Guillen's pledge to Reinsdorf: He's not going anywhere

GLENDALE, Ariz. - As long as White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is living, Ozzie Guillen's not leaving.

That was one of the typically unique verbal birthday gifts Guillen delivered to Reinsdorf, who celebrated his 74th birthday on Thursday.

"God bless him, because I don't think I'm going to make it to 74," Guillen said. "I think one guy I'm praying to stay alive the most is him. I think I love Jerry and he knows it; he's like a father to everyone here."

Guillen became extremely close with Reinsdorf during his 13-year run as the Sox' shortstop.

And it was Reinsdorf who nudged general manager Kenny Williams into hiring Guillen as manager prior to the 2004 season when it looked like Cito Gaston was going to get the job.

"There's one thing for sure - Ozzie's not going anywhere as long as Jerry is (alive) unless they fire me, then that's a different thing," Guillen said. "I don't think anybody out there has enough money to buy myself to go someplace else. As long as Jerry's here, I don't think I'm going to walk away from here for any reason.

"As long as Jerry is still alive, he can count on I'm going to be here for him."

Guillen would probably work for Reinsdorf for nothing, considering how long he's been on the White Sox' payroll.

"I have a great life and the reason why I really take care of all my family is because of him," Guillen said. "He means a lot to us. I thank God for my dad, but I think my real dad is Jerry. He spent the most money on me. My dad gave me a couple dollars; Jerry's made me rich.

"I said to Jerry: 'Look at me and I hope to be 74 and still walking around like you, have the mentality you have, have the life you have.' "