Who is Jesus Guzman?

by StewCrew on Apr 8, 2008 3:57 PM PDT

Doe anyone know who Jesu Guzman is and what his background is? He's tearing up the texas league at 3B for Midland, and he's only 24. It also looks like he has a good track record in the minors.

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I'm gonna go get the papers.

Get the papers.

"Looks like you brought two too many."

by BWH on Apr 8, 2008 4:18 PM PDT reply actions

I'm trying to find him.

Looks like he became a free agent from the Mariners last fall.

In all seriousness, this is very good news. Normally minor league free agents are janky roster filler at best, but this guy's only 24, has had some good seasons and is at least listed as a shortstop, meaning he's got some versatility. Could he be the next Jeff Keppinger?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 8, 2008 4:50 PM PDT reply actions

He is risen

Hopefully he will rise again
Maybe to the majors

amen
amen

2008 Oakland Athletics...more than meets the eye!

by OptimistPrime on Apr 8, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions

Guzman isn't wonderful defensively...

but he's flexible and has a decent bat. Not a ton of power, but gap doubles power.

Also, he's only 23 -- he doesn't turn 24 until mid-June.

He was suspended for the first 15 games of the 2005 season for testing positive for a banned substance.

The switch hitter is regarded as being a bit on the smallish side, but could still pan out as an average utility player.

(Formerly known as "Nebraska")

The Pastime -- A Minor Consideration -- Catfish Stew

by Ryan Armbrust on Apr 8, 2008 5:44 PM PDT reply actions

He did hit 25 HR last year

High Desert is a bandbox, sure, but that must bespeak SOME power.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 8, 2008 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: He was suspended for the first 15 games of the 2005 season for testing positive for a banned substance.

From all the information I've seen, I tend to not put a lot of stock in the young, minor league Latino players who get these suspensions. There have been a number of stories on this, and it seems like a great deal of the time they're (stupidly, but not deviously) taking tainted substances or trusting mentors who are only out to make a buck. I don't know for sure this is the case with Guzman, but I wouldn't be too surprised.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 8, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

You'll have to Padron Mr. Armbrust

You just took the Herrera out of the tires on his Sanchez.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 8, 2008 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Guzman

From Sickels 2006:

Reasonable defender at 3B, needs to show more offense to stick at higher levels. He spent 2005 and 2006 in AA , posting an OPS of .723 and .719 respectively, before getting demoted to High-A last year.

They say 3rd time's the charm, better be if Jesus wishes to spread the word in Sac.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Apr 8, 2008 11:24 PM PDT reply actions

.538/.586/.769

yeah, nice start. Most impressive thing is that the org has him batting third already and he's handling the assignment with aplomb.

Regardless of whether or not he pans out for us, I am happy to see smart pick-ups by the A's on the minor league FA front. Being able to cite a track record of allowing these guys to have a real chance to become part of an org's plans is a selling point now and into the future.

by jakarta on Apr 9, 2008 7:45 AM PDT reply actions

Slightly off-topic

But it involves the minors and doesn't deserve it's own post.

Anybody know what's going on with Javier Herrera? I thought he was listed on the Midland roster but I haven't really seen or hear much about him all year.

by OkayJay81 on Apr 9, 2008 11:26 AM PDT reply actions

Hasn't appeared in a game yet

I'm assuming he's as flaky and/or injured as ever.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Still getting over his hammy issues

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Apr 9, 2008 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Herrera is in extended spring training in Arizona

he'll be there for a couple more weeks, before likely being assigned to Midland.

(Formerly known as "Nebraska")

The Pastime -- A Minor Consideration -- Catfish Stew

by Ryan Armbrust on Apr 9, 2008 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

A .650 BABIP will make a guy look really good for 26 ABs ...

Although the sample size is far too small to be worth a thing, the good thing, should it continue, is that he's maintained the important improvements he's made over the last couple of years.

His k/bb improved significantly in 2006, down to the reasonable 1.6-1.7 range. His IsoSlg is almost identical (.231 compared to .238) to what he posted after a big improvement in 2007.

IF he keeps these numbers where they've been through 6 games (6 games?!?!?!) there's something worth talking about ... for now, though, I'd say this is a very small sample size for a guy in his third go around at AA.

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Apr 9, 2008 2:52 PM PDT reply actions

The stats are pretty worthless

I think this is more a case of people (myself included) just realizing, a. that the guy was in the system to begin with, and b. that he has some potential (which is good-- particularly for a minor league free agent).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions