Just days after signing a large contract with the Kansas City Royals,
OF Jose Guillen was suspended
for the first 15 games of the 2008 season for violating MLB's substance
abuse policy. The suspension is only 15 days, rather than 50, because
the violation occurred while the old policy was in effect.
Guillen
barely deserved a roster spot in full leagues, and merited only some
consideration as a fourth OF in AL-only leagues. Despite hitting in
the middle of the order, Guillen won't have many RBI opportunities
until or if the Royals' young hitters develop, and his suspension makes
him a wasted roster spot for the first 15 games.
Last year, Guillen hit .290 with 23 HR and 99 RBI in 153 games, typically hitting 3rd or 4th in the Seattle lineup. However, Guillen will not have Ichiro Suzuki to get on base in front of him. The Royals did not have a single significant player with an OBP above .353, and with the Royals reportedly shopping OF David DeJesus around, who was one of only two starting position players with an OBP greater than .350, Guillen could find himself batting often with the bases empty.