Vladimir Guerrero News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

MLB.com

"The waiting game continues for the three-time reigning American League West champion Angels. With six players eligible for bids when free agency's doors swing open at 9:01 p.m. PT on Thursday night, the Angels have much to resolve before forging on with the shaping of their 2010 roster. Ace John Lackey, offensive catalyst Chone Figgins and cleanup man Vladimir Guerrero all are ready to start fielding offers along with bullpen glue Darren Oliver, versatile Robb Quinlan and comeback-minded Kelvim Escobar. "I don't think anything's changed from our perspective," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who is in constant contact with general manager Tony Reagins. "Those guys are all priorities for ..."

Angels still trying to keep Figgins; will wait on Vladdy

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November 10

SI.com

"The Angels are trying to keep free agent and leadoff man extraordinaire Chone Figgins in the fold. They've been talking to him about a contract for two months, and Angels GM Tony Reagins said he's "hopeful'' that something can get done. Meanwhile, White Sox GM Ken Williams said Figgins is out of their price range. Reagins said he doesn't expect to make a quick deal with free agent Vladimir Guerrero, but doesn't rule out one later. That possibility might depend on Guerrero not getting what he wants elsewhere first, then coming back to the Angels later."

Could Oakland A's go after Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero?

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November 8

Contra Costa Times

"Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero, a pair of free agents from the Los Angeles Angels, could be offseason targets of the Oakland A's. At least that's part of the speculation of Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Where would Figgins fit in with the A's? Would adding the injury-prone Guerrero be just another in a line of the A's failed signings of declining All-Stars?"

Angels facing roster dilemma

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October 27

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"Last year, Mark Teixeira, Frankie Rodriguez and Garret Anderson were in the Angels' graduating class of sixth-year seniors. They were the free agents who left and probably were taking the Angels' AL West title with them. The Angels went to spring training anyway, and went a step further in the playoffs than they did in 2008 and, probably, wound up a better team. It's not a half-empty, half-full thing. It's the hole-in-the-water theory. Eventually, it gets filled. This year the class is bigger and more substantial. The hole is deeper, too, and there's a water shortage. The possible free agents are John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Darren Oliver. Those are vital ..."

Is it time to say goodbye Vlad?

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October 26

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Saxon

"Vladimir Guerrero arrived in Anaheim six years ago as an enigma, a player the Angels knew as much about by way of legend as by scouting report. That cloud of mystery followed him to the door. Guerrero may have watched the final inning of his Angels career from the bench Sunday, after he was lifted for pinch runner Reggie Willits in the eighth inning of the Angels' 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the ALCS. The game encapsulated all the brilliant and baffling aspects of Guerrero's Hall of Fame-worthy career. How can you get an RBI post-season hit off Mariano Rivera? Nobody does that, at least not in this millennium. How could anyone even make contact with that sixth-inning ..."

Vladimir Guerrero goes down swinging -- and zinging

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October 26

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero went down swinging in what might have been his final game as an Angel, and he made sure to land a few verbal jabs too. The normally keep-to-himself slugger had three hits and twice jawed at home plate umpire Dale Scott over disputed strike calls during the Angels' season-ending 5-2 loss Sunday night at Yankee Stadium in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Guerrero first complained after taking a called third strike leading off the fourth inning. He protested again after Andy Pettitte's first pitch to him in the sixth inning was called a strike. "Maybe the second at-bat, there was a pitch that I asked about," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "But it's ..."

Guerrero suits up to honor Adenhart

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October 13

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Los Angeles Angels bring Nick Adenhart's No. 34 jersey everywhere they go, from the team charter to the clubhouse to the dugout for each game. But Vladimir Guerrero, the club's soft-spoken slugger, takes that honor a step further, wearing a shirt bearing the name of the young pitcher beneath his uniform. So as Guerrero stood at the plate Sunday in the ninth inning at Fenway Park - bases loaded, two outs and Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon on the mound - Adenhart, in a sense, was with him, too. Guerrero lined the first pitch into center field for a two-run single, which lifted the Angels to a 7-6 comeback victory and stopped a streak of futility that had included four consecutive ..."

Angels' Vladimir Guerrero isn't done just yet

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October 12

Los Angeles Times

"The great ones seldom know when it is time to go. They hang on, evoking pity rather than respect. They are not who they are, but who they used to be. Vladimir Guerrero used to be the most feared hitter in baseball. He swung at just about everything, hit good pitches and bad with crushing authority. You would walk him before you would let him beat you. It was an astonishing sight, really, as shadows descended upon the field Sunday at Fenway Park. The season was on the line for the Boston Red Sox. Guerrero was on deck. Torii Hunter was at bat. The Red Sox walked him to get to Guerrero. He can hardly run these days. The Angels do not let him play right field anymore. He produces weak ground ..."

Aren't you Vlad? Guerrero finally shines in postseason

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October 12

L.A. Daily News

columnist Jill Painter

"Vladimir Guerrero, take a bow. It's something he's rarely had a chance to do in the postseason. Guerrero smiled and repeatedly pumped his right fist after hitting a two-out, two-run single to center in the top of the ninth inning to give the Angels a come-from-behind 7-6 victory Sunday over the Boston Red Sox to clinch the American League Division Series three games to none. His heroics snapped Boston's longtime playoff hex over the Angels, who trailed 6-4 heading into the ninth. His heroics also snapped his own hex in the playoffs. The postseason had cast a dark cloud over Guerrero, one he couldn't seem to shake. The All-Star hitter was always an All-Star until October. His two RBIs in ..."

Guerrero stays in Angels' cleanup spot for good reason

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October 10

Los Angeles Times

"Angels fans take note of Red Sox Manager Terry Francona's decision tothe slumping David Ortiz from third to sixth in his lineup on May 26 and wonder why Angels Manager Mike Scioscia doesn't do the same with cleanup batter Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero slipped into some old habits with the bases loaded in the third inning of Game 1 Thursday night, fouling off two Jon Lester pitches that were well out of the strike zone and swinging through a high-and-away fastball for strike three, ending the inning. Guerrero, 34, clearly isn't the force he has been in recent seasons -- slowed by injuries, he hit .295 in 100 games, with 15 homers and 50 runs batted -- and the Angels seem to have a better ..."

Playoffs a pain for Guerrero

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October 6

Orange County Register

"For the first seven years of his career, establishing his Hall of Fame credentials was a part-time job for Vladimir Guerrero that ended in September. The Montreal Expos never made it to the postseason in his time with them. In his six seasons with the Angels, though, the team has made the playoffs five times, giving Guerrero ample opportunities to add an October imprimatur to his credentials. But Guerrero has had just one "Super Vladdy" moment in the Angels' six playoff series since his arrival — a game-tying grand slam in the seventh inning of Game 3 during the Angels' 2004 ALDS loss to the Boston Red Sox. In 17 postseason games since, he has one RBI and one extra-base hit, a double last ..."

Angels hope Vladimir Guerrero this time will be their Mr. October

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October 6

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero has worn a Superman T-shirt under his jersey for years, and considering how many leap-tall-buildings-in-a-single-bound moments he's had during a probable Hall of Fame career, he's the one Angels player who can get away with it. Come October, though, the Angels would prefer Guerrero be more like Clark Kent. No superhuman feats required. Just hit something close to your .321 career average. Drive in a few runs. Hit some balls into the gaps. Knock an occasional ball over the wall. "At times, you have to take what the pitcher is giving you," Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said, "and it's not always going to be a mistake you can hit 480 feet.""

Guerrero doesn't worry about numbers

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September 6

Orange County Register

"Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Vladimir Guerrero knew nothing about great baseball players of the past such as Lou Gehrig. After being linked with Gehrig last season, Guerrero still doesn't know much about the Hall of Famer. "It was way in the past," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "People have mentioned it to me. Since I'm not interested in numbers, I haven't (looked into Gehrig's history). "But I know I'm in good company because of the numbers on the banner. But I don't play for numbers." The banner Guerrero mentioned was a promotional giveaway put together by the Angels to commemorate Guerrero's 11 consecutive seasons with at least 25 home runs and a .300 batting average. ..."

Guerrero's heart still in the outfield

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August 23

Orange County Register

"When Vladimir Guerrero came back from a leg injury, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Guerrero would be limited to DH for the rest of the season. There was little chance that Guerrero would take the job and love it. "Coming off the injury, because of the situation with my leg, it was a lot easier to think DH was the spot where I would fit in," Guerrero said Saturday through an interpreter. "It was just easier to think that way because of the leg injury and I knew I was limited. But I continue to work out in the outfield. I take fly balls off the bat (in pregame workouts). "In that regard, I still see myself as a guy who can contribute in the outfield." The only contributions the Angels ..."

Vlad scratched from lineup with stiff leg

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August 16

MLB.com

"Vladimir Guerrero was scratched from Sunday's lineup, the Angels announced just hours before the game, reportedly due to stiffness in his left leg. "He came in feeling stiff," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He felt good last night and today he feels a little bit stiff, so we're going to give him the day off." Guerrero was penciled in as the Angels designated hitter for Sunday's game against Baltimore, but Scioscia notified the media of the change during his pregame talk. Guerrero was hit by a pitch in Saturday's 5-1 win, taking an offering from Orioles pitcher Cla Meredith in his leg during an at-bat in the sixth inning. Guerrero was able to finish the game without any signs of ..."

Guerrero's milestone blast a winner

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August 11

Orange County Register

"Vladimir Guerrero swung violently - as if he swings any other way - and sent the ball slicing high into right field, where it clanged off the yellow foul pole. He circled the bases, stepped on the plate, stuck his index finger in front of his mouth and pointed skyward. Seen that one before, Angels fans? A few seconds later, Guerrero acknowledged the crowd after his 400th career home run - a shot that also happened to be the winning blow in the Angels' 8-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays - with a furtive, shy curtain call. Lately, Guerrero has looked like his old self. Not old as in old, but old as in vintage. With Monday's two-homer game, Guerrero has gone deep four times and is batting ..."

Los Angeles Angels rising to the top again

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August 5

Chicago Tribune

"Vladimir Guerrero is back. And, to hear Ozzie Guillen tell it, not a moment too soon. "Great, great," Guillen said about Guerrero returning after almost four weeks on the disabled list. "They don't have [another] of those crazy speed guys who cause all the problems." Guerrero, the 2004 American League Most Valuable Player, is a career .322 hitter with 396 home runs. Yet the White Sox manager wasn't kidding when he said he was happy Guerrero picked U.S. Cellular Field for his return. That's how much respect he has for the resourcefulness of the Angels, who appear headed to the playoffs for the sixth time in eight years, even though they lost 5-4 to the White Sox on Tuesday night. He would ..."

Abreu is doing everything right in place of injured Guerrero

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July 24

L.A. Daily News

"Bobby Abreu's play in right field continues to make it obvious that the Vladimir Guerrero era is coming to an end. Abreu has given the Angels everything they could have wanted from a guy making $5million plus incentives for one season. The veteran entered Thursday's game against the Minnesota Twins with a .305 batting average, seven home runs and 63 RBIs. Not only that, but the 35-year-old had 20 steals and had been caught only fourtimes. "We hope he's here past this year," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. Guerrero also has a contract that expires after this year, a season that has been marred by injuries to a chest muscle and his right hamstring, as well as the upper calf. The Angels ..."

Time running short for Guerrero

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July 21

Orange County Register

"Most days, Vladimir Guerrero still wears a Superman T-shirt around the Angels clubhouse. But he clearly has been a fallen superhero this season, shorn of his former superpowers. Guerrero, on the disabled list since July 7 - his second DL stint this season - is still limited to resistance and weight training and riding a stationary bike. Before Monday's game at Kauffman Stadium was postponed by rain, Guerrero played catch for the first time since his injury. He is not likely to need that glove again this season. Manager Mike Scioscia said Guerrero will go back to being a full-time DH when he returns from his latest injury (strained muscle behind his left knee) rather than put him at risk ..."

Vlad in the field for first time in 2009

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July 5

MLB.com

"For the first time this season, Vladimir Guerrero was in the field on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. "We think he is ready, he has worked out," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He has been through some workouts this week and got clearance to play. "I think it is going to help us have more lineup options if he can go out there and play right field to ween him back into the lineup." Guerrero, who had solely been a designated hitter in 2009 before starting in right field on Sunday, began throwing from the outfield to bases a few days ago and has been shagging balls. However, Scioscia expects Guerrero to be a little stiff as he begins to play more. "We are going to slowly fold him ..."

Lack of outfield time frustrates Guerrero

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June 26

Orange County Register

"Vladimir Guerrero conceded after Wednesday night's Angels victory against the Colorado Rockies that not being able to play in the outfield affected him during his hitting slump. It's not the pectoral injury which landed him on the disabled list in April that was bothering him, however. Not being able to play in the outfield was the problem. The Angels open a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks tonight in Phoenix, and Guerrero is coming off a game in which he had an RBI double and his first home run since April 12. Guerrero was struggling at the plate. He knew it, as did everyone who watched him swing. But since he wasn't able to play in the outfield he wasn't able to channel ..."

Angels' Guerrero tests his arm

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June 18

Orange County Register

"The clock is ticking down on one of the most feared outfield throwers in baseball history, but Vladimir Guerrero isn't ready to retire his right arm yet. Three hours before Wednesday's game, Guerrero stood in right field at AT"

Vlad hopes return as DH is a smash

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May 25

MLB.com

"The Angels welcome back their big bopper, Vladimir Guerrero, for a homestand that brings the White Sox and Mariners to Angel Stadium for three games apiece. Guerrero, sidelined since April 15 with a pectoral muscle tear, will be in the designated-hitter role until he's ready to reclaim right field. There is no timetable for his return to full-service duty, but he has made no secret over the years of his preference for playing the total game. "Vlad's ready to swing the bat," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. "We've got him in a bubble-wrap today." The Angels are hoping Guerrero will bust out of his wrap with familiar gusto. He appeared in only eight games, ..."

Angels fortunes hinge on Vladimir Guerrero's return

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May 22

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero will begin a three-game minor league rehabilitation assignment with Class A Rancho Cucamonga tonight, and the Angels slugger is expected to be activated for Monday night's game against the Chicago White Sox in Anaheim. How Guerrero bounces back from the torn right chest muscle that has sidelined him since April 16 will go a long way toward determining the Angels' fortunes this season If Guerrero is anything close to the feared masher who hit at least .300 with 25 home runs or more for 11 consecutive seasons -- Lou Gehrig is the only other player to accomplish that feat -- the Angels could have enough firepower to contend for the pennant. If Guerrero suffers a physical ..."

Guerrero to begin rehab assignment Friday

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May 19

Los Angeles Times

"Ticket sales at Class-A Lake Elsinore could receive a nice boost this weekend. Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero, out since April 16 because of a torn right pectoral muscle, is expected to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment Friday for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, which begins a four-game series at Lake Elsinore that night. Guerrero, who will probably be activated next Monday, will probably have a big league carpool buddy on Friday. Kelvim Escobar, who joined the Angels in Seattle on Monday after a brief stint at the team's extended spring training camp in Arizona, will resume his rehab assignment for Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. Guerrero began taking batting practice Friday in Texas ..."

Injured Vlad runs bases

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April 29

MLB.com

"Injured Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero ran the bases at Camden Yards before Tuesday's game against the Orioles, an initial step toward resuming baseball activities within the week. "Probably he'll get into baseball activities when we return home [May 6]," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We're trying to keep his legs and his trunk where it needs to be. He's coming along well, just trying to get direction from Dr. [Lewis] Yocum as to how we're going to progress.""

Guerrero, still on DL, shows 'encouraging' signs

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April 29

Los Angeles Times

"There has been speculation that the torn chest muscle that sent Vladimir Guerrero to the disabled list April 18 will sideline him for much more than a month, with one Internet report claiming the injury can knock out NFL offensive linemen for entire seasons. "We're fortunate Vlad doesn't have to block 325-pound defensive linemen," General Manager Tony Reagins said, dismissing such speculation. "The reports on Vlad have been positive. He's gaining more strength and flexibility in the area. That's all encouraging." Guerrero, who injured the muscle on the left side of his chest, accompanied the Angels on the road and ran the bases and did agility drills before Tuesday's game. Manager Mike ..."

Vladimir Guerrero is out for at least a month

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April 18

Los Angeles Times

"An offense that was already struggling to score runs received a major body blow Friday when Vladimir Guerrero was diagnosed with a torn pectoral muscle, an injury that sent the Angels slugger to the disabled list and will sideline him for at least a month and probably longer. "Obviously, short of Vlad needing surgery, this is a big blow," Manager Mike Scioscia said. "We'll see how he progresses. Some of the windows we've been given [for how long he'll be out] are optimistic; some are longer. But we're going to be conservative. He'll be reevaluated in a month, and we'll see where he is." Guerrero, who suffered the injury while throwing from right field to third base in an April 2 exhibition ..."

Angels' Guerrero misses game against Mariners

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April 17

Los Angeles Times

"There was a considerable void in the lineup Thursday night. While the Angels played the Mariners, cleanup batter Vladimir Guerrero, diagnosed with a right pectoral strain, traveled to Southern California to be examined by a team physician. How long the slugger remains sidelined will be determined by the course of action Dr. Lewis Yocum recommends. Guerrero will either be given time to heal so he can return to right field -- an option that would probably require a trip to the disabled list -- or join the team in Minnesota this weekend as a designated hitter, the spot he played in the first eight games. "If it's something where it needs a little bit of time to bounce back, we'll consider ..."

Vladimir Guerrero is a year older than listed

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March 7

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero is a year older but not a year wiser. The Angels' slugger inadvertently revealed Friday that he is 34 years old, not 33, as listed in the team's media guide. The discrepancy was discovered by Yahoo! Sports columnist Tim Brown, who, as part of an interview for a story on Guerrero, asked the outfielder to respond to a quote from Manager Mike Scioscia. In a morning interview session with reporters, Scioscia said Guerrero's October surgery to clean out scar tissue and repair cartilage damage in his right knee could "point to a guy maybe turning back the clock a couple of years." Relayed that quote through an interpreter, Guerrero smiled and said, "I feel good. I can't say ..."

Vlad back on field for BP

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February 26

Orange County Register

"For the first time in a week, Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero is taking batting practice on the main field (in a group with Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter and Juan Rivera — with White Sox manager/chatterbox Ozzie Guillen watching). Guerrero has been doing most of his work off the main field as he follows a rehab program from his off-season knee surgery. “He’s in a controlled running program and actually, it’s really baby steps,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said this morning. ”He’s doing a lot of work in the swimming pool. doing some mobility or agility-type movements. “We have a lot of time with Vlad. We’re going to keep him involved wth baseball activities as much as we can — hitting in the ..."

Guerrero 'feeling good' again

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February 24

L.A. Daily News

"Vladimir Guerrero is making no predictions about whether he will be the Vladdy of old - or the old Vladdy he seemed to be for much of the first two months of last season. But the Angels slugger arrived in camp last week "feeling good" after offseason surgery to clean up some cartilage damage in his right knee. "Like I always say, I ask God to give me good health and I think this is the right step," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "I look forward to playing every day and performing every day. I don't want to predict numbers. But the fact that I'm healthy is important and a good feeling. "I'm looking forward to the season." Doctors had recommended surgery to relieve the discomfort in ..."

Angels' Guerrero healthy, optimistic

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February 18

Orange County Register

"Vladimir Guerrero is making no predictions about whether he will be the Vladdy of old or the old Vladdy he seemed to be early last season. But the Angels slugger arrived in camp Tuesday "feeling good" after offseason surgery to clean up some cartilage damage in his right knee. "I look forward to playing every day and performing every day," Guerrero said through an interpreter. "I don't want to predict numbers. But the fact that I'm healthy is important and a good feeling. I'm looking forward to the season." Doctors had recommended surgery to relieve the discomfort in Guerrero's right knee on more than one occasion before last year. But it wasn't until the end of the 2008 season that ..."

Angels table contract talks with Vladimir Guerrero

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November 8

Los Angeles Times

"The Angels have tabled contract negotiations with Vladimir Guerrero, raising the possibility that the star outfielder could leave the team as a free agent next fall. The Angels exercised their $15-million option last week but opted not to revive discussions about a long-term extension. General Manager Tony Reagins said the Angels based the decision on the results of preliminary negotiations held last winter. "I think both sides have to be in a comfortable range as far as what an extension may or may not entail," Reagins said. "We're a ways away." It is uncertain whether Guerrero will consider an extension next fall without testing free agency. Diego Bentz, the agent for Guerrero, did not ..."

Angels' Guerrero, Matthews have surgery

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October 29

Orange County Register

"Two years after resisting suggestions that he have surgery on his troublesome knees, Vladimir Guerrero submitted to a minor procedure to repair the medial meniscus in his left knee earlier this month. In addition, outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. had surgery Tuesday to repair a tear in the patella tendon of his left knee and catcher Mike Napoli is scheduled to have minor surgery on his right shoulder Friday. Guerrero and Napoli are expected to recover in time to participate in spring training with no limitations. Matthews' recovery, meanwhile, is expected to take four to six months, according to GM Tony Reagins, and extend into March and possibly April. He is not likely to be ready to play ..."

Justin Masterson pulls fast one on Vlad

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October 7

Boston Herald

"There’s reaching back for a little extra and then there’s what Justin Masterson pulled out of his back pocket Sunday night against Vladimir Guerrero. Pitching in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Division Series with the go-ahead run on base, Masterson blew away the Angels slugger with a 96-mph, four-seam fastball that looked like something closer Jonathan Papelbon would throw. “It was cool,” Masterson said yesterday with a laugh. “I’ll say a gift from God came down on my arm.” The pitch to Guerrero was stunning for a number of reasons. For one, Masterson spent most of the season topping out at 92 or 93 mph. For another, it was a four-seamer and not the trademark two-seamer he throws with ..."

Vladimir Guerrero faces off-season decision on knee

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September 23

Los Angeles Times

"Manager Mike Scioscia said Vladimir Guerrero's irritated right knee, which sidelined the right fielder for six games last week, is "significantly better than it was a couple weeks ago." But even if the slugger is close to 100% for the playoffs next week, there is a chance he will undergo surgery on the troublesome knee after the season. Guerrero has had knee problems for three years -- he has averaged 141 at-bats as a designated hitter the last three seasons -- but chose rest and rehabilitation over surgery the last two winters. In late August, after Guerrero hit .319 with six home runs and 21 runs batted in in 16 games, he said his knee felt better than it had in years. But he aggravated ..."

Mariner killer Guerrero leads Angels to win

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August 13

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"It's a lesson the Mariners should know better than anyone: You never, ever give Vladimir Guerrero an extra chance to beat you. But Tuesday night at Angel Stadium, the Mariners did, and he made them pay as Los Angeles opened a two-game series with a 7-3 victory. Guerrero, the ultimate Mariner killer with a .364 career average against Seattle, hit a ball deep to right-center in the first inning with a man on base. But Ichiro Suzuki made a running catch at the wall, averting disaster. In Guerrero's next at-bat in the third inning, he came up with two men on and his team trailing 3-0. He fouled a ball back to the screen but catcher Jeff Clement dropped it, extending the at-bat. Every Mariners ..."

Will Angels grant Vladimir Guerrero a stay?

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August 10

Los Angeles Times

"In one corner of the Angels' clubhouse, Francisco Rodriguez all but counts down the days to free agency. In the opposite corner, so does Mark Teixeira. In the middle of the clubhouse, the best player on the team sits on a shelf inside his locker so you can sit on his chair. As Vladimir Guerrero talks, softly, he wants to make his position perfectly clear. He has no desire to test the market, to solicit bids from far and wide, to count down the days until he can become a free agent. He wants to sign a contract extension and finish his career with the Angels. "That's something I'd like," Guerrero said through translator Jose Mota, "to stay here and not have to move again. "I'm a human ..."

Angels' Guerrero is no longer an old story this month

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June 21

L.A. Daily News

"Bamm- Bamm is back. "Vladdy - at the end of the season, his numbers are going to be there," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said of teammate Vladimir Guerrero. "It's too early to say he's not the same, getting older, he's hurt or something. It's early. At the end of the year, Vladdy's numbers are going to be there. You see him at the plate now, he's ready to hit. He's like Bamm-Bamm on 'The Flintstones.'" For the first two months of the season, though, Guerrero's numbers were mere pebbles. He hit just .219 in May and ended the month with a .246 average - easily the worst two-month start of his career and enough to prompt the kind of speculation Hunter dismissed."

Vladimir Guerrero gets another day off for Angels

May 29

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero has shown signs of coming out of his season-long funk, hitting three home runs last week and going three for six Monday night. But Manager Mike Scioscia saw enough of a regression Tuesday -- a first-inning strikeout on an outside ball in the dirt and a strikeout looking at a full-count slider with two on to end the sixth -- that he gave Guerrero his second game off in four days Wednesday."

Guerrero beats up Blue Jays

May 22

Toronto Star

"While the Blue Jay offence suffered through another excruciating time at the plate last night, Vladimir Guerrero demonstrated, once again, that he doesn't really need a plate at all. With a pair of long, early homers off Shaun Marcum, the soft-spoken Guerrero accounted for all the L.A. scoring in another Blue Jay setback, this one 4-3."

Guerrero powers Angels to victory

May 22

L.A. Daily News

"The power is back on. Vladimir Guerrero hit two home runs and drove in all the Angels' runs Wednesday night as they held on for a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels had just four hits, but Guerrero's 34th career multi- home run game ac- counted for half of them as they won back-to-back games in Toronto for the first time since a three- game sweep July9-11, 2004."

Angels' Guerrero getting back in the swing of it

May 7

Los Angeles Times

"Vladimir Guerrero showed signs of breaking out of a 10-day slump in which his average fell 39 points, doubling and tripling in Tuesday's win over the Royals. "I think No. 27 might be finding his way back," reliever Scot Shields said. Since collecting his 2,000th hit in Detroit on April 26, Guerrero had managed just four singles in 26 at-bats -- a .154 average -- before he tripled off the center-field wall in the first inning Tuesday. Guerrero later doubled, walked and scored two runs. He also lost a hit and a run batted in when second baseman Mark Grudzielanek speared his line drive up the middle in the eighth."

Guerrero sits for one day

April 18

Los Angeles Times

"It's rare for Vladimir Guerrero to come out of the lineup; he has been on the disabled list only twice since the start of the 1998 season and sat out only two games last April after being hit on the left wrist by Josh Beckett's 96-mph fastball. So, for the slugger to agree he needed Thursday night off, his swollen right index finger had to be hurting. But Guerrero said the injury, suffered on Wednesday's fifth-inning groundout, would sideline him for only one game and is nothing to be concerned about."

Angels' Guerrero gets the shift from Rangers

April 15

L.A. Daily News

"Well, they had to try something. During his first three seasons in the American League, Vladimir Guerrero hit the Texas Rangers as if they'd said something bad about his family. He hit safely in 44 consecutive games against the Rangers at one point, the longest streak by any player against one team in the past 50 years."

Angels' Guerrero sees shift in fortunes against Texas

April 7

Los Angeles Times

"But early last season Texas Manager Ron Washington went to a shift against him, putting three infielders on the left side, and Guerrero -- who went hitless Sunday -- has batted a more mortal .294 without a homer in his last 18 games against the Rangers."

Angels' Guerrero still not sold on DH role

March 24

Los Angeles Times

"When he arrived for spring training, Vladimir Guerrero was not thrilled with being shuttled between right field and designated hitter, part of Manager Mike Scioscia's plan to keep Guerrero, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr. in the lineup."

Angels' Guerrero still doesn't like DH rotation

March 24

L.A. Daily News

"With Opening Day just a week away, the idea of spending more of his summer as a designated hitter still holds no appeal to Vladimir Guerrero. "I don't feel I should address that," the Angels slugger said Sunday when the topic was once again broached through an interpreter."

Guerrero just says no to DH idea

February 20

Los Angeles Times

"A question about spending more time at designated hitter hadn't even been interpreted to English when slugger Vladimir Guerrero began shaking his head firmly. "No, no DH," Guerrero said Tuesday, before switching to Spanish."