The Toronto Blue Jays have released veteran DH Vladimir Guerrero, making him once again a free agent. Probably a situation where the Jays were not ready to call him up causing the two sides to agree to part ways. To me, this is not a situation where the player is done. Guerrero was 6-26 (.214) with 2 RBI for AAA Las Vegas after going 9-20 (.450) with 4 HR and 8 RBI for A Las Vegas.
Guerrero was part of a high supply, low demand market among American League designated hitters this offseason. Fellow DHs Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui did not sign until the season started and Manny Ramirez may not play a game for the Oakland Athletics. Guerrero has had a tremendous career totaling 2590 hits and 449 HRs. Though he was coming off a down season for the Orioles in 2011, he did hit .290 with 13 HR and 63 RBI; still pretty productive. He hit .300, 29, 115 for the Texas Rangers in 2010, while playing 152 games. It is hard to believe that a team cannot use his services, especially with the expanded wild card situation.
The New York Yankees may be without Brett Gardner for an extended period of time. He would add power to that lineup, even if he is forced to play the field every once in a while. Boston may be a tougher fit since David Ortiz is still there, but he could help out there also. The Tigers still do not have a full-time DH, to me that would be a perfect fit. And I'm sure there are a number of scenarios where a team would better itself by adding a player like Vlad.
The argument I hear is that he doesn't play the field anymore, which is almost true. I need to see some more MLB ABs to be convinced that he is done though. Not the other way around. He is coming off a .290 season, not .220 or even .250. It would be a shame if he doesn't play another MLB game. Hopefully a team is wise enough to bring him in right now. Its not like he's pricing himself out. He is a bargain at this stage of the game. I expect to see a team wise up and add Vladimir Guerrero soon.
The New York Yankees may be without Brett Gardner for an extended period of time. He would add power to that lineup, even if he is forced to play the field every once in a while. Boston may be a tougher fit since David Ortiz is still there, but he could help out there also. The Tigers still do not have a full-time DH, to me that would be a perfect fit. And I'm sure there are a number of scenarios where a team would better itself by adding a player like Vlad.
The argument I hear is that he doesn't play the field anymore, which is almost true. I need to see some more MLB ABs to be convinced that he is done though. Not the other way around. He is coming off a .290 season, not .220 or even .250. It would be a shame if he doesn't play another MLB game. Hopefully a team is wise enough to bring him in right now. Its not like he's pricing himself out. He is a bargain at this stage of the game. I expect to see a team wise up and add Vladimir Guerrero soon.
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