Vladimir Guerrero Situation Getting Interesting

We have been waiting for Vladimir Guerrero to sign with the Orioles for some time now, as he was rumored to have been offered between $4.5 million and $5.5 million. Now Vlad is saying he has a deal on the table for $8 million, but won't say who it is, but we know it is not from the Orioles. So who could it be?

It is really a short list (Blue Jays, Angels, and Rangers), and I just don't see any of those teams offering that kind of money. My guess is that this is complete bullshit. We have heard all along that Vlad has been looking for a 2 year deal, and it is not pleased at all with the offers he has been getting. My guess is that he caves in the next week or so and signs a 1 year deal with the Orioles for about $5 million.

Vladimir Guerrero Is A Ranger

The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladimir Guerrero on a one-year deal with a mutual option for a second year, according to sources.

Guerrero is guaranteed $6 million in the deal, which is pending a physical. It includes $5 million plus performance incentives for 2010 and a $1 million buyout if the Rangers don't pick up the option, a source said. ESPN

This is a perfect spot for Vladdy Daddy to go, now that he can only be a DH. Balls fly out of Arlington at an alarming rate and he will have a great year in a Rangers uniform. The Rangers basically have a very safe contract with Vlad if he happens to fail, but I just don't see that happening. The Rangers have always had a potent offense, but their pitching staff has relatively sucked, however, they made great strides to at least have decent pitching. They have Scott Feldman (who I believe had a fluke year, but who knows), and young arms like Neftali Perez, and Tommy Hunter coming up, and if Rich Harden stays healthy, they could totally compete with the Mariners for the west championship this year.

Rangers Offer Vlad 1 Year Deal

"According to the Star-Telegram the Rangers have said, "$7 million? $7 million?! We didn't offer no stinking $7 million!" Or something to that effect.

Yesterday we noted that all indications are that the Rangers are targeting Vladimir Guerrero over Jermaine Dye in their designated hitter search. But a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that Texas isn't likely to surpass the one-year, $5 million deal that Bobby Abreu signed with the Los Angeles Angels last season (ESPN)."

To be honest, I don't see Vlad getting a better offer then this. He can't play the field anymore, and is having problems driving the ball with all the back problems he has had. Texas would be a great place for him to revive his career, but I am not sure if Vlad is ready to admit that he is near the end of his great career.

Vlad To Rangers Rumors Heating Up

"FoxSports.com reported late Thursday that the Texas Rangers have interest in free agent OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero, who has spent the last five years with the rival Angels. The Rangers have no solid incumbent at DH, but their ownership issue may force them to stick to short-term deals. The fit would depend on what Guerrero may be offered from other clubs, but at this stage of his career, the belief is that he'll need to DH most of the time, if not exclusively (ESPN)."

Texas should worry about pitching, but they do have some good young ones coming up. I still think they would be smart to try to sign Lackey, but adding Vlad won't hurt. They need a DH, and Vlad still has some pop in his bat. Put him in that lineup and he actually becomes an interesting fantasy players again. Vlad would also give a solid replacement if/when Hamilton goes down.

Vlad Injury Might Be Real Serious

"How long will a torn chest muscle keep Vladimir Guerrero out of action? The Angels have said a month, but rumors are whirling that it could be much, much longer. "One Internet report (claims) the injury can knock out NFL offensive linemen for entire seasons" writes the LA Times beat writer Mike DiGiovanna (ESPN)."

The Angels are sticking with the story that he will be back in about a month, but I am not sure even if he does come back that the wild swinging Vlad will be any good. This injury is much more serious then they are reporting, and if really could take all the power out of his swing. Vlad is not a guy who is patient, and an injury like this could really take all the value of having him in your lineup up away. The Angels do not have really any option then trying to get him healthy ASAP, as the offense does not look too good without him on it. To make matters worse, Mike Scioscia has some serious problem with playing young hitters. He has given power hitting Brandon Wood little to no playing time (yes he is on my fantasy team), and if that continues I could see this being a very long season for the Angels.