Vladimir Guerrero told Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun that he hopes to play two or three more seasons in the Major Leagues instead of retiring after the season. The 36-year-old is just three hits behind Julio Franco for the all-time Dominican hits record and one homer away from 450 for his career. Though he could reach both milestones in 2011, he expects to be back next year.
“I feel I can play two or three more years,” he told Connolly. “And I just need to work a little harder this offseason when I go to the Dominican and see what happens.”
Guerrero has 2,583 hits, 449 homers and a .318/.379/.553 line 16 seasons into a career that will probably deliver him to Cooperstown soon after he retires. It seems unlikely that the Orioles will re-sign the 36-year-old, who earned $8MM on a one-year deal in 2011.
Guerrero projects as a Type B free agent, not that it matters much – it’s hard to imagine an offer of arbitration from the Orioles. In 556 plate appearances this year, the nine-time All-Star has a .292/.320/.423 line with 13 homers.
I figure he’s more of a plan B or C for a few teams. I don’t think he’s played defense for the O’s this year but the last time I saw him in the field he just looked like an 80 year old grandmother. At this point he’s a DH and probably only really has value as a mentor.
(as Vlad the Mentor)
“What was wrong with that pitch that bounced off your shoelaces? Shoulda swung.”
I’d be very shocked if he finds a job this off-season. The Orioles won’t bring him back and if he had any better offers LAST off-season, he wouldn’t have been in Baltimore in the first place. I can’t imagine his value has gone up now that he’s a year older and much less productive.
If he is willing to work for less money and less playing time, he will get a job somewhere doing something. He’s better than a ton of bats off the bench, even at this age, and he’s a good clubhouse guy, he’s just not a starter anymore.
My favorite “bad-ball” hitter; he was so much fun to watch when he was in his prime with Montreal.
Haven’t seen him play much in Baltimore this year, but last year with the Rangers I hurt when I watched him run. It looked painful
Vlad is awesome, but does anyone really think he’s 36? He’s gotta be pushing 40 more than that. And Julio Franco’s body is healthier at this point.
Because he looked gimpy in Texas when he had knee issues? He’s played in just about every game this year as a starter and has run hard every game I’ve watched him in.
These kind of comments are just so off-base.
Yay for Vlad! I hope he plays as long as he wants and puts up descent numbers. It’s hard not to like the guy. If he played three more years without completely hitting the wall he’s got a shot at 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Rafael Palmerio did that but as far as we know Vlad would have done it clean.
I hope he finds somewhere to play this season, though it’s not looking good. There will be players next season worse than Guerrero would have been.
“if i can see it, i can hit it”-vlad’s career motto
Also, Shawn Kemp, Wilt Chamberlain, and Dennis Franz.
I’d actually be surprised if Vlad DOESN’T find a job… it all depends on his willingness to possibly take reduced playing time or a bench role… Some AL teams that will probably be looking for a relatively inexpensive DH option this offseason: Oakland, Seattle, Minnesota, and maybe the Orioles again… Plus, if Vlad is willing to take a bench role, a big-money contender might consider him as a capable back-up, maybe even in the NL… Think Matt Stairs!
maybe the White Sox too as a cheap platoon option at DH with Dunn who has what? 5 hits off lefties all year?
The A’s would be happy to take him. They love cheap, older players who just want to stay in the game. And since no big money free agents will come within 400 feet of the A’s, they’ve got plenty of money to throw at guys on the final leg of their careers. I’m sure he could be had for 1 year/$5MM and the A’s would be a perfect fit.
The A’s will try to resign Hideki Matsui, they won’t go after Vlad. Matsui would sign for about the same amount you suggest (1yr/$5M), and he’s hinted that the extension of Bob Melvin increases his chances of accepting an Oakland offer. Plus, Matsui can still play LF in interleague games, like he did this year.
If the A’s don’t sign Matsui, then they’ll have Chris Carter DH.