Guillen Wants Contract Extension Beyond 2012
By Adam Hoge-
CHICAGO (CBS) – A day after a Chicago Sun-Times report claimed the White Sox are shopping for a new manager, Ozzie Guillen said he wants to stay in Chicago... and he wants an extension.
"One thing I make clear, I don't think I'll be back here for just a one-year contract and (not) know what to do the next year," Guillen said Tuesday before the White Sox hosted the Minnesota Twins. "Eight years with this organization, I'm guessing I do a pretty good job. No, no, I think the players did it for me. I think we should deserve more than that."
Guillen had one year left on his contract after last season ended, but he was extended through 2012 during the off-season. With the team now reportedly looking at other options – and his relationship with General Manager Kenny Williams continuing to deteriorate – it appears he is putting the ball in Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's court to make a decision.
"One thing I know for sure – for sure, for sure – they have to pay me for 2012. That's what I know for sure. Somebody has to pay me for 2012, whether I'm working or not," Guillen said.
The manager said he has not gone to Reinsdorf this season seeking a new contract and will not before the season ends.
"I don't think Jerry, after all this bad year, so far, the last thing he wants to talk to me about is a new contract," Guillen said. "I'd be embarrassed to talk to him. (If) I say, 'Listen, I want a new contract,' the first thing (he will) say is, 'You want a new contract? Look at where you are right now.' I don't want to take that chance yet."
Indeed, Guillen realizes his record this year doesn't exactly warrant an extension, but his bond with Reinsdorf is still strong enough that he can put his foot down and force a decision between he and Williams. It appears obvious the organization can't afford to go through another awkward season of them working together.
And in the meantime, publicly, Guillen once again said he doesn't see why he can't work with Williams and he wants to make it clear that he wants to stay in Chicago.
"Nothing ever comes from me about going to another team. Never," he said. "Never I say, 'I want to go somewhere else,' because the day I say I want to go somewhere else, that means I'm going. Never. I never will. The day I say, 'Yeah I want to go to this place,' that I means I know the next day I'm on my way there. But I want to be here. There's no doubt about it."
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