MLB.com article on Guzman

[TXCubsFan]

I'm a little late, but the point is this:

 

Moving Guzman to the bullpen would be the Cubs just trying to salvage something out of him.* The Cubs want to do more than that. They want the pitcher with the immense potential to fulfill it for them, which is that of a top of the rotation type starter. If you want to get that full potential, you gotta give him a chance to reach it. It's a high risk/high reward proposition. If there's any glimmer of hope that he can still become a top flight starter (which I and the Cubs believe there is), then you go for it, even at the risk of having him never being able to help the Cubs major league team in any way. This way is very justified. The Cubs didn't invest a top draft choice on Angel. They aren't throwing millions of dollars at him. If he never makes it, no big loss in the grand scheme of things.

 

 

*Admittedly, he could make a pretty good career out of being a relief pitcher, but I don't think it's gonna happen. As Ron said, the great relievers are failed starters......Guzman hasn't failed, he's been injured.

 

Hendry loves these types of players. Rich Hill is the archtype, and he might turn into a good #3 starter. If Guzman can reach his potential, imagine having a Zambrano - Prior - Guzman rotation in a playoff series!

 

 

I'm not sure how you can leave Kerry Wood off of that list.

 

His future after 2006 might be as a closer for the Cubs or another team.

[illiniguy]

I'm a little late, but the point is this:

 

Moving Guzman to the bullpen would be the Cubs just trying to salvage something out of him.* The Cubs want to do more than that. They want the pitcher with the immense potential to fulfill it for them, which is that of a top of the rotation type starter. If you want to get that full potential, you gotta give him a chance to reach it. It's a high risk/high reward proposition. If there's any glimmer of hope that he can still become a top flight starter (which I and the Cubs believe there is), then you go for it, even at the risk of having him never being able to help the Cubs major league team in any way. This way is very justified. The Cubs didn't invest a top draft choice on Angel. They aren't throwing millions of dollars at him. If he never makes it, no big loss in the grand scheme of things.

 

 

*Admittedly, he could make a pretty good career out of being a relief pitcher, but I don't think it's gonna happen. As Ron said, the great relievers are failed starters......Guzman hasn't failed, he's been injured.

 

Hendry loves these types of players. Rich Hill is the archtype, and he might turn into a good #3 starter. If Guzman can reach his potential, imagine having a Zambrano - Prior - Guzman rotation in a playoff series!

 

 

I'm not sure how you can leave Kerry Wood off of that list.

It sure would be a nice problem to have.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm thrilled that he is finally on an exercise program. It reminds me of when Sisco finally had the light turn on and I hope Guzman continues doing the exercises.

[cubweiser03]

If the Cubs were the Tigers id say go for it no problem and put him in the rotation. If they are going to put him in the rotation they better have jerome williams on the team and in the pen in case Angel gets hurt again. Rusch is not a fall back option. Jerome isnt as good in the pen but if you want Angel to start your going to have to accept those bumps. Jerome pitched pretty well as a starter for the Cubs, its going to be hard for him to accept a role in the pen. I dont think its easy for a team like the Cubs who want to win the division to give Angel the #5 starter position and have him go down with an injury or even...gulb....fail. It seems safer to have him come out of the pen at the beginning of the season.

[CubsWin]

This is the latest on Guzman from BA...

Speaking of shoulder problems, Cubs righthander Angel Guzman started Wednesday for Mesa. Guzman, who had arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear in 2003 and missed most of 2005 with forearm stiffness, allowed two runs on two hits over three innings in the Solar Sox’ 9-3 loss to Surprise. While the velocity on his fastball is back—consistently in the 91-93 mph range, topping out at 95—his command is not. Guzman walked four and struck out one. He showed flashes of a plus curveball, but used it sparingly. His changeup—which was a plus pitch with excellent deception pre-surgery—still needs work to get back to where it once was. “The fastball was impressive, and you expect it out of this kid,” an AL scout said. “There was some command in there, but he’s not locating well. And 95 percent fastballs in this league tells me lack of confidence in the secondary pitches.”

[rawaction]

This is the latest on Guzman from BA...

Speaking of shoulder problems, Cubs righthander Angel Guzman started Wednesday for Mesa. Guzman, who had arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear in 2003 and missed most of 2005 with forearm stiffness, allowed two runs on two hits over three innings in the Solar Sox’ 9-3 loss to Surprise. While the velocity on his fastball is back—consistently in the 91-93 mph range, topping out at 95—his command is not. Guzman walked four and struck out one. He showed flashes of a plus curveball, but used it sparingly. His changeup—which was a plus pitch with excellent deception pre-surgery—still needs work to get back to where it once was. “The fastball was impressive, and you expect it out of this kid,” an AL scout said. “There was some command in there, but he’s not locating well. And 95 percent fastballs in this league tells me lack of confidence in the secondary pitches.”

 

Time will heal all. He only walked 2 and struck out 9 in his previous 7 2/3 innings. That's about a normal walk rate for him.