Freddy Guzman

Guzman managed to swipe 56 bases and draw 62 walks in 535 at-bats at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but saw just six at-bats in the majors. There's some potential here given his speed, but playing time figures to be a major issue. He could get a chance to open the year as a reserve outfielder for the Tigers.

Guzman is a candidate to replace Gary Matthews Jr., though free-agent signee Kenny Lofton is penciled in at center field heading into spring training. Guzman played at Triple-A Oklahoma City following a trade from the San Diego organization, posting a .375 OBP and swiping 31 bases in 69 games. There's not much power here, so he'll have to draw walks to have some value in the majors. New manager Ron Washington has expressed a willingness to be more aggressive on the basepaths, so there's some potential here for Guzman if he's given the job.

Guzman sees himself as the future centerfielder and leadoff batter for the Padres, but he may be a future pinch runner and fifth outfielder at best. Granted, he does possess blazing speed, but after an injury put him out for the 2005 season, it's starting to look like he'll never have the time to develop his hitting enough to put up a decent average in the majors.

The center field prospect stole 70 bases in 118 games last season between three levels to go along with his 90 swipes from 2003. The organization gave him a 20-game look in 2004 but that did little to solidify his position for 2005. The club has been less than enthusiastic about his prospects this season. His erratic play during their 2004 pennant drive showed he was not ready and further emphasized his weaknesses. He doesn't show great discipline for a player of his type, has a weak arm, and is still plenty raw and prone to mistakes in the field. Guzman may be the best speed prospect in the minors, but like so many of his ilk, he has issues including a penchant for leg injuries. It's difficult to think that 2005 will be his breakout year with Jay Payton still a member of the team and the organization non-committal on his immediate fate.

The speedster's prospect-stock took a hit when he aged two years, but a fair bit of ground was reclaimed when he lead the world in stolen bases in 2003 with 90 between three minor league levels. He'll begin 2004 in Triple-A with a fair amount of attention. Pure on-base speed is rarity, and if he can replicate the 2003 campaign, his prospect status will jump significantly.