Chicago White Sox: Will Missing the Postseason Justify Firing Ozzie Guillen?

Ozzie Guillen is big on controversial tweets, shocking comments concerning his players and other things, but the White Sox only have a .525 winning percentage in his eight years as manager. His unorthodox means of motivation seem to be getting old and less effective.

Of course, Guillen's and every other member of the organization's success has been negatively impacted by Adam Dunn's catastrophically terrible season. The expectations for Dunn were high as he had been a model of consistency as a run-producer, but this year's stats have been beyond bad. When a guy you expected to produce 40 home runs and 100 RBI with say a .260 batting average is hitting .168 with 11 HR and 40 RBI through about 120 games, it definitely impacts a lineup.

The only hitters having good seasons on the south side are Paul Konerko (.316, 28 HR, 84 RBI) and A.J. Pierzynski (.296, 6 HR, 39 RBI) whose numbers are only good for a catcher. The Sox are eighth in the AL in team batting average, seventh in home runs and 12th in stolen-bases. Ladies and gentleman, there are only 14 flavors of ice cream in the parlor, so that is almost dead last or middle of the pack in three important offensive categories.

The bullpen has been solid; only one pitcher with at least 40 appearances has an ERA of 4.00 or higher. What is more encouraging is that the bullpen is full of young arms, led by 27-year-old Sergio Santos and 22-year-old Chris Sale.

The problem with the pitching has been the underachieving starters. Supposed staff aces Mark Buerhle and Jake Peavy have a combined record of 15-11 with an ERA close to 4.00.

So, are these mediocre statistics and performances a reflection on Ozzie's lack of effectiveness as a manager? The White Sox haven't been to postseason since 2008, when they were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Rays. While it is never fair to put all the blame on a manager for his team's failure, generally the skipper takes the fall.

Ozzie has reminded us time and time again, If Kenny don't believe I get the job done, he can fire me. Something tells me these constant references to getting fired and how he doesn't care are just self-defense mechanisms to hide the fact that he does care, deeply.

Guillen is like the dad that is trying to keep a handle on his teenagers and when he thinks things are getting out of control. He throws an adult tantrum to hopefully startle the wayward teen back on track. When the White Sox go on a downward spiral, wait for it...wait for it...here comes the tantrum or outburst.

How long can Ozzie continue to use these tactics and get results? It hasn't worked for awhile now. True enough he hasn't been given a ton, his starting rotation is too heavy on guys with moderate stuff that depend on changing speeds and immaculate location (Buerhle and John Danks) and guys with great stuff who can't seem to stay off the trainer's table or put it together mentally (Gavin Floyd and Jake Peavy).

All things considered, while a .500 finish and missing the postseason by four or five games may not get him fired this offseason, you can bet it creates a hot seat that Ozzie won't have to create himself. If the trend of almost contending continues, a 2012 midseason managerial change may not be on deck, it'll be in hole.