Mariners sign Carlos Guillen

Carlos Guillen, who played for Seattle from 1998 to 2003, has re-signed with the Mariners, the team announced Wednesday. Guillen, 36, was signed to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.

With Guillen joining the team, the Mariners will now have 66 players at Spring Training including 26 non-roster invites.

Guillen, 36, came to Seattle in 1998 as part of the trade that sent Randy Johnson to Houston. He was traded to Detroit prior to the 2004 season and went on to be a three-time All Star with the Tigers, though his playing time has decreased in recent years as he has battled injuries. Last season Guillen hit .232 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI, playing in just 28 games while dealing with knee and wrist injuries.

After three straight injury-plagued seasons, the Mariners aren't suddenly hoping to get the Guillen who was an All Star three times from 2004 to 2008. Instead, if he is good enough/healthy enough to make the team, he'll be a veteran presence on a young roster and a backup infielder to provide depth.