Yankees bring in speed merchant Guzman
Photo credit: Getty Images Photo | Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy during a spring training workout.
Freddy Guzman is here for one reason.
"He's a base-stealer," general manager Brian Cashman said before last night's game of Guzman, the outfielder who was acquired from Baltimore in August and was promoted yesterday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Righthanded reliever Anthony Claggett was designated for assignment to make room for Guzman on the 40-man roster.
Guzman will have a little more than three weeks to try and convince the Yankees he's worthy of a spot on their 25-man postseason roster.
"This guy's going to audition for a spot," Cashman said. "He could be a burner as a 25th man."
Guzman is with his fourth organization this season. The Yankees acquired him from Triple-A Norfolk of the Orioles organization Aug. 31 for a player to be named or cash and was assigned to Scranton.
In six regular-season games with Scranton, Guzman hit .286 (6-for-21) with five walks, seven runs and five stolen bases. In 101 games this season for Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle), Pawtucket (Boston), Norfolk and Scranton, Guzman batted just .223 but had 45 stolen bases in 54 attempts.
Guzman believes he can steal a base off any pitcher.
"I've been doing that all my career," said Guzman, who last appeared in the majors in 2007 with the Rangers. "That's my game, speed. I know how to steal against anybody."
Kennedy to start
Ian Kennedy, who had surgery in May to remove an aneurysm from below his right biceps, will start for Scranton Wednesday night in the International League playoffs and is expected to go at least three innings. Kennedy, 24, tossed two scoreless innings for Tampa on Saturday in his first appearance since the surgery. Kennedy last pitched for Scranton on April 27.
