Angels trade Guillen to D.C.-bound Expos

After a temper tantrum that led to an eight-game suspension and a course in anger management, Jose Guillen needed a change of scenery.

He'll find it in the nation's capital. The Anaheim Angels traded Guillen to the Washington-bound Expos — the soon-to-be Nationals — on Friday for outfielder Juan Rivera and prospect Maicer Izturis.

"It was the best thing that could happen, taking into consideration the way things ended last season between us," Guillen told The Associated Press from his home in Miami. "I'm excited to be a part of the Expos and part of history, now that we'll play in the U.S. capital."

Guillen was suspended for the final eight games of the regular season and dropped from Anaheim's playoff roster after he threw a tantrum in the dugout and clubhouse when he was removed for a pinch-runner on Sept. 25. In a grievance settlement, he agreed to allow the Angels to withhold two days' pay.

Expos general manager Jim Bowden, who had Guillen on his Cincinnati Reds roster in 2002 and 2003, thinks Guillen has put the episode behind him.

"He had a difficult learning experience that we feel comfortable that he has learned from," Bowden said. "He has undergone an anger management course which he has successfully completed. He feels that has really helped him."

The trade caps a busy week for Bowden, who was known for his aggressive dealing when he was with the Reds. On Tuesday, the Expos agreed to a $16.8 million, four-year contract with shortstop Cristian Guzman, and a $6.2 million, two-year deal with third baseman Vinny Castilla. Bowden also re-signed manager Frank Robinson for another year, and Jose Rijo said Friday he will be the team's pitching coach. Bowden's next priorities are more pitching and a backup catcher.

The on-field moves have led a paralleled existence with the off-the-field developments regarding the relocation from Montreal. The team began taking $300 deposits for season tickets this week, receiving more than 11,500 deposits by Friday afternoon, even as baseball owners postponed a planned vote to approve the move. Approval by the owners is expected next month, as well as approval by the District of Columbia government on the required stadium deal.

The franchise will receive its new name — the Nationals — on Monday during a news conference at Union Station, according to a city official and a baseball official who both spoke on condition of anonymity.