Guillen wants to come back

[GiveHyzduashot]

An argument could made made that Jose Guillen should be the Reds' representative on the All-Star team. Guillen, a former Pirates right fielder, had 15 home runs, 41 RBIs and was batting .348 before last night's game. He went from Class A to being the Pirates' everyday right fielder in 1997, but then-GM Cam Bonifay traded him to Tampa Bay for C Humberto Cota in '99. He also had stints with Arizona and Colorado. "I'm finally getting a chance to play," said Guillen, who signed a minor-league contract with the Reds. "I'm a different person than I was when I was 19 here. I'm more experienced, stronger. I prepare myself better." Guillen appreciates the new life the Reds gave him, but he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and said he wouldn't mind returning to Pittsburgh. "This will be one of my first choices. This has always been a special place for me," Guillen said. "If Mr. [Kevin] McClatchy wants me back, I'd be so happy to do so. It's up to him."

[GiveHyzduashot]

Another quote relating to the topic ...

"I always get real focused when I come into Pittsburgh because this is the team that traded me when I didn't want to leave," Guillen said. "I'd love to still be here. I'm a free agent at the end of the year and I'd love to be a Pirate again."

[BPBlueSox]

Interesting...

[GiveHyzduashot]

I'd bring him back without thinking twice. He's still only 27 years old.

[3-2 Changeup]

Maybe. One season doesn't make a career though. Doesn't he play against LHP mostly? Look at the production we're getting from the Stairs/Sanders platoon for $2M. Not too shabby although admittedly a stop-gap measure. I'd rather see JJ Davis in RF. Maybe Davis and Guillen platoon?

[Rick]

Davis and Guillen are both RHH so I don't see a platoon situation there. I wouldn't mind seeing them sign Guillen though. He is still only 27 and Davis is no sure thing. If anything it would give the Bucs more depth. If Davis does develop either he or Guillen would have some trade value.