Guillen Out Three Months?

[ThomasTomasz]

VIERA, Fla. (AP) -- Washington Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen has a wrist injury that could require surgery and sideline him for three months.

Guillen was examined early Friday by a hand specialist, who diagnosed swollen tendons and a damaged tendon in the left wrist. Guillen told the team he thought he hurt the wrist during weight training.

The doctor recommended surgery to repair the damaged tendon, which would likely keep Guillen out of the lineup until June. The Nationals said they would seek a second opinion later Friday.

Guillen was already questionable for opening day because of shoulder surgery in November, although manager Frank Robinson had been pleased with Guillen's progress during the first week of spring training.

Guillen was hoping to return strong after fading in the second half of last season because of his ailing shoulder, which he hurt during a headfirst slide in June. He batted .283 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs.

Guillen's injury is the second significant blow for the Nationals in less than two weeks of spring training. Brian Lawrence, acquired in a trade with San Diego and projected as the No. 3 starter, is out for most -- if not all -- of the season after shoulder surgery on a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff.

Guillen's absence would leave another hole in the outfield. The Nationals were hoping Alfonso Soriano, acquired in a trade with Texas, would be willing to switch from second base to left field. Now, Soriano may be an option for right field. He returns from the World Baseball Classic later this month.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

[ThomasTomasz]

More bad news for the Nats. First Lawrence out for half the season with a shoulder injury. Then, Alfonso Soriano still reluctant to move to the OF. Now, Jose Guillen gone for three months, perhaps. Guillen's loss really puts the Nats in a bind. They now have two holes in the OF, a power shortage in the lineup, and right-field defense. The course of action is limited right now. Darryl Ward probably receives a bulk of the time in ST, and it is possible the Nats will decide to offer a guarenteed spot to Sammy Sosa. Interesting time in Washington's training camp.

[DirtyKash]

This is excellent news. The Nationals are going to have a horrible season and it's going to be great.

[love_that_reefer]

Thomas? Are you in the Daryl Ward fan club or something?

[ThomasTomasz]

Thomas? Are you in the Daryl Ward fan club or something?

No, but right now, he is atop the depth chart for the Nationals in Right Field, providing they don't sign/trade for anyone, or have a minor leaguer have a steller ST. I'm not impressed with Ward, and he isn't an everyday starter in this league, but right now, its the best they have.

[love_that_reefer]

Michael Tucker is atop the depth chart. I think even Robert Fick is higher than Ward as a RF solution because they have played more. Ward is an overweight first baseman. The solution looks to be trading Soriano. He has told the team that they have three weeks to fix the situation. Too bad the Red Sox and Cubs don't have any OFers to offer.

[ThomasTomasz]

Michael Tucker is atop the depth chart. I think even Robert Fick is higher than Ward as a RF solution because they have played more. Ward is an overweight first baseman. The solution looks to be trading Soriano. He has told the team that they have three weeks to fix the situation. Too bad the Red Sox and Cubs don't have any OFers to offer.

Last year, Michael Tucker had a worse year at the plate than Darryl Ward did. Granted, defense is important for the Nats, but if they were willing to sign Sammy Sosa, it can't be the deciding factor. Thats why I'm going with Darryl Ward right now.

Also, on the local news station here, the broadcaster, George Michael, did a segment on Robert Fick, and that he is being considered as a backup catcher, probably not as an OF.

[McKain]

Michael Tucker is ahead of Ward in the OF depth charts.

I'm pretty sure Ward is like, 10th in the depth chart for RF, honestly.

Soriano for a middling OF or 2 would be nice but Soriano's stock is down so that won't happen. Shame.

[love_that_reefer]

What about those Mets? Mets are trying to get rid of Matsui at second and they also have Xavier Nady sitting on the bench.

[Providence A's]

looks like Guillen won't need surgery...