Guillen, Williams, Reinsdorf of White Sox front office to do reality series

Get real: Ozzie Guillen in TV series

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Get the bleeps ready. Ozzie Guillen is coming to a reality series near you.

The big three of the Chicago White Sox — manager Guillen, general manager Ken Williams and owner Jerry Reinsdorf — will be featured in “The Club” on the MLB Network this summer.

Episodes scheduled to begin airing July 4 will contain footage from spring training and the regular season, focusing on behind-the scenes interaction of key members of the franchise.

“I don’t know why they picked us. I’m serious because I think there are more people out there. But I’m glad,” Guillen said Sunday as the White Sox pitchers and catchers held their first workout of spring training.

“It surprised me Kenny wants to do this. It surprised me Jerry wanted to do it. It didn’t surprise me that I wanted to do it because I wanted to be seen on television. But I think people are going to have fun and see something they haven’t been seen before.”

And with Guillen, known for his salty language, they could hear some things they don’t hear too often.

Guillen promised he wouldn’t clean anything up. Camera or no camera.

“Oh no. That’s me. I’m going to be myself,” he said. “One thing about it, I’m not going to change. I’m going to talk if no one is around me.”

Williams and Guillen combined to win a World Series title for the White Sox in 2005. Some of Guillen’s wild comments over the years have forced Williams into a damage control mode with his colorful manager, who is entering his seventh season.

“Hopefully I don’t have to be on TV when Kenny gets mad at me. That’s not an easy conversation,” Guillen said.

The White Sox will have the right to review each episode before it airs, diminishing the chance that something embarrassing could get out.

Williams said the prospect of doing the show was presented during the winter baseball meetings in December.

“We are going to have fun with it, why not?” Williams said.

“By the time it gets on air, it will be for consumption of children. In the editing room, they are going to have some challenges with our group.”

One decision that won’t need much discussion is who will be the opening day starter.

Guillen cleared that up in a hurry Sunday, soon after pitchers did their throwing on the first day.

He said Mark Buehrle will start the season opener April 5 against Cleveland. Jake Peavy, the former Padres ace and Cy Young Award winner acquired in a trade last season, will follow Buehrle in the rotation.

Guillen said the choice was made out of respect for Buehrle, who broke in with the White Sox in 2000. Buehrle’s opening day start will be his franchise-record eighth. He is currently tied with Billy Pierce with seven.

“I think Mark feels very, very good. I think he earned that spot. … I hope he doesn’t throw another no-hitter,” Guillen said in jest.

“Please don’t. We were in first place when that happened.”

After Buehrle pitched a perfect game on July 23 against Tampa Bay, the White Sox were tied for first at five games over .500.

But the very next day, Chicago lost a doubleheader to Detroit and was never on top again while finishing 79-83. Buehrle went 2-7 with a 4.78 ERA in 13 starts after the perfect game.

Before Guillen told reporters of his choice, Peavy said he wanted Buehrle to get the nod and break the record.

“I think he is deserving. … It’s his staff,” Peavy said. “He has been the face of this franchise for such a long time.”