Guzman signs 4 year deal with Expos

From the Seats, November 17, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS - Christian Guzman signed with the Expos Tuesday for 4 years worth $16.8 million. The Twins had said on Tuesday that they could not match the offer that was on the table could not be matched by the Twins.

It became clear why it could not be matched on Tuesday when the announcement came that Guzman would be playing in Washington this year. 4 years is most likely out of what the Twins would like to get into.

Guzman had greatly improved this past season with range and accuracy of his throws. I started to like the guy after he was the do all player for a while in June. His level of play seemed to increase enough to the point where it was safe to have confidence that Guzman could make plays that in the past would be base hits.

Christian Guzman and Luis Rivas make for one mean double play combo, one of the best in the business.

These are all things the Twins will miss next year without Guzman. But will they? Guzman had a very good 2001 season, he was an All Star and lead the league in triples. That was it though, we didn't see that type of play again. He improved in 2004, but was that because it was a contract year?

It will be interesting to watch this next season to see which Guzman shows up. If the 2001 or 2004 Guzman plays in Washington than the Twins are at a loss. But if the 2002 and 2003 Guzman return than it will have been a wise move.