Royals Trade Jose Guillen to San Francisco Giants

The Kansas City Royals finally traded Jose Guillen on Friday. After months of speculation, the Royals traded Guillen to San Francisco, where he is expected to go right into the starting lineup for the Giants. San Francisco has been looking for someone to add in order to bolster their offense, and apparently felt that Guillen might be the only real option available to them at the price they were willing to pay.

In exchange for Guillen, the Giants only have to give up a player to be named later and cash considerations. It seems that the Royals were just willing to get out from under Guillen's contract, and that they weren't looking to get much in return. That made it the perfect deal for the San Francisco Giants at this time.

Don't get too excited Giants fans, as Guillen has mostly been relegated to the role of designated hitter for Kansas City. He does have the talent to provide some power in the lineup, though, and that is what the Giants must want. Through Thursday's games, Guillen was hitting .255 on the season, with 16 home runs and 62 RBI. He can play first base or a corner outfield position for the Giants, and will definitely be an improvement to their current lineup.

Maybe the change of scenery will also help to give Guillen a new outlook, especially with the chance at making it into the 2010 National League Playoffs. As for Guillen's salary, he is finishing up a $12 million contract during the 2010 season, and by trading him, the Royals save the remaining money he is owed.

Through Friday morning, the San Francisco Giants are two and a half games behind the San Diego Padres in the National League West. They also lead the National League Wild Card race by one game over the Philadelphia Phillies, and one and a half games over the Cincinnati Reds. It goes without saying that they are right in the middle of a playoff race, and the Giants brass felt they needed to do something to shore up the offense.

The pitching and defense are what have been carrying the Giants for most of the year, and they have been very lucky that Aubrey Huff is having a resurgent year for them. Huff leads the team in average, runs, RBI, and home runs, so it speaks volumes to how the team struggles on offense at times. Adding Guillen could take the pressure off of Huff, and could make these Giants a bit more exciting to watch.

References:

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