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MLB: Most recent from spring training

Odds & News | Webmaster ( Thu 18th, March 2010 )

Mike Rizzo, general manager of the Washington Nationals, told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, "Money has nothing to do with who is going to play."

However, later that day, Rizzo recoiled when we asked him regarding his options to release Cristian Guzman in case Ian Desmond wins the starting shortstop job.

Guzman is guaranteed $8 million this season.

Rizzo said, "Still he is a long way from that kind of discussion. He is a .300 hitter. He still can play short. He isn't an old player by any means."

Guzman, who will turn 32 this week, isn't a .300 hitter for his career. His career batting/on base/slugging averages are: .271/.307/.386. Also, he is coming off an arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.

Desmond, 24 years old, batted .280/.318/.561 last September in 89 plate appearances. Though this is just a little sample, he has recommenced his play this spring.

Will the Nationals keep Guzman as an $8 million backup? Maybe they will give Guzman another chance and resend Desmond to Triple A. If Guzman falters, the Nats then can release him.

Rizzo is shy to the idea of making Desmond a super utility player, although Desmond plays second base, shortstop, right field and center field.

Rizzo said, "I do not think so. To me, he is an everyday shortstop. He will play everyday at shortstop wherever he is playing."

Jim Riggleman, the manager, said "We would have to project a lot of work for him to be on this ballclub as a utility player. If we looked at this and said there are 350 to 400 at bats for him, then this would be an alternative. However, he is competing to be a starting shortstop."

Desmond's options are a lot more simple. If the Nationals keep him but can't find him enough at bats, then they can send him to Triple A with no fear to lose him to any other team.

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