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UPDATE: 1:10 PM EDT - The Blue Jays have announced that they have granted the request of outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to be released from his minor league contract.
.@BlueJays have granted the request of outfielder VLADIMIR GUERRERO to be released from his minor league contract @MLB
— Blue Jays-Official(@BlueJays) June 12, 2012
11:48 AM EDT - Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting Vladimir Guerrero has yet to opt out of his minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Rosenthal adds Guerrero could make such a decision soon if Toronto does not bring him to the majors.
Guerrero’s agent, Bean Stringfellow, told Rosenthal there is no set date on which Guerrero can opt out of his current deal. Instead, Stringfellow called the process “open.” Stringfellow also shot down the idea that Guerrero is considering retirement, stating “nothing could be further from the truth.”
Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com reports Guerrero has given the Blue Jays an ultimatum; he will not return to the minor leagues even if the team decides not to call him up.
10:51 AM EDT - Mike Wilner of Blue Jays Radio Network is reporting that earlier rumors appear true; Vladimir Guerrero has decided to opt out of his contract with the Toronto Blue Jays and give up on his comeback attempt. It was reported earlier this morning that Guerrero was going to opt out of his minor league deal and was mulling retirement.
It appears as though the rumours are true. Apparently Vladimir Guerrero has decided to give up the comeback. #Bluejays #Jays
— Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness590) June 12, 2012
After going unsigned through the off-season and spring, Guerrero signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays on May 10. Guerrero’s deal with the Blue Jays was worth a pro-rated $1.3 million based on how much time he spent at the major league level.
Guerrero made his 2012 debut with the Blue Jays Single-A affiliate and got off to a quick start. Over his four games with Single-A Dunedin, Guerrero went 9-20 with four home runs and eight RBIs, good for an OPS of 1.550.
Guerrero was then promoted to Triple-A earlier this month. Unfortunately for Guerrero and the Blue Jays his success did not carry over, as the 37-year-old only mustered an OPS of .519 over his seven games.
If Guerrero does decide to retire, it will bring to an end his illustrious 16-year major league career. Guerrero owns a career .931 OPS, 449 home runs and 1496 RBIs. The Dominican native is a nine-time All-Star and was named American League MVP in 2004.