SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with free agent shortstop Rich Aurilia Thursday, then traded Carlos Guillen to the Detroit Tigers for Ramon Santiago and minor league shortstop Juan Gonzalez.

 

 

Aurilia's contract is believed to be a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.

 

 

Aurilia, 32, has spent 10 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, hitting .277 last season despite a problem with the tear duct in his left eye that made it difficult to wear contact lenses.

 

 

He has a career hitting average of .278 and a career fielding average of .972. After his "dry eye" problem was corrected near midseason, Aurilia hit .312 in the second half.

 

 

The addition of Aurilia gives Seattle an overhauled left side for 2004. The Mariners also added free agents Scott Spiezio at third base and Raul Ibanez in left field, moving Randy Winn to center field.

 

 

Guillen, 28, hit .276 in 109 games last season, splitting time at shortstop and third base. He nearly was traded last month but a deal with the Indians for shortstop Omar Vizquel couldn't be completed.

 

 

He's been plagued by minor injuries during his five years in the majors.

 

 

Guillen saw action in only nine games last July because of an inflamed pelvis. He also missed two games after fouling a pitch off his shin and after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow.

 

 

During the winter meetings, the Mariners signed Guillen to a one-year, $2.5 million contract that included up to $900,000 in performance bonuses. Guillen had been eligible for salary arbitration.

 

c/o espn

GO MARINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO MARINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Dodgers!

Go MARLINS

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