The White Sox held a press conference on Monday to announce the hiring of Ozzie Guillen as their new manager. Guillen signed a two-year contract with an option for 2006.

San Diego signed Guillen as a nondrafted free agent out of Venezuela in 1980, but the Padres traded him to the White Sox in 1984. He made his debut with Chicago in 1985 and remained with the team through the 1997 season. After thirteen seasons with the White Sox, he split three seasons between the Orioles, Braves, and Devil Rays. The 36-year-old retired after the 2000 season, during which the Devil Rays released him.

Guillen joined Jeff Torborg's coaching staff in Montreal in 2001 and moved with Torborg to Florida in 2002, assuming the third base coaching duties for the Marlins. He remained with the team even after Torborg lost his job this year and coached third for Florida through the World Series. He's the first Venezuelan to hold a major league managerial position.

Unfortunately, the 39-year-old has no managerial experience, so I can't say I believe he's the right choice for the White Sox at this time. Guillen is boisterous and promises to provide the media with amusing quotes, so he should have a fairly substantial honeymoon period. Sadly, his missing managerial background probably will lead to a good deal of on the job training on which the Sox shouldn't be wasting time. The AL Central doesn't have a clear leader right now, giving the Sox an opening to spend a couple seasons in the playoffs. They missed their opportunity in 2003 and even one year down the road the Indians youth movement should start to establish another dynasty with which to compete in Cleveland.

During his initial press conference, Guillen several times made reference to kids. He's coming from a Florida team full of youth and felt he did a good job in supporting the youngsters. However, unless the White Sox have unexpected moves planned for this off-season, he's not taking over a team of young players. The only rookie he's likely to have on offense is Joe Borchard, a 25-year-old with extensive experience in the upper minors. His pitching staff also primarily will be made up of veterans. Regardless of their age, I have little reason to doubt that he'll be able to motivate the White Sox's players, but unless the coaching staff left behind by the previous manager bridges the gap with regards to on-field strategy, I believe Chicago will face disappointment.

GM Kenny Williams left one coaching position open for his new manager to fill. Guillen has indicated that he plans to install Joey Cora as his new third base coach.