Jose

Guillen

''We’re not going to stand back and let people use him for target practice because they don’t want to pitch to him,’' Nationals manager Frank Robinson said. Um, he got hit three times in two games. Sounds like he was used for target practice.

The 28-year-old Guillen has certainly worn out his welcome in Anaheim and the Royals need a power-hitting right fielder. Kansas City manager Tony Pena is friendly with Guillen and is well aquainted with the outfielder’s fiery temper.

Guillen told reporters that the ailment had also robbed him of his power (no home runs in his last 30 at-bats). Guillen who returned to the lineup last night after missing two games, indicated that he feels “much better” after working out with Bartolo Colon’s personal trainer. Hey, whatever works.

These are not the Reds of Joe Morgan, or even Eric Davis. If manager Bob Boone doesn’t start giving the green light, there are going to be plenty of disappointed Aaron Boone and Barry Larkin owners.

“I would expect that, if we decide to do something, we’ll probably do pretty well,” Stoneman said. Guillen almost certainly will be moved. The Angels want to add a center fielder -- a run at Carlos Beltran is planned -- and shift Garret Anderson back to left field.

“First we would have to sit down and clear up everything that happened leading to my suspension,” he said. It’s still expected that Guillen will be traded. That the Angels could improve defensively by bringing in a center fielder and shifting Garret Anderson to left only makes the decision easier.

This isn’t so bad. Rivera seems on his way to being a solid regular, but he’s not going to be anything more than that, and the Expos will still have Terrmel Sledge and Ryan Church around. Izturis’ numbers in Triple-A last year screamed fluke, and the Expos just blocked him by signing Cristian Guzman to a four-year deal. We’re still not thrilled with the direction in which the Expos are going, but if the goal is .500 or so, this will help get them there.

Reggie Taylor and Ruben Mateo did nothing to distinguish themselves in their own opportunities to fill in for Ken Griffey Jr., so now it’s Guillen’s turn. ''All of them are capable in the outfield,’' manager Bob Boone said. ''I’m trying to see who will spark us a little bit.’' Guillen performed well last September with four homers and 16 RBI while replacing Austin Kearns.

The A’s are going with an outfield of Terrence Long, Eric Byrnes, and Jermaine Dye.

Guillen could be replaced by Billy McMillon or Terrence Long if he remains sore tomorrow.