Guzman Tweaks Delivery- Piniella Hints at Guzman in the Pen

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Link.

 

During a side session on Sunday, the Cubs right-hander was moved to the right side of the rubber, creating a different angle on his pitches to the hitter.

 

"He felt comfortable there," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said on Sunday. "I feel it'll help him, especially with right-handed hitters. I was really pleased."

 

Piniella didn't look at film of Guzman to suggest the switch. He looked at him as a hitter would.

 

"From hitting in the big leagues for a long time, I wanted to see why, with really, really, really good stuff, people don't swing and miss as much," Piniella said. "I think we picked up on something

 

And then about Guzman in the pen...

 

"I like the idea of bringing along a young pitcher in the bullpen," Piniella said. "We'll see how the numbers work. I do like this kid a lot."

[98navigator]

Yes, I love it! I think Guzman has earned a spot on the 25 man roster. Lou hinted to this a couple of days ago when he said Guzman had ML stuff... He still needs to show some improvement in his next start. I don't know what this means for Cotts. Edited March 19, 2007 by 98navigator

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Yes, I love it! I think Guzman has earned a spot on the 25 man roster. Lou hinted to this a couple of days ago when he said Guzman had ML stuff... I don't know what this means for Cotts.

 

It means Lou has realized Cotts sucks.

[98navigator]

Yes, I love it! I think Guzman has earned a spot on the 25 man roster. Lou hinted to this a couple of days ago when he said Guzman had ML stuff... I don't know what this means for Cotts.

 

It means Lou has realized Cotts sucks.

 

LOL, yes that's true! Cotts hasn't proven anything yet, I fear he will find a role (even a small one) in the bullpen.

[OBPMatters]

I'd rather see Guzman in a starting role; either Iowa or the 5th with the Cubs.

[98navigator]

"They're young kids who have been in camp here and have been impressive," Piniella said of Guzman and Cherry. "I feel they can definitely help us if there's room. I like both kids. I'd feel very comfortable with either kid in our mix. Whether that happens or not, I don't know."

 

This worries me! I feel like Hendry will overrule some of the roster decisons (read Cotts).

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd rather see Guzman in a starting role; either Iowa or the 5th with the Cubs.

 

I don't have a problem letting a young pitcher break in with a bullpen role.

[98navigator]

I'd rather see Guzman in a starting role; either Iowa or the 5th with the Cubs.

 

The Cubs should be grooming Guzman on the ML level; he will be out of options next year. If there is no room in the rotation, having him pitch in the bullpen is the next best thing. Guzman's stuff is good enough to get out ML hitters and allowing him to work fewer innings may benefit him in the long run (considering he has been limited by injuries).

[OBPMatters]

I'm fully aware he's out of options, it's been discussed ad infinitum in other threads. I'm also aware that he has excellent stuff. I'd like to see him get regular work, if not with the big club, in Iowa, so when someone faulters,(Miller/Marquis), he has the endurance to stick in the starters spot.

[soccer10k]

Yes, I love it! I think Guzman has earned a spot on the 25 man roster. Lou hinted to this a couple of days ago when he said Guzman had ML stuff... I don't know what this means for Cotts.

 

It means Lou has realized Cotts sucks.

 

LOL, yes that's true! Cotts hasn't proven anything yet, I fear he will find a role (even a small one) in the bullpen.

 

If Cotts is going to be on the team, I wouldn't mind Lou pulling a Dusty in this case and giving Cotts the role in the bullpen where he pitches once every two weeks - like Dusty did to Guzman (I believe) last year.

[CubColtPacer]

"They're young kids who have been in camp here and have been impressive," Piniella said of Guzman and Cherry. "I feel they can definitely help us if there's room. I like both kids. I'd feel very comfortable with either kid in our mix. Whether that happens or not, I don't know."

 

This worries me! I feel like Hendry will overrule some of the roster decisons (read Cotts).

 

I don't read it quite as that-it is more that Lou is saying that if they make the squad, that won't worry him-but there simply might not be enough room, especially for both of them at the same time.

[98navigator]

I'm fully aware he's out of options, it's been discussed ad infinitum in other threads. I'm also aware that he has excellent stuff. I'd like to see him get regular work, if not with the big club, in Iowa, so when someone faulters,(Miller/Marquis), he has the endurance to stick in the starters spot.

 

Ultimately, you want to start the year with the best possible team. If Lou doesn't deem Guzman rotation worthy, he certainly has been the 6th best pitcher--able to pitch multiple innings. Right now he's the perfect fit for the long reliever role. Considering Neal Cotts is the alternative, Guzman is a no brainer.

 

IMO, both Guzman and the team are better served by him pitching to ML hitters. If Marquis or Miller "falters" Guzman will have plenty of opportunities to pitch.

[dew1679666265]

"They're young kids who have been in camp here and have been impressive," Piniella said of Guzman and Cherry. "I feel they can definitely help us if there's room. I like both kids. I'd feel very comfortable with either kid in our mix. Whether that happens or not, I don't know."

 

This worries me! I feel like Hendry will overrule some of the roster decisons (read Cotts).

 

I don't read it quite as that-it is more that Lou is saying that if they make the squad, that won't worry him-but there simply might not be enough room, especially for both of them at the same time.

 

I agree. I also don't think Lou would have signed on without having a considerable amount of power and sway. He didn't need the job, so I doubt he would take one where he didn't have some authority and people could overrule him without his input.

[98navigator]

"They're young kids who have been in camp here and have been impressive," Piniella said of Guzman and Cherry. "I feel they can definitely help us if there's room. I like both kids. I'd feel very comfortable with either kid in our mix. Whether that happens or not, I don't know."

 

This worries me! I feel like Hendry will overrule some of the roster decisons (read Cotts).

 

I don't read it quite as that-it is more that Lou is saying that if they make the squad, that won't worry him-but there simply might not be enough room, especially for both of them at the same time.

 

Yes, but when you think about it, one of the reasons why there won't be room is because it appears as if Cotts has a spot.

 

Also, it sounds like Lou is concerned that Kerry won't be ready (if he doesn't get more innings). The Cubs may be forced to put him on the DL, to start the season, and add someone else to the 'pen.

 

Kerry Wood threw off flat ground on Sunday, and he'll throw a side session on Tuesday. If he continues to progress, Wood will pitch in a game on Thursday or Friday.

 

"If not, time's running out on Woody, too," Piniella said. "He's only pitched three innings all spring."

[OBPMatters]

I'm fully aware he's out of options, it's been discussed ad infinitum in other threads. I'm also aware that he has excellent stuff. I'd like to see him get regular work, if not with the big club, in Iowa, so when someone faulters,(Miller/Marquis), he has the endurance to stick in the starters spot.

 

Ultimately, you want to start the year with the best possible team. If Lou doesn't deem Guzman rotation worthy, he certainly has been the 6th best pitcher--able to pitch multiple innings. Right now he's the perfect fit for the long reliever role. Considering Neal Cotts is the alternative, Guzman is a no brainer.

 

IMO, both Guzman and the team are better served by him pitching to ML hitters. If Marquis or Miller "falters" Guzman will have plenty of opportunities to pitch.

 

So is it about fielding the best team possible, or preparing Guzman? How often is he going to get work in if he's the longman? Once a week, once every two weeks? Thanks for pointing out my misspelling of falter.

[Mephistopheles]

in all seriousness, we're the cubs. it's certainly best to do what is best for guzman. the team really doesnt matter.

[98navigator]

I'm fully aware he's out of options, it's been discussed ad infinitum in other threads. I'm also aware that he has excellent stuff. I'd like to see him get regular work, if not with the big club, in Iowa, so when someone faulters,(Miller/Marquis), he has the endurance to stick in the starters spot.

 

Ultimately, you want to start the year with the best possible team. If Lou doesn't deem Guzman rotation worthy, he certainly has been the 6th best pitcher--able to pitch multiple innings. Right now he's the perfect fit for the long reliever role. Considering Neal Cotts is the alternative, Guzman is a no brainer.

 

IMO, both Guzman and the team are better served by him pitching to ML hitters. If Marquis or Miller "falters" Guzman will have plenty of opportunities to pitch.

 

So is it about fielding the best team possible, or preparing Guzman? How often is he going to get work in if he's the longman? Once a week, once every two weeks? Thanks for pointing out my misspelling of falter.

 

The goal is to do both but the team's needs always outweigh the need of an individual player; His job is to be an ingredient in the Cubs winning recipe. Even if Guzman gets limited innings, he will be served in the long run by gaining the confidence that he can retire ML hitters. That was missing for much of his 2006 season. Hopefully, the tweaking of his mound stance pays immediate dividends.

 

 

BTW, I wasn't pointing out your spelling mistake. I was just quoting you... When I read your message, I didn't notice that you'd included a "u" in falters :)

[wilk]

I'm fully aware he's out of options, it's been discussed ad infinitum in other threads. I'm also aware that he has excellent stuff. I'd like to see him get regular work, if not with the big club, in Iowa, so when someone faulters,(Miller/Marquis), he has the endurance to stick in the starters spot.

 

I haven't seen these endless discussion, but Guzman does have an option remaining this year.

[98navigator]

Dave van Dyck's new Tribune article has additional information about what Lou might be thinking of doing with Angel Guzman:

 

On Sunday, he virtually named Guzman the team's long reliever, a spot he believes is vitally important in case one of his starters struggles early. That leaves Wade Miller as the fifth starter and Prior in limbo.

 

"Quite frankly, that's the way you should bring up a young pitcher..." "Put him in long relief and let him get some experience there. … He can be protected, but at the same time he'll get his work and watch other major-league pitchers the way they go about their pitches."

 

van Dyck thinks:

 

The bullpen will consist of Guzman, closer Ryan Dempster, setup men Bob Howry and Scott Eyre, lefties Will Ohman and Neal Cotts, and one from the group of Cherry, Wood, Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa. The latter three have been slowed by arm injuries.

 

The starters will be Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis, Rich Hill and Miller.

 

There are two open spots in the bullpen without Cotts in the picture. If Woody starts the season on the DL, Cherry or Wuertz will get a spot.

 

Additionally, Lou is realizing that there won't be room for Pagan (with 12 pitchers and 2 utility infielders). He says that Theriot or DeRosa can play RF when Jacque is not starting (that must be reserved for LHP).

[Mephistopheles]

meh .... wade miller and jason marquis.

[Dirt Dog Sparly]

Earl Weaver believed that the best way to bring a pitcher along was for his first year to be in the bigs to pitch from the pen. Apparently they believe Guzman has the stuff to pitch on this level. If they believe that is true then he really has nothing to learn by going back to AAA.

 

Plus having him here is insurance. Need an emergency start? He can do it.

 

The added psychological factor is that the young hungry kids will push the vets. What better way to motivate someone than challenge their professionalism? You think Miller or Marquis want to loose their rotation spot to a rook?

[C.C.]

I'd rather see Guzman in a starting role; either Iowa or the 5th with the Cubs.

 

I don't have a problem letting a young pitcher break in with a bullpen role.

 

I actually perfer it...

[Wheelimus]

With Wade Miller and Jason Marquis in your rotation, you're going to have a number of games where they go out after a handful of innings. A longman will be essential there to keep the bullpen from being abused. Guzman could play that role very well.

 

Hopefully it would help keep his innings manageable for the year, and if one of Miller or Marquis falter, hopefully Lou has a short leash.

[goonys evil twin]

Earl Weaver believed that the best way to bring a pitcher along was for his first year to be in the bigs to pitch from the pen. Apparently they believe Guzman has the stuff to pitch on this level. If they believe that is true then he really has nothing to learn by going back to AAA.

 

In general, I agree. The only concern with Guzman, however, is his overall lack of innings pitched, and issues with control. Getting regular work in the minors may be more important for building up his arm strength and creating some consistency.

[98navigator]

Lou's full quote about Guzman in the bullpen.

 

Suntimes

 

''I like the idea of bringing along a young pitcher in the bullpen,'' Piniella said, reiterating a point he made Saturday. ''That's the way you should bring up a young pitcher. Put him in long relief, let him gain some experience there, don't pitch him in pressure situations, and as he gets better, you start increasing his workload a little bit. He can be protected, but at the same time, he'll get his work and he'll watch other major-league pitchers, how they go about their business.''