MLB notes: Guillen wants straight talk
Ozzie Guillen would appreciate knowing as soon as possible where he stands with the Chicago White Sox.
He knows what he wants: to end his managerial career in the Windy City. If owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Ken Williams have other plans, Guillen understands. He just wants to hear it, so he and his family can move forward one way or another.
“I want to be in Chicago, man,” Guillen said. “My mind is ready. I want to be here as long as I can. I want to be part of the White Sox the rest of my career.
“Hopefully, I can have a meeting with Jerry and Kenny and see what they have in mind. … I hope everything works out for both sides. I will respect what they have in mind. At the same time, it’s a business.”
The outspoken skipper addressed his uncertain future after a 4-3 win at Oakland on Wednesday that stopped Chicago’s season-worst eight-game skid. The 46-year-old Guillen is signed through 2012, but his rocky relationship with Williams could cause the sides to part ways sooner. There’s been thought Guillen has his eyes on the Florida Marlins’ opening, though he insists he wants to stay put.
New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged with seven counts of criminal contempt for sending his girlfriend dozens of text messages begging for forgiveness, violating a restraining order issued after he was accused of attacking her father at Citi Field.
Rodriguez did not enter a plea at his arraignment. He posted the $7,500 bail almost immediately and left Queens court without speaking. A new protection order was issued barring him from contacting Daian Pena and her family.
The reliever was accused of grabbing Pena’s father, Carlos Pena, hauling him into a tunnel near the family lounge beneath the team’s new ballpark and hitting him in the face after a game Aug. 11.
Clearing the bases
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Francisco Liriano will get the start when Minnesota opens the A.L. playoffs next month. … Arizona hired Kevin Towers as executive vice president and general manager, bypassing highly regarded Jerry Dipoto, who served as interim GM, for a man they turned down five years earlier. … Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin was released from a Miami hospital, three days after part of a broken bat punctured his chest.