Chicago White Sox and Ozzie Guillen Part Ways

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to Ozzie Guillen's request to be released from his contract, which will allow the manager to pursue other opportunities; he is likely to join the Florida Marlins.

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, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in the press release. 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.

Guillen, who was released from his contract Monday night, is now close to becoming the manager of the Marlins. It was previously reported that he had been asking the White Sox management to extend his contract. Now the Marlins have offered Guillen a $4 million per year deal for four years. His previous White Sox salary, reportedly, was $2 million.

Guillen, who led the White Sox to a 78-82 mark in 2011 and a 678-617 record during his eight seasons (2004-11) as manager, will not be present in White Sox’s remaining two games of the 2011 season. A source also confirmed that he told his players before Monday's series opener against the Blue Jays that the game would be his last in Chicago.

The White Sox, however, retain rights to compensation should Guillen accept a managerial position with another major league team in 2012, the team said.