Franklin Rafael Gutiérrez (born February 21, 1983), nicknamed "Guti", is a Venezuelan former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers. While primarily a center fielder throughout his career, Gutiérrez transitioned to right field for the Mariners in 2016. He is currently a special assignment coach for the Seattle Mariners organization.

Franklin Gutiérrez
Gutiérrez with the Seattle Mariners
Outfielder
Born: (1983-02-21) February 21, 1983 (age 41)
Caracas, Venezuela
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 31, 2005, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
June 24, 2017, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics
Batting average.257
Home runs97
Runs batted in361
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Professional career

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Cleveland Indians

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On November 18, 2000, Gutiérrez was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent.[1] On April 3, 2004, Gutiérrez was traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers with a player to be named later (Andrew Brown) to the Cleveland Indians for Milton Bradley and was assigned to the Double-A Akron Aeros.[1][2] He entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the third-best prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization[2] and the top position prospect, possessing five-tool ability. Previously, Los Angeles refused to include Gutiérrez in a deal over the winter that would have landed the Dodgers first baseman Richie Sexson.[3]

In 2005, Gutiérrez posted a .261 batting average, 11 home runs, and 42 RBI in 95 games for Akron, and hit .254 with 7 RBI in 19 games with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Between his two minor league stops, he stole 16 bases in 22 attempts.[4] Gutiérrez was called up by the Indians when major league rosters expanded on August 31.[5] He made his major league debut that day against the Detroit Tigers, appearing as a pinch runner in the ninth inning of a 4–3 loss.[6] Gutiérrez played in seven games with Cleveland to close out the season, mainly serving as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch runner.[1]

Gutiérrez began the 2006 season with Triple-A Buffalo. On June 16, he was recalled by Cleveland after Casey Blake was placed on the disabled list.[7] He played in 43 games with the Indians, batting .272 with a home run and 8 RBI.[1] In addition, he batted .278 with nine home runs and 38 RBI in 90 games with Buffalo.[4]

In 2007, Gutiérrez once again began the season in Triple-A Buffalo. He hit .341 with four home runs and 16 RBI in 30 games. He was called up for good on May 6,[4][8] and batted .266 with 13 home runs and 36 RBI in 100 games with Cleveland.[1] In the 2007 postseason, Gutiérrez played in 10 of the team's 11 playoff games, batting .207 with a home run and 4 RBI.[9] In Game 2 of the 2007 American League Championship Series, he recorded his first career postseason home run and drove in four runs in Cleveland's 13–6 win over the Boston Red Sox.[10] The Indians ultimately lost the series to Boston in seven games.[11]

On May 27, 2008, Gutiérrez hit his first career grand slam in an 8–2 win over the Chicago White Sox.[12] He finished the season with a .248 average, 26 doubles, eight home runs and 41 RBI in 134 games.[1] Gutiérrez ranked seventh in the American League in Defensive Wins Above Replacement (2.0),[13] and fourth among all big league outfielders in ultimate zone rating, an all-inclusive fielding statistic.[14] He also won a Fielding Bible Award as the top fielding right fielder in MLB.[15]

Seattle Mariners

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On December 10, 2008, Gutiérrez was traded to the Seattle Mariners as part of a three-team trade that also included the New York Mets.[16] Mariners' general manager Jack Zduriencik noted that the trade would not have gone through had Gutiérrez not been included in the trade.[17]

 
Gutiérrez with the Mariners in 2009

In 2009, Gutiérrez had the most errors by a major league center fielder (7), due in part to the significant number of batted balls that he gets to.[18] He led all of Major League Baseball in UZR and UZR/150, was tied for second in the AL in sacrifice bunts (13), and ranked sixth in the AL in wins above replacement (6.6).[19] Gutiérrez won another Fielding Bible Award as the top fielding center fielder in MLB.[20] He posted a slash line of .283/.339/.425 with 18 home runs 70 RBI in 153 games.[1] Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus called Gutiérrez "Death to Flying Things" after a diving catch,[21] a nickname that previously belonged to Bob Ferguson.

On January 5, 2010, it was reported that Gutiérrez and the Mariners were working on a four-year contract extension for $20.5 million with a team option for a fifth year.[22] The deal was officially finalized on January 8.[23]

In 2010, Gutiérrez was awarded his first Gold Glove, finishing the season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage as an outfielder.[24] He also came in second place for Defensive Player of the Year on MLB.com's This Year In Baseball Awards.[25] Offensively, he slashed .245/.303/.363 with 12 home runs, 64 RBI and a career-high 25 stolen bases in 152 games.[1]

After dealing with stomach problems during Spring Training, Gutiérrez opened the 2011 season on the disabled list.[26] He subsequently received a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and was sent on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. On May 18, he was activated and inserted into the starting lineup for Seattle's game that night against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[27] He played in 92 games in 2011, and batted .224/.261/.273 with one home run and 19 RBI.[1]

In 2012, Gutiérrez was limited to only 40 games due to injury, and he batted .260/.309/.420 with four home runs and 17 RBI.[1]

 
Gutiérrez hits a home run on April 3, 2013.

On April 22, 2013, Gutiérrez was placed on the disabled list due to a strained right hamstring. He suffered the injury while attempting to make a diving catch in a game against the Houston Astros.[28] Although he was activated prior to a game against the Oakland Athletics on June 23, Gutiérrez injured his hamstring again after six innings.[29] He batted .248 with 10 home runs and 24 RBI in just 41 games with Seattle in 2013.[1]

On February 13, 2014, Gutiérrez informed the Mariners that he would not be able to play during the 2014 season due to ankylosing spondylitis and irritable bowel syndrome.[30]

On January 26, 2015, the Mariners re-signed Gutiérrez to a minor league deal with a spring training invite.[31] On June 24, he was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to re-join the Major League club.[32] On July 21, he hit a pinch-hit grand slam against the Detroit Tigers.[33] Gutiérrez experienced a career resurgence in 2015, slashing .292/.354/.620 with 15 home runs and 35 RBI in just 59 games.[1]

On November 11, 2015, Gutiérrez re-signed with the Mariners on a one-year contract.[34] He hit .246 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI in 98 games.[1]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On February 20, 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Gutiérrez to a one-year, $2.6 million, contract.[35][36] He played in 35 games for the Dodgers, primarily as a pinch hitter, and had 13 hits in 56 at-bats (.232 average) with one homer and 8 RBI.[1][37] His season was shut down for good in June because of a recurrence of ankylosing spondylitis, which had caused him to also miss the 2014 season.[38][39] He elected free agency on November 2.

Coaching career

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On January 27, 2021, it was announced that Gutiérrez had joined the Seattle Mariners organization as a special assignment coach.[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Franklin Gutierrez Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball Reference. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Indians trade OF Milton Bradley to the Los Angeles Dodgers". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. April 4, 2004. Archived from the original on May 2, 2004. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  3. ^ Arangure Jr., Jorge (March 21, 2010). "Arangure: Gutierrez gets it done in a big way defensively". ESPN. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Franklin Gutiérrez Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  5. ^ "BASEBALL: AMERICAN LEAGUE ROUNDUP; Angels Stifle the A's To Stop Two Streaks". The New York Times. Associated Press. September 1, 2005. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  6. ^ "Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: August 31, 2005". Baseball Reference. August 31, 2005. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  7. ^ "Indians place outfielder Casey Blake on the 15-day disabled list". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. June 16, 2006. Archived from the original on June 26, 2006. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Kerzel, Pete (May 6, 2007). "Notes: Gutierrez arrives on hot streak". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "Franklin Gutierrez Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  10. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (October 13, 2007). "Nixon haunts Sox as Indians tie ALCS". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  11. ^ "2007 ALCS - Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians (4-3)". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  12. ^ "White Sox vs. Indians - Game Recap - May 27, 2008 - ESPN". ESPN. Associated Press. May 27, 2008. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  13. ^ "2008 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  14. ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2008 - Fielding". FanGraphs. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  15. ^ "The 2008 Awards". The Fielding Bible. Archived from the original on November 11, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
  16. ^ "Mariners announce three-team, 12-player trade with Mets and Indians". Seattle Mariners. MLB.com. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  17. ^ Street, Jim (December 11, 2008). "Mariners deal Putz in blockbuster trade". Seattle Mariners. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  18. ^ "2009 Regular Season MLB Baseball CF Fielding Statistics". ESPN. Retrieved October 6, 2009.
  19. ^ "2009 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  20. ^ "The 2009 Awards". The Fielding Bible. Archived from the original on November 5, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
  21. ^ Wash makes it through 7 MyNorthwest.com. [permanent dead link]
  22. ^ Street, Jim; Sanchez, Jesse (January 5, 2010). "Gutiérrez, Seattle on verge of extension". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  23. ^ "CF Gutierrez, M's complete $20.5M, 4-year deal". ESPN. January 8, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  24. ^ Arnold, Kirby (November 9, 2010). "Gutierrez, Ichiro Win Gold Gloves". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Newman, Mark (December 17, 2010). "Giants star in This Year in Baseball Awards". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on December 20, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Johns, Greg (March 29, 2011). "Gutierrez to open season on disabled list". Seattle Mariners. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  27. ^ "Mariners activate Gutierrez, set for 2011 debut". ESPN. Associated Press. May 18, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  28. ^ "Mariners place Gutierrez on 15-day disabled list". Sportsnet. Associated Press. April 23, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  29. ^ Lommers, Aaron (July 16, 2013). "Mariners pitchers to start for AquaSox". The Everett Herald. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  30. ^ Eaton, Nick (February 13, 2014). "Mariners Franklin Gutierrez will miss 2014-season as gastrointestinal problems return". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Archived from the original on February 13, 2014. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  31. ^ Short, D.J. (January 26, 2015). "Mariners reunite with Franklin Gutierrez". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  32. ^ Jude, Adam (June 24, 2015). "Mariners call up outfielder Franklin Gutierrez". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  33. ^ "Franklin Gutierrez's grand slam gives Seattle Mariners 11-9 win over Detroit Tigers". The Oregonian. Associated Press. July 22, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  34. ^ Kruth, Cash (November 11, 2015). "Mariners bring back Gutierrez with 1-year deal". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  35. ^ Gurnick, Ken (February 20, 2017). "Dodgers sign Gutierrez to one-year deal". Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB.com. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  36. ^ Stephen, Eric (February 10, 2017). "Dodgers reportedly add Franklin Gutierrez to crowded outfield mix". SB Nation. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  37. ^ "2017 Los Angeles Dodgers Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  38. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (June 25, 2017). "Rare condition sends Dodgers' Franklin Gutierrez to the disabled list". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  39. ^ Hoornstra, J.P. (September 8, 2017). "For Dodgers' Rob Segedin, tests come on and off the baseball field". The Orange County Register. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  40. ^ Gustafson, Brandon (January 27, 2021). "Mariners announce player development and minor league coaching staffs". MyNorthwest.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
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