Not only were the White Sox one of 30 teams that passed on Ozney Guillen, but general manager Ken Williams said the Sox would not draft or sign him in the future.
“The potential for distractions weigh heavily toward a situation that’s not in anybody’s best interests,” Williams said, mindful of last June when manager Ozzie Guillen was angry his son wasn’t drafted until the 22nd round — by the Sox.
Wednesday, Guillen was very diplomatic in assessing why his freshman son wasn’t drafted despite batting .347 for Miami-Dade Junior College.
“The Sox have their own way,” Guillen said. “They can draft whoever they want. I don’t expect the Sox to draft my kid because he’s my kid. I expect the Sox to sign the people they think can help them in the future.”
“If he’s not playing baseball, maybe it’s for a reason. Maybe he’s not that good. I talked to him.”
Guillen wasn’t sure what his son’s plans for next year will be, but Williams paused for a few seconds before elaborating on the attention given to the youngest Guillen.
“(Dominican Academy director) Rafael Santana’s kid (Alex) went in the second round (to the Dodgers),” Williams said. (Scouting director) Doug Laumann’s kid went to (the Braves in the 31st round).
“I tried to talk our people out of taking my son (Kenneth in the sixth round in 2008). The interesting backdrop of the story is I was told if we didn’t take him, the Cubs would have taken him. That would have been even more interesting.
“But no, listen, nobody can afford in the draft … we’re all going to make mistakes … but nobody can afford to pass someone because of some sort of personal issue. I love the Guillen family.”
