Elpidio Guzman

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #25 prospect in 2002
  Guzman has been a constant on the Angels Top 10 list since 1999, when he peaked at No. 4. But last year his production went into a downward spiral as he endured career full-season lows in average, on-base percentage (.272), slugging percentage (.370), walks and steals. It was particularly disturbing because he made progress every year leading up to 2001. He's gifted with tremendous raw tools, including plus speed, defensive skills and arm strength. But he somehow completely lost his grasp of the strike zone, not drawing his first walk until his 24th game last year. He became easy prey for pitchers once they realized they didn't have to throw him strikes. Lefties gave him nightmares, as he hit just .208 with one homer against them. Guzman needs to repeat Double-A and regain the momentum he had prior to 2001. He could end up as a reserve outfielder.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #9 prospect in 2001
  Guzman was one of the last players signed by the Angels before they shut down their Dominican operation. He had a breakout season in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 1998 and has made steady progress with two Class A teams in the last two years. He led the minor leagues in triples last season. Guzman has the best all-around package of tools in the system. He’s not quite as fast or as good a center fielder as Nathan Haynes, but he’s a better basestealer and has a stronger arm. Guzman has plenty of raw power that he’s still learning to use, and his strike-zone knowledge keeps getting better. He holds his own against lefthanders but could improve offensively if he adjusts his approach. He tends to get too pull-conscious, and he would make more contact if he shortened his stroke. He also should learn to bunt in order to take more advantage of his speed. Guzman is ready for Double-A, which could make things interesting if the Angels send Haynes back there. Guzman likely would move to right field while still getting some time in center. He is another contender for a starting outfield job at some point in 2002.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #4 prospect in 1999
  Background: Guzman was one of the Angels' last Dominican signings before the organization shut down its Latin operation for two years. He was named the No. 5 prospect in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 1998. Strengths: Guzman is an exciting athlete with the chance to become a multi-tooled center fielder as he matures. He gets down to first base in 3.9-4.0 seconds and has shown an advanced ability to use his speed on the bases and in the field. Guzman has also added strength since he signed and showed surprising extra-base power last season. Weaknesses: Guzman has not proven himself against full-season pitching and will have to continue to develop his skills and body against older players. Physically, Guzman doesn't have any notable raw weaknesses. The Future: Guzman has the highest ceiling of any player in the Angels system. A quick adjustment to Class A ball in 1999 could push him to the top of the Angels prospect list.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked California League #10 prospect in 2000
  Guzman was the Cal League’s most exciting player by season’s end. He combined solid fundamentals with what one manager described as a "wild and loose" style. In one August game, he went 5-for-5 with an opposite-field homer, two triples, two singles and a stolen base. "He's still real young but has shown he's the whole package," Lake Elsinore manager Mario Mendoza said. "He still needs to be more consistent offensively, in every aspect of his game, but as the season has gone on he's hit the ball with more authority." Guzman needs to work on his bunting to take more advantage of his speed, rather than trying to pull every pitch he sees. His range in center field was exceeded in the Cal League only by Jeremy Owens’.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Guzman was the Cal League’s most exciting player by season’s end. He combined solid fundamentals with what one manager described as a "wild and loose" style. In one August game, he went 5-for-5 with an opposite-field homer, two triples, two singles and a stolen base. "He's still real young but has shown he's the whole package," Lake Elsinore manager Mario Mendoza said. "He still needs to be more consistent offensively, in every aspect of his game, but as the season has gone on he's hit the ball with more authority." Guzman needs to work on his bunting to take more advantage of his speed, rather than trying to pull every pitch he sees. His range in center field was exceeded in the Cal League only by Jeremy Owens’.
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: Guzman was one of the Angels' last Dominican signings before the organization shut down its Latin operation for two years. He was named the No. 5 prospect in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 1998. Strengths: Guzman is an exciting athlete with the chance to become a multi-tooled center fielder as he matures. He gets down to first base in 3.9-4.0 seconds and has shown an advanced ability to use his speed on the bases and in the field. Guzman has also added strength since he signed and showed surprising extra-base power last season. Weaknesses: Guzman has not proven himself against full-season pitching and will have to continue to develop his skills and body against older players. Physically, Guzman doesn't have any notable raw weaknesses. The Future: Guzman has the highest ceiling of any player in the Angels system. A quick adjustment to Class A ball in 1999 could push him to the top of the Angels prospect list.