Cristian Guzman Signs Extension With Nationals

So $16 million over two years to a guy who's less than two years removed from being the worst everyday player in baseball is a good deal for a team that's going absolutely nowhere? I dunno ... I think that money might be better spent on scouting and development.

For the first 2 years of Guzman's last deal (at $4 million per year), it looked like a terrible contract. 2007 looked good until he was injured (he also missed all of 2006 with injury). In 2008 he is hitting .310/.339/.423. His BABIP is .331, quite a bit higher than his career mark of .303. So his triple slash line is largely supported by a high BABIP. And his defense has been slipping (from what I've read, haven't looked at stats).

I realize the other options were poor. But I thought Bonifacio could play SS. $8 million per year on Guzman seems like a waste of resources for a team with thin pitching and going no where fast.

"I don't think Bonifacio has played SS except for 2007 when he played 56 games for AA Mobile, and from what I've read he is nothing more than a speedy reserve type player anyway."

You taken a look at his minor league numbers? He has the potential to be a very good every day player.

While he is just 3 years removed from the awful 2005 season, Guzman seems to have turned his career around by getting LASIK surgery and getting in shape (or so he says). Until his numbers prove otherwise, I'll believe him.

124 OPS+ in 174 AB's last year (got injured)
100 OPS+ in 416 AB's this year

Not a bad hitter anymore. I think. But like I said until his numbers prove otherwise, I'll believe in his numbers.