Much Ado About Nothing

So much is being made about Ozzie Guillen’s inappropriate remark against Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti. Way too much in fact.

Mariotti is not a popular sports writer to begin with, but no one is saying much about his reputation. Believe me, he has said a lot worse in his columns than Ozzie has said to reporters. He has been fired from newspapers because he was not an easy person to get along with. He has been accused of picking fights, and knows which player or coach to go after. Ozzie Guillen happened to be the latest target. I wonder how many newspapers this latest sparring match has helped sell for the Sun-Times? Very simply, Mariotti is a jerk. Ozzie knows it and allowed the jerk to get under his skin.

Many Sox fans in this town agree that Guillen is simply being Ozzie. The White Sox organization, sports writers and fans knew what they were getting when Guillen arrived in town to manage the White Sox in November 2003. I am more concerned with Guillen’s ability to manage and help the Sox win, which he has done and done quite well. However, if his outspokenness begins to turn the Sox organization and the team against one another or begin to distract the ball club, then it will be the end of Guillen’s management days with the Sox. That would be a sad day in Chicago. Ozzie is good for baseball. He's refreshing and funny. But he does need to be more cautious and less reactive to the baiting he gets from reporters.

Look at it another way. Ozzie has been known for putting pressure on himself and keep the focus away from his team. Who is to say this is just another example of that? While all this controversy is taking place, the Sox are suddenly one of the hottest hitting clubs in the majors, having won nine games in a row until their loss last night. Guillen is simply allowing his team to focus on doing what they do best: play winning baseball.