Vladimir Guerrero News: Pro Sports Daily

Rangers could clean up with Vlad Guerrero hitting second

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March 14

Dallas Morning News

"The Texas Rangers couldn't be certain what they were getting when they signed Vladimir Guerrero this winter. At 35, with mileage on those knees and wear and tear on those amazing gloveless hitting hands, Guerrero represented all kinds of possibilities. But I don't think "better No. 2 hitter than Michael Young" was something the Rangers really had in mind. Guerrero batted cleanup Saturday in a 5-0 win against the Cleveland Indians just as he had done Friday against San Diego. Manager Ron Washington plans to have him right there in the No. 4 spot, behind Josh Hamilton and in front of Ian Kinsler, when the regular season begins April 5. And why not? With the Rangers using him primarily as ..."

Back in blue: Ranger Vlad faces his former team

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March 9

Orange County Register

"If there are any deep resentments or thoughts of revenge festering in Vladimir Guerrero's mind this spring, he is keeping them as well hidden as everything else behind his wide smile. "No, nada," Guerrero said when asked before facing the Angels for the first time Monday if there was any resentment about their decision not to re-sign him following the 2009 season. "There are no hard feelings at all," he said through an interpreter. "I had good years there. I just hope God keeps me healthy and lets me have a good year with the Rangers." Guerrero clearly did more than hope and pray this winter while waiting for a contract offer from the Angels that never came. The 35-year-old Guerrero ..."

No extra motivation needed for Rangers' DH Vladimir Guerrero

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March 9

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The story goes like this:Vladimir Guerrero, cast off as an injury risk by the Montreal Expos, signs a lucrative deal with the then-Anaheim Angels.He then proceeds to win the MVP in his first season in the American League -- and thinks it might be nice to invite some Expos executives to the MVP news conference.Whether the story is true, whether revenge was on his mind, Guerrero was motivated by something in 2004 as he hit .337 with 39 homers and 126 RBI.Maybe it was proving the Expos wrong. More likely, though, it was Guerrero proving something to himself.That appears to be what is motivating Guerrero this year, his first with the Texas Rangers after the Angels decided not to re-sign him ..."

Known Ranger: Vladimir Guerrero stands out in camp

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February 25

Dallas Morning News

"Players have been relocating from their off-season homes to the Surprise Recreation Campus for nearly two weeks. The Rangers' clubhouse has become more and more crowded each day, and now is at capacity after position players joined pitchers and catchers for the first full-squad workout of spring training. Fifty-seven players and, as the Rangers have discovered, one giant presence. Vladimir Guerrero was in the clubhouse and on the field Wednesday, and it didn't take any kind of announcement for fans, teammates and coaches to know he was there. At 6-3 and 235 pounds, he is one big dude. But Guerrero also brings a larger-than-life aura, even though the former MVP goes about his business ..."

Texas Rangers roll out welcome mat for Vlad Guerrero

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February 24

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Welcome to Texas Rangers spring training, Vlad Guerrero.Can I just say how glad we are to have you?Mr. Ranger Killer arrived on Tuesday tohis gear and inadvertently stopped clubhouse traffic, established players leaning in for a quick man hug and young players literally gawking.Rangers youngster Neftali Feliz had initially walked past Vlad, slightly incognito at David Murphy's locker, when he realized who he had just passed. His jaw dropped, a smile flashed and finally he uttered what I have to imagine was Spanish for "wow."I admit to having a little of this, too. I have built Vlad up in my mind over the years. He became Superman-ish, almost invincible. He certainly looked that way against ..."

Guerrero may be Rangers' missing piece

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January 12

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Having watched him cuff the ears of so many Rangers teams and launch so many balls, 14 in 50 games to be precise, out of the Ballpark, people might have called him the scourge of Texas once upon a not very distant time. But Monday, Michael Young called Vladimir Guerrero the "final piece of the puzzle."Maybe he is, the final major piece anyway. And if indeed the Rangers' All-Star third baseman is right and all the pieces are in place, is the emerging image here that of a contender, a formidable team capable of winning the American League West?"Without a doubt," said Ron Washington, and his smile couldn't have been broader if he had just gotten a great deal on his auto insurance. And so it ..."

Guerrero gives Rangers swing fever

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January 12

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The Texas Rangers hope the signing of slugger Vladimir Guerrero has the kind of trickle-down effect that leads to a championship."He just made me as a manager look better," Ron Washington said. "He just made the Texas Rangers as a team look better. I think he made every one of the players in that lineup that go to war with him every night look better."The Rangers introduced Guerrero during a news conference Monday after he signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2011 worth $9 million. He can make an additional $900,000 in 2010 in bonuses for days on the active roster. There is a $1 million buyout if the option for 2011 is not picked up.Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, ..."

Guerrero undergoing physical in Texas

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January 11

MLB.com

"Vladimir Guerrero is in Texas today to have his physical. If all goes as expected, the Rangers are planning to officially announce his signing at a news conference later this afternoon. The Rangers reached an agreement with Guerrero on a one-year contract with a mutual option over the weekend. He will be their primary designated hitter but the deal is pending the physical. The Rangers also agreed to a one-year deal with free agent shortstop Khalil Greene to be their utility infielder. That deal is also pending a physical, which is expected to take place later this week. Guerrero, who turns 35 in February, played in 100 games for the Angels in 2009 and hit .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs ..."

Vladimir Guerrero stays in the AL West

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January 10

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"It didn't bother Seattle when the Angels let outfielder-DH Vladimir Guerrero leave in free agency in November - Guerrero had long been one of the bigger Mariners killers in the game. Still, it's not good news that Guerrero signed a contract to play for the Texas Rangers next year and possibly beyond. For one thing, if the Mariners want to win the American League West they have to leap-frog the Angels and Rangers. In 98 career games against Seattle, Vlad batted .352 with 28 home runs and 84 RBI. That's serious damage. Now, imagine Guerrero - even a fading Guerrero - hitting 81 games a year in the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. A hitter's dream, that stadium, and Vlad has played 50 games ..."

Vladimir Guerrero signs 1-year deal with Texas Rangers

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January 10

Dallas Morning News

"Five years ago, coming off their best season in five years and with limited money available to improve their club, the Rangers invested $5 million in a right-handed hitting outfielder-DH for the middle of the lineup. On Saturday, in an identical situation, they did it again with one significant difference: Vladimir Guerrero is not Richard Hidalgo. According to two baseball sources, the Rangers agreed to a one-year deal Saturday with Guerrero worth $5 million guaranteed. Performance bonuses could drive the value of the deal higher. The deal also includes an option for 2011. Rangers GM Jon Daniels did not respond to requests for confirmation. About Guerrero, let's be clear: He's not the same ..."

Texas Rangers haven't offered $7 million deal to Guerrero

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January 8

Dallas Morning News

"A club source denied a report that the Rangers have offered free agent Vladimir Guerrero a $7 million contract and said there has been no movement on Guerrero in several weeks. ESPN Deportes reported that the Rangers have offered Guerrero a one-year deal worth $7 million. "No comment," general manager Jon Daniels said in an e-mail. The Rangers had between $3 and $5 million to offer Guerrero before and that has not changed, the source said. Guerrero had been searching for a multi-year deal, but there have been none tendered. That may force his agents to reconsider the market and start looking more seriously at one-year deals. Guerrero, who has made a career out of destroying Texas ..."

Rangers' pursuit of a power bat could lead to Vlad Guerrero

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January 7

Yahoo! Sports

"According to a report on the Rangers' website, the team is interested in free agent OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero and is talking to his representatives. The holdup could be Guerrero's asking price, as the Rangers don't have much money to spend. However, given the lack of interest in Guerrero from other teams, the Rangers might have some bargaining power."

Rangers may still go after Dye, Guerrero

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December 15

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers still could pursue a free agent such as Jermaine Dye or Vladimir Guerrero even if they complete their trade for Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, according to major-league sources. The chances of a Lowell deal occurring are "better than 50-50, but not a lock," one source said. The Red Sox, who initially were to pay $9 million of Lowell's $12 million salary, could assume an even greater financial burden due to the Rangers' concerns over Lowell's right thumb, another source said. Lowell might require surgery. If the Rangers signed Lowell, they likely would play him at first base while also using him some at third -- when Michael Young needs a day off -- and as a DH. Dye played ..."

Source: Angels want Matsui to DH

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December 14

ESPN.com

columnist Jayson Stark

"The Los Angeles Angels are in serious discussions with Hideki Matsui about supplanting Vladimir Guerrero as their designated hitter, a source familiar with the team's thinking told ESPN.com. A league source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that the Angels and Matsui were closing in on a one-year deal for about $6.5 million. The 35-year-old Matsui had hoped to return to the Yankees after a season in which he hit 28 home runs and eventually became the World Series MVP. However, the Yankees appear to be prioritizing left field and starting pitching, leaving Matsui as a Plan C option. So the talks with the Angels indicate he wasn't prepared to wait any longer for the Yankees to determine ..."

Angels focused on own free agents

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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 ..."