Cristian Guzman

[Pogotheostrich]

The Twins didn't pick up his option and he is now a FA. He is only 26. Where does he sign and who plays SS for the Twins next year?

[slomo007]

Complete speculation...but how would he look in St. Louis? They obviously don't need offense but he'd be just as good, if not better, than Renteria was on defense. He'd be a much cheaper alternative as well. St. Louis or Chicago are the teams that make sense to me, more likely St. Louis. Again, just a complete logical guess though.

As for who plays SS for the Twins, any chance Rivas will convert to SS and let Cuddyer play 2nd?

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

I was actually thinking the same thing about STL. While I would much rather have Renteria back (and he seems to want to come back), but Guzman would be a nice cheaper alternative to Renteria, Nomar, even Cabrera.

[LBJackal]

I'm not sure who follows or believes ZR, but Cristian Guzman isn't nearly as good as Renteria as far as range goes. And he hasn't had an OPS above 700 in the past 3 seasons. I don't think StL wants to replace Renteria with a #9 hitter with bad range. They're probably going to try and get better, and go all the way this year.

[GameOn]

I wouldn't mind seeing the Rangers trade Soriano, move young back to 2B, and let Guzman play SS. Of course that won't happen, but I think they would be a better team with a solid defensive replacement for Soriano with a decent bat.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

I wouldn't mind seeing the Rangers trade Soriano, move young back to 2B, and let Guzman play SS. Of course that won't happen, but I think they would be a better team with a solid defensive replacement for Soriano with a decent bat.

Who would they trade Soriano for? Pitching

[Baseballer02]

Out of the 19 shortstops I have ranked for next season, Guzman is next to last. He gives no production in any way.

[LBJackal]

Well a Guzman/Young middle infield would be a bit better than Young/Soriano, for defense. Young was a much better 2B than SS. But still, Guzman, even though better defensively than Young at SS, is terrible at defense and offense. I don't think it'd be a good idea to get him. He's a #9 hitter with bad defense, like I already mentioned. He can't get on base, he can't hit for power, he can't play SS. Pretty much all he does is steal bases once in a while, and he's not even very good at that

[slomo007]

Well a Guzman/Young middle infield would be a bit better than Young/Soriano, for defense. Young was a much better 2B than SS. But still, Guzman, even though better defensively than Young at SS, is terrible at defense and offense. I don't think it'd be a good idea to get him. He's a #9 hitter with bad defense, like I already mentioned. He can't get on base, he can't hit for power, he can't play SS. Pretty much all he does is steal bases once in a while, and he's not even very good at that

Guzman's 2004 (regular season) Stats: .274 BA, .309 OBP, .384 SLG, 8 HRs, 10 SB, 5 CS

Renteria's 2004 (regular season) Stats: .287 BA, .327 OBP, .401 SLG, 10 HRs, 17 SB, 11 CS

Guzman's 2004 Salary: $3.275 Million

Renteria's 2004 Salary: $7.25 Million

Call me crazy, but based on this year's stats, I'd take Guzman over Renteria given the large amount of money Renteria is going to require. The Cardinals would be much better off saving the money they would have spent on Edgar and investing in a true Ace, the one thing they don't have.

[j_d_mcnugent]

i like edgar for around 8 million. at this point i dont think he is worth more than that. maybe if his 04 numbers were closer to his 03 numbers i would reconsider. supposedly he is looking for something averaging 10-12 a year for 5 years. thats a bit steep considering tejada is making around 12 a year.