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Washed up? Damn near decrepit? The Texas Rangers don't think so. Looking to add some depth, or possibly a full-time DH, a source close to Vladimir Guerrero says the 34-year-old is nearing a one-year deal with the Rangers, according to Jim Bowden of FoxSports.com. ESPN Deportes' Enrique Rojas reports the deal is valued at $7 million.
After spending the last six seasons in Los Angeles/Anaheim, the Angles have showed little interest in bringing the aging slugger back. Currently, the Rangers are ripe with young and talented outfielders in David Murphy, Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and Julio Borbon. Therefore it begs the question as to what role Guerrero would play, and what role the free-swinger might be asking to play before agreeing to terms.
A lifetime .321 hitter, Guerrero appeared in only 100 games last season, batted .295 and had an OPS of .794, all career lows since he became a full-time player.
Be sure to check out SBNation's Lone Star Ball for all your Rangers coverage.
Guerrero Agrees To Deal With Rangers, Physical Pending
Vladimir Guerrero, most recently of the Anaheim Angels, has signed with the Texas Rangers:
Guerrero logged most of his games in 2009 as a designated hitter, and it appears as though he will fill the same role with the Rangers. In his earlier years, Guerrero had a cannon-like arm in the outfield and was routinely one of the best hitters in baseball, but nagging injuries seem to have taken their toll. He'll be 35 by Opening Day.
The Rangers managed an 87-75 record in 2009 that surprised many. It will be interesting to see how significantly Guerrero augments the Rangers' lineup alongside sluggers Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, and Nelson Cruz.
For reactions from Rangers fans, check out Lone Star Ball. Angels fans will probably have something to say about the end of Guerrero's six-year career with the team, so our Angels blog, Halos Heaven, is worth a look.
Jan 10 12:14p by Jon Bois - 0 comments