I wrote about this topic I believe on MLBtraderumors.com a week or so ago.

It would be interesting if the Padres traded for Jose Guillen. I am NOT a fan but the guy can rake. His Defense and attitude are questionable however, the guy would come on the cheap because the Royals are "pushing hard to deal him" and they reportedly are willing to "eat up a lot of dollars". If they were willing to eat 4-5 million of his $6.39MM remaining on his contract that would be interesting. The Padres could probably acquire him for a 2nd tear prospects also. He is a legit threat and would be interesting behind Gonzo, he can hit and produce. Also, a right handed power bat in contrast to some of the lefties that COULD be available. Another interesting aspect of it would be that the Padres could hold onto Bell OR wait it out longer then get TWO potential players coming over to produce not JUST one in Jose. Jose for a 2nd tear prospect and Bell for the future "controllable" player that would be ideal.

Chemistry is VERY important and I LOVE the way this team plays... I do however think that sometimes the Padres (in the past & possibly now) have lacked that ONE killer instinct bat that will push us over the edge. Were currently 4.5 games up in 1st F'n place!!! Now is the time to make a move and get some offense to support our stellar pitching staff! I am not sure I want Guillen with his baggage not sure if I like him in LF but they guy does have a plus arm has been healthy all year his offense shows that, and I really don't think he would be worse than Blanks. Not that Blanks is bad by any means. Jose has a 16.8 UZR/150 in RF this year. Obviously, he will not hold on to that, it will drop with more time playing however, it does show that he can be respectable in LF. Guillen has done it before. Between 1700 innings in RF in 2005 and 2006 with Washington, he logged a 12.9 and 3.5 UZR/150, not bad.

Just something to think about because of the other intangibles that come into play, who we may have to deal, money, maybe acquiring another player with Bell and him etc.

Again, I am NOT a fan of this guy and at the end of the day really don't want a bad "tude" guy on our team but its an interesting discussion because of his legit presence.