Lyle Spencer of MLB.com says that Vladimir Guerrero (OF, DH) is seeking a 2-year deal and would like to stay in Los Angeles because that is where is his family has settled. Guerrero has been one of the most consistent sluggers in the game. Prior to 2009 for twelve consecutive years he hit at least .300 and had 25 or more homers for eleven straight seasons. However, Guerrero’s number took a dip in 2009 with a .295 BA and 15 homers. He has had a number of health problems through out the years as well. Just last year, he came into the season having recovered from knee surgery and took two trip to the DL for a leg issue and a torn pectoral muscle.
There is no denying that when healthy Guerrero is an offensive machine. He can hit almost any pitch thrown to him with power and has one of the widest strike zones in baseball. Every team would love to have his type of production in their lineup, but is he a good fit for every team? Even though Guerrero says he wants to play the field there are serious doubts his body can take the physical strain which is why the Angels using him almost exclusively as DH last season. These physical ailments most likely eliminate Guerrero from going to a NL team. It is just too risky to have him in your outfield with the potential to lose all that production at the plate due to injury. This is going to relegate him to playing in the AL where you have the option of having him in your lineup at the DH position. So which team is willing to take the risk and where does he best fit?
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels have a long standing relationship with Guerrero and he is happy there. There outfield is crowded at the moment with guys like Torii Hunter, Gary Matthews and Juan Rivera, so Guerrero would stay at DH. However the Angels may lose John Lackey as well to free agency and they need to replace Chone Figgins at third base which may take priority at this point.
Texas Rangers: Guerrero would fit well in the Rangers’ lineup. His numbers would most likely see a boost from their ballpark and he would have a lot of protection in the line-up hitting around Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young. The Rangers have expressed interest in Guerrero but I don’t see him being high on their list of needs.
Kansas City Royals: Due to his recent injury history, Guerrero may be able to be had on the cheap so the Royals should take a look. Guerrero would provide a significant boost to the offense and would also provide some veteran leadership to the club. They do seem to have a log jam at the DH spot with Mike Jacobs and Billy Butler rotating in between turns at first base. The odd man out in this situation would be Jacobs who hit 19 HR but batted a horrible .228 last year.
Chicago White Sox: The White Sox are in need of a good DH. Guerrero would fit in well. US Cellular Field is a hitters ball park but the Sox are in need of left-handed power. Kenny Williams has also eluded to the fact he does not want to sign someone who can only play DH and Guerrero’s days in the field are getting shorter.
Guerrero posses an interesting dilema for most major league teams. Is he worth the risk? That depends on your situation. Where do you think he will go?
I think if the angles don’t sign him they’d be a little nuts. Like andrew said they could get him on the cheap and still have plenty of money to get a replacement for chone and he can give days off to their loaded outfield if he wants to play the field. I have no idea where he’d go if he doesn’t return back to the Angels.