After Ozzie asks for extension, boss questions him about it
BY DARYL VAN SCHOUWEN dvanschouwen@suntimes.com September 2, 2011 10:46PM
Ozzie Guillen said, “It wasn’t a big deal,” that Jerry Reinsdorf talked to him about comments he made regarding a contract extension. | David Banks~Getty Images
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Updated: November 16, 2011 1:26AM
DETROIT — White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke to Ozzie Guillen about the outspoken manager’s publicly expressed desire to have his contract extended beyond next season.
Guillen, who was given an extension through 2012 during last offseason’s Sox Fest, created a stir because of the timing of his stated wish — made to Sun-Times columnist Joe Cowley — because the Sox are in the hunt for a division title.
Reinsdorf, who has always supported and is fond of his manager, might have been curious about the timing as well.
Guillen wasn’t overly forthcoming about their discussion which were said to have taken place on Thursday’s off-day.
“He asked me about the paper [column] and I said, ‘Hey, he asked me a question and I answered it,’ ’’ Guillen told the Sun-Times before Friday’s important game against the Tigers.
“It wasn’t a big deal,’’ Guillen said. “When they asked me about it I tell people how I feel. You have to earn a contract. This job is like any other one. You want to know where you’re going to be.
“I’ve been in the hot seat since 2007. Every year I going to get fired. But I’m still here, I want to be here and I hope the job I’ve done will help me to stay in Chicago.’’
September call-ups
The Sox brought up right-handers Shane Lindsay (3-3, 2.18 ERA with 90 strikeouts in 50 relief outings with AA Birmingham and Charlotte), and Addison Reed, who leads all minor-league relievers with 111 strikeouts, from AAA Charlotte. The fast-climbing Reed, 22, was 2-1 with a 1.26 ERA at three levels.
Slick-fielding shortstop Eduardo Escobar was also brought up from AAA.
A.J. returns — at DH
A.J. Pierzynski came off the disabled list and was thrust into the cleanup spot and the designated hitter role against Justin Verlander. Adam Dunn and Alex Rios were left out of a lineup that appears to be Guillen’s best against right-handed pitching. That includes Tyler Flowers behind the plate.
“I like the way Flowers is catching. A lot of guys feel comfortable with him,’’ Guillen said. “[But]I’m not going to say he’s my every-day catcher.’’
Pierzynski said he wants to catch but is OK with “whatever they want me to do.’’
