According to multiple sources, the Sox and Florida Marlins are in the final stages of completing a deal that would send the never-boring Guillen to South Beach, ending his eight-year stay with the club he grew up white as a player and helped guide to a World Series in 2005 as a second-year manager.
The end is expected to become at the conclusion of Monday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at U.S. Cellular Field, sources said.
As far as the coaching staff, expect mass changes there as well, all except pitching coach Don Cooper, who according to sources, already has a deal on the table to stay with the organization.
… Sources have indicated, however, that privately Guillen walked away from the meeting knowing his days with the Sox were over, and the talk was more about the details of the split. It was not heated, and if anything, emotional from both sides.
Standard Joe Cowley disclaimer applies.
UPDATE: WSCR reports it too.
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen gathered his players before Monday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays and told them that it would be his final one, according to sources close to the situation.
UPDATE: More on the CSN postgame report.
UPDATE: A couple tweets from the Sox:
The White Sox have agreed to Ozzie Guillen’s request to be released from his contract, allowing the manager to pursue other opportunities.—
Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 27, 2011
The White Sox retain rights to compensation should Guillen accept a managerial position with another major league team in 2012. #WhiteSox—
Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 27, 2011
UPDATE: Press Release: White Sox release manager Ozzie Guillen from contract.
