Royals Designate Jose Guillen For Assignment

5:38PM: Good news and bad news for Guillen.  San Francisco may still have an interest in him, as Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports that the Giants are "discussing" making a move for the outfielder.  The bad news comes from an anonymous executive who told Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman (Twitter link) that "no contender" should go after Guillen since only Milton Bradley is considered to have a worse "personality/clubhouse rep."

12:55PM: The Royals designated Jose Guillen for assignment, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). The team, which called up Philip Humber in a corresponding move, now has ten days to determine Guillen's future. A trade seems likely, though a release is possible.

The 34-year-old drew interest from the Giants and other clubs before the trade deadline. Since the deadline, Guillen is hitless in 19 at bats, so he hasn't helped his trade value this week. After the Royals traded Scott Podsednik, GM Dayton Moore told reporters that he'd consider dealing players who are on the brink of free agency.

Guillen has $3.8MM remaining on his contract before he hits free agency this winter. Despite his recent slump, he has 16 homers and a .255/.314/.429 line thanks to strong performances in April and June.