One of three prospects acquired from Houston in the Randy Johnson deal of July 1998, Guillen was hindered by knee problems in his first two seasons with the Mariners. When healthy, the Venezuelan switch-hitter was forced to man unfamiliar territory at second and third with perennial All-Star Alex Rodriguez ensconced at short. But A-Rod moved to Texas after the 2000 season, allowing Guillen to move back to his natural position and turn in a solid campaign in his first injury-free season with the club.
The highlight of Guillen's young career came in Game Three of the 2000 ALDS, when he laid down a perfect bunt in the bottom of the ninth inning to score Rickey Henderson and complete the Mariners' sweep of the White Sox. Nobody noticed that Guillen's front foot was on home plate at the time, an infraction that should have resulted in an automatic out. (JGR)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»July 31, 1998:
After the talks indicate the Yankees or Cleveland, the Mariners trade flame thrower Randy Johnson to the Astros in exchange for IF Carlos Guillen, P Freddy Garcia and a player to be named.
»April 10, 1999:
During a rundown play, Seattle rookie IF Carlos Guillen tears a ligament in his right knee in the Mariners 11–4 loss to Oakland. He will require surgery and be out for the season.
»October 6, 2000: The Mariners defeat the White Sox, 2-1, to give them a sweep of their 3-game division series. Pinch-hitter Carlos Guillen's bunt single brings home Rickey Henderson with the winning run in the bottom half of the 9th inning.
»September 28, 2001:
In the Mariners' 5–3 win over the A's, Ichiro Suzuki has infield hits in his first two at bats to tie Shoeless Joe Jackson's rookie hits record of 233. Before the game, Mariners starting SS Carlos Guillen is hospitalized after being diagnosed with pulminary tuberculosis. He'll make it back for the ALCS.
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