Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
GREGG BELL
Associated Press
SEATTLE - The Seattle Mariners and free agent outfielder Jose Guillen were closing in on a $5.5 million, one-year contract Saturday.
A person familiar with the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, said the agreement was expected to be finalized after Guillen completes a physical with the team Monday.
The deal includes the potential for Guillen to earn up to $3 million in performance bonuses.
Mariner general manager Bill Bavasi did not immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old Guillen hit .216 last season for the Washington Nationals, with nine home runs and 40 RBIs, before an injury to the right elbow - and surgery - ended his year at 69 games.
Guillen, a career .272 hitter with 143 home runs, has played for four teams in the past four years: the Nationals the past two seasons, the Anaheim Angels in 2004 and the Oakland Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds in 2003. He also has played for Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and Arizona.
The expected agreement was first reported by ESPNDeportes.com.