Jose Guillen and Ichiro Suzuki in the same outfield -- Seattle Mariners manager Mike Hargrove has never had two arms so strong side-by-side.
The Mariners and Guillen agreed on a one-year, US$5.5 million contract on Monday with a US$9 million option for the 2008 season, giving Seattle a starting right fielder and a dangerous bat in the middle of the order.
Guillen missed much of this season following reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. The Mariners hope his addition is only a start because they also want to upgrade their starting rotation.
"I'm just looking forward to this opportunity to try to get back on board and have the success that I've had before," Guillen said.
Guillen can earn up to US$3 million in performance bonuses. He will take over right field from Suzuki, who is moving to center field -- making them quite a defensive pair in the outfield.
"He's a hard-nosed player and likes to play the game. That's what we're looking for," Hargrove said. "He fits real well in our lineup among [Raul] Ibanez, [Richie] Sexson and [Adrian] Beltre. Considering the production he has shown in his career, it's a significant acquisition for us. He plays the game with a lot of passion and heart -- he's not afraid to stick his nose in there."
The 30-year-old Guillen batted .216 in 69 games last season during his second year with the Washington Nationals, hitting nine home runs with 40 RBIs before his elbow injury.
He underwent a thorough physical with the Mariners' medical staff and the team believes he will return to full strength for for next year.
Guillen said doctors have told him he will be completely healthy by next month and ready to go for spring training. The Dominican is already doing some hitting and light throwing.
"We feel like this is a signing with some real upside," general manager Bill Bavasi said. "Our doctors have given him a very complete physical and we are very confident he's healthy. When Jose has been healthy in his career he's put up numbers."
Guillen had several run-ins with manager Mike Scioscia with the Angels in 2004. Guillen was suspended for the final eight games of the regular season and left off the playoff roster.
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