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LAKELAND, Fla. -- Carlos Guillen likes playing in the field, but at age 34 and with a string of injuries behind him, that doesn't seem to be in the Tiger veteran's future.He came up as a shortstop, but he hasn't played there since 2007. He's moved to third base, to first base and, for the last two seasons, into left field.
The word now from Detroit manager Jim Leyland is that Guillen probably fits in as the designated hitter in 2010.
And Guillen seems to be OK with that. Asked Monday if he preferred being in the field, he had a ready comeback.
"I'd rather be in the lineup," he told FanHouse. "I want to be in the game. So if I have to DH, it'll be all right."
That's a change from last October, when Guillen told MLB.com that he was tired of bouncing between positions and DH. He said he wanted an everyday position, and at the time, the Tigers said left field was his.
But ...
The Tigers are in flux with the arrival of Johnny Damon, who is now the team's left fielder. Damon has played the outfield his entire career while Guillen is still learning the spot. Once Damon came aboard, it wasn't a hard choice. Even Guillen sees that.
Leyland had a talk with Guillen when the three-time All-Star reported to camp about a week ago, telling him that the way the Tigers' positions map out with all of spring training in front of them, Guillen should be prepare for the DH role. At the same time, the manager made sure Guillen knew that he was important to the club and that he'd get lots of at-bats.
"I'll take balls in left field mostly in the spring," Guillen said. "I have to be ready, just in case. But if DH is what keeps me in the game, it's OK with me."
There is no apparent bitterness in Guillen, who is one of the game's good guys. His locker in the Tigertown clubhouse is next to Damon's and Guillen breaks into a big smile when Damon's name is mentioned.
"I'm glad Johnny's here," he said. "He brings real energy to this team, something we need. He can hit for power. He can steal bases. He makes us better."
It's not like Guillen doesn't have experience as the DH. He was relegated to almost nothing but for four weeks after coming off the disabled list last year, although he was able to move into left field for the stretch run.
"The shoulder is good," he said. "Being the DH, that could be good too."
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