White Sox release Guillen from contract

CHICAGO, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox announced Monday they have released longtime Manager Ozzie Guillen from his contract with the team.

Guillen, who is reported to be negotiating with the Florida Marlins to become that team's next skipper, said after Monday's 4-3 victory over Toronto he has not yet taken a job with Florida.

"No, they just let me go to talk to anyone I want," he said. "Everyone is talking about Florida cause there's a lot of rumors out there about it."

He added, "I'm not going to point fingers and blame anybody" for his departure.

The White Sox retained the rights to compensation for Guillen and a trade to the Marlins could be in the works, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The newspaper cited two team sources who said the colorful and controversial 47-year-old manager could be in line for a four-year contract worth nearly $16 million with Florida.

Earlier in the day, Marlins interim Manager Jack McKeon said he would not return next season.

"We certainly cannot thank Ozzie enough for all he has done during his eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox, highlighted by an unforgettable 2005 World Series championship," White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "I personally appreciate everything he has done for this organization, our fans and the city of Chicago. We shared the greatest moments together and wish him nothing but future success in baseball and in life."

Guillen regaled reporters with a profanity-laced interview following a Monday afternoon meeting with Reinsdorf, indicating his efforts to land wring a multi-year deal from him weren't successful.

He said several times that he wanted more money, at one point exclaiming: "[Expletive] more years. I want more money."

Guillen has guided the White Sox to a 78-82 record this season, good for third place in the American League Central. He managed them to a record of 678-617 in eight years at the helm.