M's say so long Carlos Guillen

Yesterday morning news out of Seattle Mariners spring training camp was that veteran major league Carlos Guillen has retired at 36.

He reportedly stepped in front of his M's teammates Tuesday morning in a closed clubhouse and told them he was done after 14 seasons.

He tried hard but most could see the writing on the wall. Guillen never got healthy this spring.

Now he feels it's best to let the Mariners youngsters have their shot.

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"It's a tough decision for me and for my family and everybody," said Guillen, who broke into the majors with Seattle in 1998 after arriving from Houston in the Randy Johnson trade, "because I tried to come back, but I can't."

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Kyle Seager must be smiling a little bit bigger today eh?

The Mariners could probably find a roster spot for Seager at third base now and possibly in other backup positions around the infield than if Carlos Guillen was around.

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"It's just an additional opportunity for other people," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said.

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Carlos Guillen Career Flashback

• Years in majors (14): Seattle (1998-03), Detroit (2004-11).
• Best marks: 21 HR and 102 RBI in 2007; .320 in 2006; both with Tigers.
• Best M's season: 7 HR, 52 RBI, .276 in 2003.
• Career totals: 124 HR, 660 RBI, .285 average.