Guillen retired after the 2000 season, which he spent with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
After originally stating he wanted someone with post-season experience, General Manager Kenny Williams finally stumbled upon Guillen, whose only post-season connection was the 2003 Marlins.
Among Guillen's competition were former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston (who won back-to-back World Series trophies in Toronto), former Twins manager Tom Kelly (who led Minnesota to a pair of World Series trophies as well - in 1987 and 1991), and 14-year managerial veteran Jim Leyland (who led the Florida Marlins to their first World Series in 1997).
Williams had this to say about the Sox' new manager.
"He bleeds White Sox baseball," an ecstatic Williams said Monday. "There is no doubt in my mind that he is going to provide something here we desperately need. A jolt, if you will.
"The passion, the commitment, the energy, the game knowledge, the aggressive attitude," Williams also said.
Guillen, who doesn't turn 40 until after Opening Day next season, was equally as jubilant.
"It's an honor for me," Guillen said. "It took me a little while to get back and wear this uniform. Hopefully, it'll be the last I ever wear."
"I believe managers are hired to get fired," Guillen added. "But if I'm going to get fired, it's going to be my way. Every player who wears this uniform is going to play the game right. If they don't play the game right, they're not going to play for me."
"We're going to have fun," Guillen added. "But fun is winning and winning is fun. I believe have fun first and then you win. Then you have more fun in the clubhouse."
Got a question or comment for Josh? Email him at soxinsider@hotmail.com.
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