Once one of the most formidable hitters in the majors, "the Impaler" hopes to slug his way back into the bigs with the independent minor league Ducks of the Atlantic League.
"Vladimir Guerrero is a Hall of Fame talent that has produced tremendous numbers at the highest level of the game," Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff said Thursday night. "He has a real desire to return to the major leagues and we thought the Atlantic League was the best place for him to begin that journey. We're happy to give him that opportunity."
Roger Clemens pitched against the Ducks with the Sugar Land Skeeters in a highly publicized attempt to revive his career last summer.
The 38-year-old Guerrero -- the 2004 MVP and a nine-time All-Star, including as recently as 2010 with the Rangers -- last played in the majors in 2011 with the Orioles, hitting .290 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs. Guerrero was open to a minor-league deal in his comeback attempt but was unable to land one.
Pfaff said he reached out to Guerrero's representatives last week and the contract was finalized Thursday night.
"He brings run production, he brings leadership and he brings a bat that opposing pitchers have to fear and plan to pitch around," Pfaff said. "With a Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup, it gives some of our others hitters like a Ray Navarrete some better pitches to see."
Central Islip may be a long way from the Dominican Republic where Guerrero currently resides but it is a lot closer road back to the majors. Pfaff hopes to have him join the team next week.
The Ducks, who won the Atlantic League championship last season, open the season against Sugar Land on April 18 and the home opener on April 26.
"He's very excited about the opportunity," Pfaff said of Guerrero, a .318 hitter during his 16-year career. "He's very appreciative. He's looking forward to coming here and helping us win a championship if he doesn't get signed before that."
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