Guzman's goal: Get fans to forget first two years
Around the horn: A look at the Nationals infielders
Date published: 3/29/2007
By TODD JACOBSON
BY TODD JACOBSON
VIERA, Fla.--The difference for Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman this spring could very well be his now-healthy right shoulder. It could be his vision, which improved dramatically when he had laser eye surgery a year ago.
Or it could be something as simple as a new attitude.
"I think he's on a mission," Nationals hitting coach Mitchell Page said. "I think he wants to go out and earn his money."
Spring training ended yesterday for the Nationals with a 2-2 tie against the Baltimore Orioles, and the team left Space Coast Stadium for a trio of exhibitions in advance of Monday's season-opener against the Florida Marlins. The Nationals arrived here in February with plenty of questions, chief among them a wide-open competition for the starting rotation, but Guzman's performance was one of the most encouraging signs this spring.
After signing a four-year, $16.8 million contract before the Nationals' first season in Washington, Guzman hit .219 in 2005 and missed all of last year thanks to surgery that repaired a labrum tear in his right shoulder.
But the 29-year-old switch-hitter departs Viera with a gaudy .425 batting average and renewed confidence in his health and ability to perform.
"I'm ready," said Guzman, who also has a home run and nine RBIs this spring. "I have to do it this year. I know everybody is talking. I have to do something."
The mention of no other name evokes as much angst among Nationals fans as does Guzman's. His final statistics in 2005 (.219, with a .260 on-base percentage, four homers and 31 RBIs) don't quite tell the entire tale of his problems.
As the Nationals chased an unlikely playoff berth, he spent much of the year hitting below .200 and struggled in the field, making 15 errors.
They were problems he now attributes to his aching shoulder and fading vision. With both corrected--he said his vision is 20-20 and his shoulder is 100 percent--he's returned to the form that made him an all-star in 2001 with the Minnesota Twins.
Though spring numbers don't always translate to regular season success, no one needed the boost more.
"This is huge for him," said former shortstop Barry Larkin, a special assistant to Nationals general manager Jim Bowden. "It's all about confidence.
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AROUND THE HORN
A closer look at the Nationals' roster:
TODAY: Infield
YESTERDAY: Catchers
FRIDAY: Outfield
SATURDAY: Bullpen
SUNDAY: Starters
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| SS CRISTIAN GUZMAN
Age: 29
Height: 6-0
Weight: 90
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
2006: Did not play-injured
Outlook: There's been no one hotter this spring than Guzman, who has plenty of motivation to make up for two forgettable seasons with the Nationals. He hit .219 in 2005 and he missed last season after having surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder. He says he's healthy and motivated, and he hit .425 this spring to prove it.
2B FELIPE LOPEZ
Age: 26
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
2006: .274, 11 homers, 52 RBIs
Outlook: Lopez hasn't had a problem adjusting to a new position (second base), but he got off to a slow start in his other new spot: the Nationals' leadoff hitter. Taking over for Alfonso Soriano in the top spot in the Nats' lineup, Lopez, a career .262 hitter, batted .211 this spring.
1B DMITRI YOUNG
Age: 33
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
2006: .250, 7 homers, 23 RBIs
Outlook: Young seems to have his life back together after a tumultuous 2006 during which he was charged with domestic abuse, was treated for alcohol abuse and depression and was released by the Tigers. Until Nick Johnson returns at first base, Young will be counted on to drive in runs in the middle of the Nationals' lineup.
3B RYAN ZIMMERMAN
Age: 22
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2006: .287, 20 homers, 110 RBIs
Outlook: Zimmerman set the bar high with a fantastic rookie campaign, but he'll only be counted on for more this season. He's cemented himself as the team's No. 3 hitter and even at age 22, he's become a leader. A Gold Glove at third base isn't out of Zimmerman's reach this season.
INF RONNIE BELLIARD
Age: 31
Height: 5-8
Weight: 197
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2006: .272, 13 homers, 67 RBIs
Outlook: Belliard started at second base for the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series last year, but signed a minor league deal with the Nationals this spring. A career .272 hitter in nine seasons, he's insurance if Guzman and Lopez go down.
INF JOSH WILSON
Age: 25
Height: 6-1
Weight: 160
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2006: .307, 10 homers, 45 RBIs (Triple-A Colorado Springs)
Outlook: After a brief call-up with the Marlins in 2005 and last year in Triple-A with the Rockies, Wilson signed with the Nationals this winter and didn't disappoint this spring, hitting .348. The son of Duquesne baseball coach Mike Wilson, Josh can play three positions: third base, shortstop and second base.
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Date published: 3/29/2007
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