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Chicago White Sox Open Spring Training Sans Ozzie Guillen For First Time Since 2004

On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox opened spring training in the hot Arizona desert once again, much to the excitement of fans around the country. But for the first time since 2004, the manager at center stage orchestrating the whole production isn't Ozzie Guillen; rather, it's newly-minted skipper Robin Ventura.

As ESPN Chicago's Chris Silva reports, there's a bit of a different vibe around White Sox camp these days now that Chicago's boisterous ex-manager has taken his talents to South Beach. Silva spoke with numerous players about the change, and pitcher Chris Sale mentioned his optimism regarding Ventura:

I don't think he's going to be as loud and entertaining as Ozzie. But he's got a good head on his shoulders. He's very knowledgeable about the game and is ready to move forward.

Ventura has never managed at any level before, but he's got an exceptional reputation in the industry and the White Sox will presumably give him some time to figure things out.

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