Despite his willingness to accept blame for the White Sox’s mediocre start, manager Ozzie Guillen won’t be fired soon.
That comes from a telephone conversation Guillen had Friday with club Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
“Jerry told me to quit blaming myself,” Guillen said. “But I explained to him. I think people in Chicago take it the wrong way. [They] say I should be fired. The thing is, what I say is true. If [Reinsdorf or general manager Ken Williams] think I’m not doing my stuff they can fire me.
“[Reinsdorf] doesn’t want me to talk about it because there are some in the media and fans thinking it’s for real. [Reinsdorf] said I’m going to be here for a long time.”
Later, Guillen said “there are only one, two guys who can call the shots. If the media [think they] are going to fire me, they’re wrong. … My players are going to fire me, and two guys can fire me — Kenny Williams and Jerry Reinsdorf, no one else.
“I’ll be here for 10 years, I’ll tell you that right now.”
Guillen is signed through 2008 with a team option for 2009. But he warned, “We have to start playing better.”
Guillen said he stressed to Reinsdorf that he is willing to accept the responsibility.
“In 2004, we played good,” Guillen said. “In 2005 we won [the World Series]. And 2006 we played good, and everyone was talking about Ozzie Ball. Well, I’m still here. It’s still Ozzie Ball. We’re losing because Ozzie Ball isn’t working.
“That’s why I say I’m not going to sit behind the scenes and put my head down and feel ashamed about myself and the way we’re playing.
“We’re here together. And we’re going to win and lose together. In the meanwhile, I’m the face of the ballclub. And I’m man enough to take blame.”
Guillen said he appreciated Reinsdorf’s telephone call and elaborated on their father-son relationship and the friendship between Guillen and Williams.
“We work for the organization, we work for the fans, we work for the Chicago White Sox,” Guillen said. “Not because we are friends should he keep me here. I had to fire one of my friends, one of my coaches [Tim Raines], because [I didn’t think he was] doing the job.
“If something happens to me this year, next year, 20 years after I will feel the same way about Kenny and Jerry. I understand his point.”
No pain, much gain
Newly promoted outfielder Jerry Owens said his arm strength is no longer an issue thanks to a program designed to strengthen his left throwing shoulder.
“The shoulder is good,” said Owens, who started Friday night in center field. “I’m ready to go. I have no pain. If I had any pain yesterday, it’s gone today. I’m ready.”
Extra innings
Hitting coach Greg Walker will miss Saturday’s game to attend the high school graduation of youngest daughter Lauren from De La Salle in Chicago. Walker will return for Sunday’s game. … The Sox signed outfielder Chris Ulrey, a 33rd round pick in the 2006 draft from New Palestine (Ind.) High School.
