Jose Guillen has been plagued by injuries and slumps, resulting in a .220 average. FILE/GEORGE BRIDGES/KNIGHT RIDDER/TRIBUNE

Nationals notes

By TODD JACOBSON

Date published: 6/12/2006

By TODD JACOBSON

WASHINGTON--Jose Guillen returned to the Nationals' starting lineup yesterday, but he did so with the knowledge that his days in D.C. could be numbered.

It's no secret that the Lerner family, the team's new owners, have pledged to rebuild Washington's farm system, which could make veterans like Guillen potential trade bait.

Guillen is signed for $4 million through this season. He negotiated with the Nationals on a contract extension this spring, but he said he turned down a four-year offer while holding out for more money.

It is believed he wanted money akin to what the team offered left fielder Alfonso Soriano, who turned down a five-year $50 million extension.

"There could come a time that I made the wrong decision," Guillen said. "Maybe I should have taken that contract offer. I don't know. I just have to get ready and start playing baseball and just try to be the best that I can and start producing."

Producing comes with a caveat, however.

Guillen slumped this season thanks to a rash of injuries, and though he was 2-for-3 with two RBIs in yesterday's 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, his average remains at .220.

Manager Frank Robinson has said the team needs Guillen healthy and contributing for it to keep winning, but if he starts to heat up, it might make him more enticing to opposing teams.

"I'm not worried about all that stuff. If it happens, it happens," Guillen said.

"If I get traded, it will not be the first time and it's not going to be the last time," Guillen added. "I've been traded so many times. I have been released. I've been sent down. It doesn't surprise me in this game."

Brendan Harris learned to play third base when he was traded to the Montreal Expos in 2004. He learned to play catcher earlier this season.

His next stop might be the outfield.

"We've talked about a little bit about taking some balls in the outfield, not extensively. It was just, 'Hey take a look at it,'" said Harris, whose natural position is shortstop or second base.

Date published: 6/12/2006