Carlos Guillen Retires

Today, Carlos Guillen retired from the game of Baseball to conclude a fourteen year career. Guillen was a non-roster invitee in Mariner’s camp this spring, but was yet to participate in any spring training games or inter-squad games due to leg problems.

Guillen broke into the major leagues with Seattle in 1998 but lived in the shadows of Alex Rodriguez until he got a chance to start at shortstop in 2001. Before the 2004 season, Guillen left for Detroit, where he spent his remaining eight seasons.

As a Tiger, Carlos enjoyed his finest seasons. He hit over .300 in three straight seasons and had his best year in 2007 when he hit 21 homeruns and drove in 102 runs. He was an all star in 2004, 2007 and 2008, but injuries plagued the final three years of his career.

Carlos signed a minor league contract with Seattle this offseason, and Mariner’s fans hoped he would bring some experience and leadership to the clubhouse. However, his legs would not let him play, and he announced his retired this morning.

Although his finest years did not come in a Mariner uniform, Carlos Guillen was the center of one of the greatest moments in Mariner history. In game three of the 2000 ALDS, Guillen put a drag bunt past the Chicago White Sox first baseman to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth to complete their three game sweep and advance to the ALCS.

Guillen retires at the age of 36 with 14 years of major league experience, 124 homeruns, and a .285 career batting average.