http://www.freep.com/article/2012030...anaged-Marlins
LAKELAND, Fla . -- Here is what a player said recently about someone who has spent the past several seasons managing a team in the American League Central.
"He's a players' manager," this particular player told the New York Times. "He's up front. He's honest with you. He talks with you. He's constantly around the clubhouse. He's a guy you can relate to."
This certainly sounds like Tigers manager Jim Leyland. These words also describe Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. But neither is the subject of the quote.
The speaker is outfielder Aaron Rowand, and the manager he is describing is Ozzie Guillen, who managed the White Sox the previous eight seasons.
Rowand played for Guillen on the 2005 world champion White Sox, and now he has rejoined Guillen on a team that has changed its ballpark (a new palace in downtown Miami), has changed its name -- Miami Marlins instead of Florida Marlins -- and has added big-name free agents -- shortstop Jose Reyes, closer Heath Bell, starting pitcher Mark Buehrle.
Today, the Tigers make a bus trip of about 3 hours to south Florida to face Guillen for the first time as Marlins manager.
No matter what mood he's in, Guillen will make baseball a little more interesting than it would be without him.