Odd Couple: The Puzzling Chemistry of Ozzie Guillen and Kenny Williams

[FanofBill]

http://www.chicagosportsreview.com/chicago/chicagoview.asp?c=162638

Tuesday, July 05, 2005


By Chris Sprow (csprow@chisport.com) From the Magazine - July 2005

Only in sports do people consider chemistry a quieting, necessary event. Why? In most fields, chemistry usually means violent reactions, a cloud of smoke. Explosions. Volcanoes.

Goggles required.

Before a game with the Dodgers, watching batting practice, 15 feet separate them in the White Sox dugout, but Kenny Williams and Ozzie Guillen are light years apart. Not close enough to chemically interact. And safety glasses aren’t required. Yet chemistry exists - the sporting kind.

[Baby Fisk]

Why would the writer consider the Williams-Guillen partnership "puzzling"? He neatly explains each of their roles and how they complement each other. Here's a good example:

Williams is not one who allows accurate media speculation. He is limited in his means, more so than many of his rivals, and thus the first you often hear about a deal he orchestrates is when the White Sox announce that one has been completed. This again is in stark contrast to Guillen, who would happily allow assumptions to flourish, as he openly questions his players, admonishes bad attitudes, and virtually goes open-book with the media regarding his thoughts on the team on a day-to-day basis.

Williams as the silent one is perfect as a GM.
Guillen as the outspoken one is perfect as a manager.

This partnership is hardly puzzling. Each man is playing out his role as expected. Still, it's a nice piece. Makes you warm 'n' fuzzy all over! :cool:

Thx for the link.