White Sox pick up 2012 option on manager Guillen

[January 22, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox have picked up their 2012 option on manager Ozzie Guillen's contract.

The announcement was made Friday, the opening day of the team's winter convention.

Guillen, entering his eighth season as manager, agreed to a multiyear extension in September 2007 that ran through the upcoming season.

Known for his colorful language and wide-ranging opinions on just about every topic, the talkative Guillen has a 600-535 record. In his second year, he led the White Sox to a World Series title in 2005 -- their first since 1917. He also guided Chicago to a division championship in 2008.

The White Sox went 88-74 a year ago, including one spurt of 26-5, and were in first place for 33 days but could not hold off the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

"It is my hope that we can get refocused on some of the positive energy we've had in the past and we can extend the relationship into the end of his career and the end of mine," said general manager Ken Williams, who was often at odds with Guillen last season.

Celebrating his 47th birthday a day earlier, Guillen said the announcement brought tears to his wife's eyes. He thanked Williams and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf for believing in him.

"I love this city and these fans," said Guillen, who spent most of his playing career as a shortstop with the White Sox. "I want to be in Chicago."

[Associated Press]

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