Franklin Gutiérrez

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**Franklin Gutierrez**

Cleveland Indians — No. 38
Center Fielder
Bats: Left	Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
August 31, 2005 for the Cleveland Indians
Selected MLB statistics (through 2006)
AVG	.270
RBI	8
HR	1
Teams
Cleveland Indians (2005–present)

Franklin Rafael Gutiérrez [goo-te-ER-rez] (born February 21, 1983 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a center fielder in Major League Baseball who currently plays for the Cleveland Indians. He bats and throws right handed.

Gutiérrez was acquired by the Cleveland Indians prior to the 2004 season for outfielder Milton Bradley and was assigned to Double-A Akron after the transaction. He entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 3 prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and the top position prospect, possessing five-tool ability. Previously, Los Angeles refused to include Gutiérrez in a deal over the winter that would have landed the Dodgers first baseman Richie Sexson.

In 2005, Gutiérrez posted a 261 batting average with 11 home runs and 42 RBI for Akron, and hit .254 with seven RBI in 19 games with Triple-A Buffalo. Between his two minor league stops, he stole 16 bases in 22 attempts. In the minors, he showed one of the sweetest swings in the game and tremendous fielding abilities with a strong and accurate throwing arm.

The Indians called up Gutiérrez on August 31 to give them more flexibility in the outfield and more speed on the bases. In seven games he went 0-for-1 with two runs scored.