By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY
Updated 9m ago
Update 10:55 a.m. ET: Outgoing Chicago White Sox manager removed the post from his website discussing his new job as Florida Marlins manager.
In a new post he thanked the Chicago fans and said that the city will always be home after 22 years in the White Sox organization.
Guillen also called it "a sad time" but added "I know there are better days awaiting me in the future."
Update, 3 a.m. ET: Outgoing Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says that he has agreed to become the Florida Marlins' next manager, likely by Wednesday.
''Although it's sad my time with the White Sox has ended,'' Guillen wrote on his website, "I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of the Marlins organization. I have an unbelievable amount of respect for the Marlins, owner Jeffrey Loria, president Larry Beinfest and general manager Michael Hill. I can't thank them enough for this opportunity and look forward to the future. I can't wait to get started!''
The White Sox will receive compensation, White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said, likely a minor-league player, when Guillen's deal becomes official.
''I think Jerry did me a favor,'' Guillen said. ''It was my call, and I appreciate the Chicago White Sox for letting me do what I want. Maybe it's not for the best. Maybe I won't appreciate what I've got here.
''But sometimes you have to turn the page. Hopefully, the next book will be as good as this one.''
Update, 12:02 a.m ET: Ozzie Guillen managed his final game Monday for the Chicago White Sox, and is expected to become the Florida Marlins' next manager. White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf granted Guillen's request to be released from his contract after refusing to give him a contract extension. The White Sox will retain compensation rights if Guillen accepts a managerial position with the Florida Marlins or any other team.
CAPTION
By Charles Cherney, AP
"Hopefully, they'll be better without me,'' said Guillen, who had a contract for about $2 million in 2012. "I wish them the best. I walk out of here with my head up.
"This is a business move. …Life is about money. People don't believe that, but people are happy after they make money. I have to make money out of somewhere. I'm not a doctor or a lawyer, where you'll have a job for the rest of your life.''
The White Sox, who had trade talks Monday with the Marlins, have yet to finalize a deal for Guillen's rights. The Marlins are seeking a manager to replace Jack McKeon, who announced his resignation Monday.
Guillen, who won the third-most games by a manager in White Sox history, said he didn't deserve an extension. The White Sox, despite their largest payroll in franchise history, are 78-82 and in third place in the AL Central.
"I'm very disappointed in this year, yes,'' Guillen said. "There's a lot of disappointment. But no regrets.
"All the stuff you guys want to blame, please don't do that."
When asked if Guillen plans to bring coaches with him to Florida, or his next managing job, he said: "Hell no! They got me fired."
Earlier: "We certainly cannot thank Ozzie enough for all he has done during his eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox, highlighted by an unforgettable 2005 World Series championship," White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a release. "I personally appreciate everything he has done for this organization, our fans and the city of Chicago. We shared the greatest moments together and wish him nothing but future success in baseball and in life."
EARLIER: Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who failed in an attempt Monday to receive a contract extension, told the club that he wants to be released from his contract and join the Florida Marlins, according a high-ranking White Sox official unauthorized to speak publicly.
The White Sox, who twice have had trade talks with the Marlins about trading Guillen to the organization, were in negotiations with Florida officials Monday night. Guillen has a contract through 2012 that pays him about $2 million.
"The problem's not resolved," said Guillen, who met for 30 minutes Monday with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "I told [Reinsdorf] that I don't want to come here with the same contract I have for next year. I think I've earned a little bit more than that."
Yet, without a contract extension and the Marlins having a managerial opening, Guillen expressed his desire to leave.
"He [Reinsdorf] knows I wouldn't like to come back [without an extension]," Guillen said. "I said that three weeks ago. I think I'm better than that. I think I give a lot of good things and a lot of headaches, too.
"Life is about money. People don't believe that, but people are happy after they make money. I have to make money out of somewhere. I'm not a doctor or a lawyer, where you'll have a job for the rest of your life.
"I think whatever happens, happens and move on right away in the right direction. Both sides. My direction is make money and make my family happy and hopefully win somewhere else."
The Marlins have a managerial vacancy with Jack McKeon announcing Monday that he will resign at the season's conclusion on Wednesday.
"If they want me, they should,'' Guillen said. "I'm good at what I do. They should. Everybody can want me, but it's one thing if they can get me. It's not easy like, 'OK I'm going to get you and you're going to come here.'
"If the Marlins want me, good for them.''
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