The Cubs outrighted Angel Guzman and re-signed the pitcher after he cleared waivers, a major league source told ESPNChicago.com's Bruce Levine. The two sides agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
The oft-injured right-hander underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a career-threatening shoulder injury before the start of the season. Guzman was expected to be the Cubs' right-handed setup man after his strong 2009 campaign. The soon-to-be 29-year-old turned in a 2.95 ERA with 6.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 55 games.
With Guzman back in the fold and Aramis Ramirez's 2011 option officially exercised, the club's 40-man roster stands at 37 players.
Just another sad story about a promising prospect that ends up nowhere because of injuries. I remember watching this guy in spring training of 2003. Mid-90s fastball with movement along with a devastating changeup and plus curve, and amazing control. He was supposed to join Wood, Prior, and Zambrano for the best rotation in the MLB. Well, we know how it all fell apart (in dramatic fashion, no less).
Actually, Guzman had a devastating slider. In fact, he consistantly threw his slider harder than anyone in the game in ’08 at 92+ MPH. Injuries? King Felix threw the second hardest slider that year, just for reference point. Anyway, it is a sad story. Guzman was once a top 50 MLB prospect and the top Cub prospect a few years back. Just another injury prone pitcher that had promise.
I really like this. No problem doing this for a guy who has been nothing but loyal and has had some unfortunate injuries. I hope it works out.