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 | |
---|---|
Outfielder | |
Born: Caracas, Venezuela | February 21, 1983|
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 runs | 97 |
Runs batted in | 361 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Professional career
editCleveland Indians
editOn 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
editOn 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]
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]
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
editOn 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
editOn January 27, 2021, it was announced that Gutiérrez had joined the Seattle Mariners organization as a special assignment coach.[40]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Arangure Jr., Jorge (March 21, 2010). "Arangure: Gutierrez gets it done in a big way defensively". ESPN. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Franklin Gutiérrez Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians Box Score: August 31, 2005". Baseball Reference. August 31, 2005. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Franklin Gutierrez Postseason Batting Game Logs". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "2007 ALCS - Boston Red Sox over Cleveland Indians (4-3)". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "2008 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "Major League Leaderboards - 2008 - Fielding". FanGraphs. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "The 2008 Awards". The Fielding Bible. Archived from the original on November 11, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "2009 Regular Season MLB Baseball CF Fielding Statistics". ESPN. Retrieved October 6, 2009.
- ^ "2009 American League Batting Leaders". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "The 2009 Awards". The Fielding Bible. Archived from the original on November 5, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- ^ Wash makes it through 7 MyNorthwest.com. [permanent dead link]
- ^ 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.
- ^ "CF Gutierrez, M's complete $20.5M, 4-year deal". ESPN. January 8, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ Arnold, Kirby (November 9, 2010). "Gutierrez, Ichiro Win Gold Gloves". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Mariners activate Gutierrez, set for 2011 debut". ESPN. Associated Press. May 18, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "Mariners place Gutierrez on 15-day disabled list". Sportsnet. Associated Press. April 23, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Short, D.J. (January 26, 2015). "Mariners reunite with Franklin Gutierrez". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ Jude, Adam (June 24, 2015). "Mariners call up outfielder Franklin Gutierrez". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Kruth, Cash (November 11, 2015). "Mariners bring back Gutierrez with 1-year deal". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ Gurnick, Ken (February 20, 2017). "Dodgers sign Gutierrez to one-year deal". Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB.com. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ^ Stephen, Eric (February 10, 2017). "Dodgers reportedly add Franklin Gutierrez to crowded outfield mix". SB Nation. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
- ^ "2017 Los Angeles Dodgers Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
- ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (June 25, 2017). "Rare condition sends Dodgers' Franklin Gutierrez to the disabled list". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Gustafson, Brandon (January 27, 2021). "Mariners announce player development and minor league coaching staffs". MyNorthwest.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
External links
edit- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Baseball Fever report at the Wayback Machine (archive index)