Guillen back with White Sox, this time as manager

CHICAGO -- Ozzie Guillen was certain he was the right person to be the new manager of the Chicago White Sox, regardless of what his resume did or didn't say.

Two hours into his first interview, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams agreed.

"The passion, the commitment, the energy, the game knowledge, the aggressive attitude," Williams said Monday in introducing Guillen as manager of the team where he spent 13 years of his 16-year career.

"He bleeds White Sox baseball. There is no doubt in my mind that he is going to provide something here we desperately need. A jolt, if you will."

When Williams fired Jerry Manuel on Sept. 29 in the wake of the White Sox's meltdown, he was certain he wanted a manager with experience, someone who'd been to the postseason.

Former Toronto manager Cito Gaston was believed to be an early favorite, and Williams said he talked to Tom Kelly and Jim Leyland to see if either had interest in getting back into baseball.

But then came Guillen. He just retired in 2000, and his only experience was as a coach, the last two years as third base coach for the World Series champion Florida Marlins.

Williams set aside four hours for their interview, never thinking he would need more than that.

"By the time that second hour hit," Williams said, "I was convinced he was the guy."

Though Williams' mind was already made up, he brought Guillen back for a second interview. He offered him the job Sunday night, and Guillen signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year Monday.