An Extension for Guillen?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 6, 2007 3:26PM

Chicagoist checked our calendars and it's not April Fool's Day, so we're not sure why there are media reports that a contract extansion for White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen is in the works. At least those are the rumors that WMVP AM 1000's baseball beat reporter Bruce Levine said recently.

When asked, Guillen denied any talks of an extension with either Sox GM Kenny Williams or team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Williams similarly denied contract talks, although he reiterated his support for Guillen. On the other hand, Ozzie similarly denied contract talks back in '05 right before he got his last extension after the team's hot start.

Ozzie is currently under contract for the 2008 season, and the team holds an option for 2009. So he's effectively got two years yet to go on his deal should Williams and Reinsdorf want to stick with their fiery field general.

Most managers of last place teams can epect the ax, not an extension. The White Sox are currently 21 games under .500 and bringing up the rear on the AL Central. Yes, even behind the KC Royals. We're not saying that Guillen should be fired for the White Sox horrific play this year -- bringing a World Series title to town certainly earns a guy at least three years of guaranteed job security. But we do think committing to him beyond 2009 now is a wee bit premature. Let's see how this team rebounds next year, and then maybe talk about a new deal.

Photo by AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh