robin Ventura, Rick Renteria, Tony La Russa, and most recently Pedro Griffol have spent time as the Sox skipper. The South Siders haven’t had nearly the success they experienced under Ozzie Guillen. In the 13 seasons after Guillen left, the White Sox have only been to the playoffs twice and never won a series. Guillen managed one tumultuous season with the Miami Marlins before he was fired. Guillen hasn’t managed or coached in the big leagues since then. It’s safe to say that both sides need each other.

Guillen Had A Memorable Run With The White Sox

During Guillen’s nearly eight-season reign, the Chicago White Sox had a lot of success. During that span, the Sox had a winning percentage of .524, won two AL Central titles, and most memorably, the World Series in 2005. Ozzie’s teams were almost always competitive and lost 90 games just once. Ozzie Guillen still remains the last White Sox manager to win a playoff series. Guillen’s time in Chicago was memorable both on and off the field.

Kenny Williams Feud And One Forgetful Stint In Miami

However, Ozzie Guillen didn’t always have the greatest relationship with then-General Manager Kenny Williams. The two often feuded overpower and control. Their feud reached a crescendo in 2011 when Guillen was granted his release near the end of the season. Guillen would go on to manage the Miami Marlins where he lasted one drama-filled season before he was fired. He hasn’t managed or coached in Major League Baseball since.

The White Sox Haven’t Had The Same Success Since He Left

Since Ozzie Guillen left, the White Sox haven’t been nearly as successful. Chicago has had four different managers since Ozzie Guillen left. Robin Ventura, Rick Renteria, Tony La Russa, and most recently Pedro Grifol combined to have a winning percentage of .491 with two postseason appearances and one division title. None of the four managers succeeding Ozzie Guillen won a playoff series. Heck, Chicago’s last two managers Tony LaRussa and Pedro Grifol didn’t even make it fully past their second season on the bench.

Guillen And The Sox Have Nothing To Lose

What’s become evident is that both Ozzie Guillen and the Chicago White Sox need each other. The team hasn’t had much success since he left, and Ozzie Guillen has been out of baseball for 12 years. He’s been sitting at NBC Sports analyzing White Sox games. While reunions with legendary franchise figures rarely duplicate the same success, it’s certainly worth a try given the White Sox situation. Kenny Williams was fired last year and that should eliminate any concern about organizational friction. Current GM Chris Getz played for Guillen for parts of two seasons, so there is familiarity. At the very least, it’d bring people out to Guaranteed Rate Field.

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