At the first day of the winter meetings, the Mariners announced Monday they have signed outfielder Jose Guillen to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with an option for 2008.

Guillen, 30, is coming off a season cut short by reconstructive elbow surgery. He hit .216 with nine homers and 40 RBI for the Washington Nationals but is a career .272 hitter with 143 homers.

"He fits real well in our lineup among Ibanez, Sexson and Beltre," Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. "Considering the production he has shown in his career, it's a significant acquisition for us. He plays the game with a lot of passion and heart -- he's not afraid to stick his nose in there. Defensively. He's a plus in how hard he plays the game."

Guillen left a game on July 18, 2006 in the third inning and didn't return to the lineup. He underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery later that month to repair a completely torn ligament in his right elbow. Guillen underwent a physcial on Sunday with no apparent problems.

"We feel like this is a signing with some real upside," GM Bill Bavais Bavasi said. "Our doctors have given him a very complete physical and we are very confident he's healthy; when Jose has been healthy in his career he's put up numbers. This was an opportunity for us to sign a top-quality rightfielder, and a productive middle-of-the-order hitter."

In 2005 Guillen led the Nationals in runs (81), hits (156), total bases (264), home runs (24), and RBI (76). In 2004 with the Angels, he notched career highs of 148 games and 104 RBI.

To make room on the Major League, 40-man roster, Seattle designated left-handed pitcher Bobby Livingston for assignment.