Where is Guzman?

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 10:11 AM CDT

I Follow the team more so than others and not as much as still others. With all the information provided these days, I only have so much time to seek out a few sources for this kind of information. I have not read much or any reasoning for sending Guzman back to AAA. Can someone explain to me the thought here? Is it because he has more options than someone like Ohman? Is it a prelude to a bigger move happening in the not to far off? Apologies if this has been covered, I might have missed something. Any feed back or thoughts would be appreicated. I felt he was finally gaining his stride at the big league level.

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Maybe

Cubs want him to be the 5th starter and they want him to start a few games in AAA.

by cubfaninSTL on Apr 20, 2007 10:12 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks

I guess I missed that. Of course this begs the bigger question, when? Are the Cubs not expecting Miller to cut it this year? If so what will they do with Miller, release him if no one is interested in his services?

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

LRP

I could see them toying around with him as a long relief pitcher. Maybe the put him in a mop up roll for awhile while he tries to get stuff figured out.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Apr 20, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Who is Guzman going to replace?

Wade Miller hasn't pitched that bad. I have a hard time believing that Angel Guzman is being groomed to replace him anytime soon. Guzman might hang out at Triple A longer than people think. A big reason why he was sent down was because Wil Olhman couldn't be sent down and somebody had to go to make room for Felix Pie.

"The Chicago Cubs - where managers go to have their careers die"

by BlueMike on Apr 20, 2007 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

You answered

one of the questions. But is having three lefties out of the pen a bit much? I would think a lefty like Ohman someone would be interested in him. Albeit he has yet to show any reason yet this year why someone might want him.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

ST speculates Guzman to start next Wednesday

Yesterday the Wittenmyer speculated that if Guzman pitches today (although I-Cubs have JR Mathes scheduled tonight) that Guzman could start on Wednesday against Milwaukee to break up the Hill-Lilly consecutive start string.

In this way the Cubs will probably see how Soriano is early next week and either send down Pie or another pitcher or possibly open a roster spot through some other means.

As for Miller, he is bailing wire, duck tape and wings and prayers....the problem is whether you are slotted as a #1 or #5 you are a starting pitcher and if Guzman has more ability than he should pitching.

Best Harry moment: 'Hey there's Marla without her shorts on!'

by Ivy Walls on Apr 20, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

thus the purpose of my post. I was confused with this move. I thought for sure that Ohman would be the one sent packing, not Guzman. Guzman's last couple of outings have been very encouraging.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Guzman

was sent to Iowa to groom him for a starting spot. I expected to see Miller given at least 2 more chances, but he's been so bad that he may very well not get the opportunity to turn iy around.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Apr 20, 2007 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Not so bad?

In 9 innings he's put 21 runners on base. They're hitting .375 against him.

Do you really know anything about baseball?

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Apr 20, 2007 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm sorry but,

Wade Miller is bad. He does not have pinpoint location which he needs since his fastball tops out at 88 mph.

by cubfaninSTL on Apr 20, 2007 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

I still think

that Miller did nothing to win the 5th slot. Two reasons, first the investment in his rehab, and by default. His first two outings not real strong either. These are some of the reasons that I am thinking Guzman going down to "stretch out" is being thought of as the 5th man in the rotation.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

5th Starter

I agree that Miller really didn't do anything to "earn" his spot in the rotation, but he's not a terrible fifth starter. Looking around the league, there's really not much to get excited about for the fifth man in the rotation. He's about what you'd expect from the fifth man?

Why Miller over Guzman? Each man has his positives and each his drawbacks. Miller brings experience to the table and that competitive nature. He used to be an excellent piture and is able to keep himself composed in stressful situations. He's proven that. What does Guzman bring to the table? He has a much higher ceiling than Miller. He'll likely improve after every start/appearance. But Guzman also brings inexperience and is more likely to buckle under pressure.

On balance, I think the Cubs did the right thing by starting the season with Miller and seeing how Guzman progresses in AAA (I disagreed with him being the long relief man). If Miller proves that his grit and wile can't compensate for his lack of stuff, Guzman will get the nod with Miller most likely in long relief. Of all the bullpen members, Ohman is most likely to go because he's our weakest lefty and we have an abundance of 'em.

by Rev Gunia on Apr 20, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Well

put.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 21, 2007 5:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Was Miller's motion always that herky-jerky

I don't remember much of him with the Astro's, but watching his last two starts he just looks so disjointed? No fluidity to his motions. I am beginning to wonder how healthy he is.

by Nibbles on Apr 20, 2007 11:48 AM CDT reply actions

I am afraid

at this stage of his recovery he appears not ready. Not to say in another month, or later he will gain back what he once had.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I would have to say

Miller is done. He started pitching late last season, had winter to rest, and had all of spring training. He has shown no progress in all this time. Elbow injuries have good success rates, blown shoulders not soo much. If Guzman is ready, which I think he is, then we shouldn't wait because as we all know most pitchers don't last that long.

by cubfaninSTL on Apr 20, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

I have had him off team by May for some while now. But what do the Cubs do? I would imagine they would try to pedal him somewhere for most likely very little. If not I guess you cut him and pay him for the year.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

When is Guzman starting in minors??

And for what club?? Have not seen his name here in the daily minor league reports since he was sent down...should pitch this weekend, somewhere, no??

I think they'll make a decision on Miller soon, after another 2-3 starts tops.

Looks like we can expect nothing from Prior/Wood this season...they aren't even throwing.

by writerinwrigley on Apr 20, 2007 12:23 PM CDT reply actions

He

is with I Cubs. Not sure of when his first start will be with them.

"Billy was put here for....to teach us to treat each other better"

by wild bill on Apr 20, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Saturday

I forget where I read this, but I remember seeing that he was to start the I-Cubs game on Saturday.

by Romero on Apr 20, 2007 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

They are waiting for Prior

I am completely joking. Just wanted to get everyone's blood pressure up this morning. Miller sucks and pitched in a jam almost the whole game his last outing. If it wasn't for some very good plays behind him he would have given up 6 or 7 runs. He is a low salary guy, so if noboby wants him he could just be released. Guzman looked good in ST and his relief appearences. I think they should give him a shot at the 5th starter role. If that doesn't work out, there is always Mark Prior in rehab. (heavy sarcasm)

He said Poo Holes.

by madog93 on Apr 21, 2007 7:59 AM CDT reply actions