Chicago White Sox: Bring back Ozzie Guillen you cowards!

The Chicago White Sox need to find a manager.

Until that happens, there are going to be plenty of rumors regarding different candidates. The problem is that the list of rumored candidates, as reported by Bob Nightengale, is a collection of retreads. Some of the names may be interesting, but having the trio of Bruce Bochy, Mike Shildt, and Ron Washington as the frontrunners is hardly inspiring.

Chicago White Sox need a completely different vibe in the clubhouse

The biggest problem is that none of that trio would seemingly fix the issues in the White Sox clubhouse. The players need someone who will allow them to be themselves, someone who can run a tight ship but can also inspire the players to perform beyond expectations. What they need is someone just like Ozzie Guillen.

There are obvious flaws with Guillen. His personality can be abrasive and crude at times. He has not managed since his ill-fated season with the Marlins in 2012, a season that began with controversy due to his comments about Fidel Castro and ended in a disappointing 69-93 record. It is fair to wonder if the game has passed him by in his decade away from the bench.

At the same time, he is still around the White Sox. He is part of the pre and post-game shows for the team, a figure in the clubhouse and someone who the players would be familiar with. He also still has an interest in managing as he was a surprise candidate for the Padres’ opening during the 2021-22 offseason.

Guillen would also be the polar opposite of La Russa. Players would not feel as though they were walking on eggshells and unable to relax. While he would manage based on his gut, he would not make such decisions as intentionally walking a player with a 1-2 count. He would also be awake on the bench, which, at this point, would be a drastic upgrade.

The Chicago White Sox need a different vibe on the bench and in the clubhouse. If they have the nerve, it would be a perfect time to bring Ozzie Guillen back.