Notes: Guzman aims to avoid surgery

03/17/2006
VIERA, Fla. -- Shortstop Cristian Guzman returned to the Nationals' Spring Training complex on Friday morning, a day after learning that he has a SLAP tear in his right shoulder.
Guzman acknowledged that he has had shoulder problems since 2001, and said he was in some pain last season.
"The last four years, I felt a little bit of pain, but I always played like that," Guzman said. "This year, I couldn't do it."
This spring, Guzman reported to camp in great shape, having lost close to 10 pounds. But he said he had problems throwing and hitting the baseball.
"I knew something happened, because the moment I threw a ball, I started to feel pain," Guzman said.
For now, Guzman will rest for one week and then rehab for an additional week. After that, Guzman will be reevaluated by the Nationals' medical staff.
If Guzman has surgery, he would be out for several months, and it would be the second time in his career on the disabled list. The first time was in 2001, when he had an inflamed shoulder. The team will know if Guzman needs surgery in two weeks. If he can't throw from deep in the hole at short, he will need to have the procedure.
"I hope things will get better," Guzman said. "I don't need surgery. They will give me two weeks. I'll work hard and do all my stuff."
Guzman was spotted on the field Friday working on his legs, doing exercises with catcher/first baseman Robert Fick.
On the mound: Right-hander Ryan Drese threw a simulated game on Friday at Space Coast Stadium, throwing 40 pitches without any pain. The only bad pitch he threw was when he hit Jose Vidro in the back of the left leg. Vidro was not seriously hurt.
A sinkerball pitcher, Drese has been coming along slowly because he is recovering from a SLAP tear in his right shoulder. The shoulder was surgically repaired last September.
Although his shoulder is feeling good, Drese said he doubts that he will be ready for Opening Day. He has yet to pitch in a Spring Training game.
"It's a cautious approach we are going to take," Drese said. "I would rather miss some of the beginning than try to be ready for Opening Day and then have a setback. Right now, I'm taking it day by day, and I felt good today."
Around the horn: The Nationals reassigned right-handed pitchers Anastacio Martinez and Santiago Ramirez, left-hander Joe Horgan and shortstop Ian Desmond to Minor League camp. ... Washington has given up 10 or more runs five times this spring. ... Team USA players Chad Cordero, Gary Majewski and Brian Schneider are expected to return from the World Baseball Classic on Saturday. Pitching coach Randy St. Claire said Cordero and Majewski are expected to play in a Spring Training game as soon as possible.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/