What happens when Guzman comes back?

[natsnsoxfan]

Belliard has been on a tear since Guzman was put on the DL and theres no way Lopez get benched. What happens with Guzman? Do you think he will be relegated to the bench or DFA'd or traded or something like that? Or will he just be put back as the starter?

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

It may stay this way, and Guzman may just have to face the bench, even if it means wasting 4 million.

But really, Guzman will start, he had an excellent spring and hit no.2 on opening day.

[Peorgie T]

It may stay this way, and Guzman may just have to face the bench, even if it means wasting 4 million.

But really, Guzman will start, he had an excellent spring and hit no.2 on opening day.

They have so few potent bats in the lineup, I'm not so sure they won't leave Guzman on the bench. On the other hand, Lopez might be better defensively at 2nd than he is at SS, and is hitting pretty well too. Too many players is a luxury the Nats have had little experience with this year; it will be interesting to see how it shakes out. I wonder if Belliard can catch :think:

[natsnsoxfan]

They have so few potent bats in the lineup, I'm not so sure they won't leave Guzman on the bench. On the other hand, Lopez might be better defensively at 2nd than he is at SS, and is hitting pretty well too. Too many players is a luxury the Nats have had little experience with this year; it will be interesting to see how it shakes out. I wonder if Belliard can catch :think:

Haha, yeah.

Im willing to bet that Guzman gets traded before the end of the season for some mid-level prospect(s) and Belliard plays SS or 2B afterwards.

[Peorgie T]

Haha, yeah.

Im willing to bet that Guzman gets traded before the end of the season for some mid-level prospect(s) and Belliard plays SS or 2B afterwards.

I'm not sure who'd want him at $4.2M unless he has a terrific comeback year in '07.

[natsnsoxfan]

There are some teams that could use a shortstop like Guzzy. Pittsburgh and comes to mind. Im sure they'll be a team looking to fill a hole caused by injury that Guzman could fill too. Someone will want or need him, im sure.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

I can't believe this:

Acta said Guzie will be at SS and Belliard will ride the bench!

Belliard leading the team in hits is no big deal though...:eek:

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

I can't believe this:

Acta said Guzie will be at SS and Belliard will ride the bench!

Belliard leading the team in hits is no big deal though...:eek:

Actually, Belliard played at first last night and Dmitri Young was benched, it's not as if Dmitri's was hitting anything in the last two-three weeks.

[Peorgie T]

Actually, Belliard played at first last night and Dmitri Young was benched, it's not as if Dmitri's was hitting anything in the last two-three weeks.

According to the Nats' MLB site, Young has a sore Achilles tendon. I think the master plan for Dimitri is to trade him if NJ can come back before the deadline. Otherwise, I guess he's our starting 1B all year no matter what he produces. Broadway isn't making a case in Columbus to warrant a promotion (.171, .298,.371).

Keep in mind that Belliard was originally acquired to be a utility IF. He only ended up as a starter because of Guzman's injury. Having a player who can come off the bench and play multiple positions, with the offensive numbers he's put up so far is a good thing for the Nats.

[TheKingofKings]

Keep in mind that Belliard was originally acquired to be a utility IF. He only ended up as a starter because of Guzman's injury. Having a player who can come off the bench and play multiple positions, with the offensive numbers he's put up so far is a good thing for the Nats.

I agree, but when this UTIL is better than any of the Nats' current starters, you can't have him on the bench...

[Peorgie T]

I agree, but when this UTIL is better than any of the Nats' current starters, you can't have him on the bench...

We'll see. Guzman had a good spring, and has only played a few games since coming off the DL. Manny, like a lot of managers, doesn't want one of his starters to lose his job due to an injury until it's obvious there's someone better behind him. Also, the Nats would rather not have to pay him $4.2M to ride the pine.

[TheKingofKings]

Also, the Nats would rather not have to pay him $4.2M to ride the pine.

Thank the "Oh So Great" Jim Bowden for that.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Thank the "Oh So Great" Jim Bowden for that.

Thank the oh so great Bowden in the future, not now.