Angel Guzman can’t make the jump to the big leagues as quickly as Mark Prior did last year, but he’s not far off.
The 21-year-old right-hander from Venezuela has been one of the most impressive pitchers in camp, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing only three hits in his first three outings.
“If he can do that consistently, that’s what puts him in the big leagues,” Prior said. “If something did happen, I think we’re safe and secure we could bring somebody up right away and we’re not out trying to search for guys, trying to pick someone up around the All-Star break.
“I think we’ve got everything we need as far as pitching in our own organization, which makes things a lot easier. Then you don’t have to get rid of somebody you ultimately want to keep. As far as our pitching is concerned, it’s in great shape.”
Guzman went a combined 11-4 with a 2.19 earned-run average in Class A Lansing and Class A Daytona last year, and has a 21-6 record in 46 minor-league appearances, including 44 starts.
In a groove
Prior threw four shutout innings against the A’s on Sunday in an 8-6 Cubs win, but he pointed to the bullpen battle as the key to the season.
“I’m glad I’m not a reliever, because those guys are battling their butts off down there,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be making those decisions. “There are a lot of great arms, and that kid Guzman threw the ball extremely well [Saturday]. They’re making it very difficult for the [coaching] staff and general manager to make decisions.”
Rod Beck, Alan Benes, Joe Borowski and Juan Cruz are among those fighting for the last spot in the bullpen, though manager Dusty Baker said it’s too soon to give anyone the edge.
“They haven’t pitched that much,” he said. “We’ll see toward the end more, because then you won’t have the kids here. Those things will separate themselves, and if they don’t then we have some very tough decisions to make.”
The Cubs may decide to trade some of their surplus of pitchers rather than ship them to the minors.
“I’m sure we’re going to get some calls,” Baker said.
“When you’ve got too many, you’re either going to get some calls or somebody is going to try and snag somebody before the enemy snags him. Or they’re going to wait around like vultures and circle around until you’ve got to let somebody go.”
Gonzo’s back
Shortstop Alex Gonzalez made his spring debut Sunday against the A’s, doubling home a run in his first at-bat and finishing 2-for-3. Gonzalez has been hampered by a sore hamstring since the start of spring training.
“I was happy I got some action,” he said.
“At least I was able to test it and not have any problems. It’s just kind of easing your way into it, even during the game. When you’ve got to start running out doubles, you get a good test of how it is.
“It felt pretty good.”
Cub files
Mike Sirotka pitched a simulated game and said he may be able to make his first appearance in a Cactus League game by next weekend. … Corey Patterson went 3-for-3 Sunday after getting some advice from Billy Williams on keeping his hands back. … No word yet on when the ailing Eric Karros will be ready to play in a game.
Cubs recap
SCORES: Cubs 8, Oakland 6;
Cubs 5, San Diego 2.
SPRING RECORD: 6-6.
AT THE PLATE: The Cubs evened their spring record with a split-squad sweep. Corey Patterson went 3-for-3 against the Padres with a homer, triple, double and two RBIs. Alex Gonzalez had two hits in three at-bats in his first game of the Cactus League season against the A’s, while Sammy Sosa was 2-for-3.
ON THE MOUND: Mark Prior threw four shutout innings against the A’s, allowing four hits with three strikeouts and one walk. Juan Cruz shut out the Padres in a three-inning stint, with two hits and three strikeouts.
IN THE FIELD: Moises Alou committed a throwing error against the A’s.
CHOI WATCH: Hee Seop Choi went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and is 7-for-20 this spring.
NEXT UP: Vs. Oakland at 8:05 p.m. Monday in Mesa. Kerry Wood faces left-hander Ted Lilly in the first night game of the spring.Cubs recap
