Message #469991

[Nathan]

The Nats asked Guzzie to play 2B next year.  http://therocket.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/nats_ask_guzman_to_play_second.html

The Nationals may not be looking to sign a free agent like second baseman Orlando Hudson this offseason.

It was learned that general manager Mike Rizzo and interim manager Jim Riggleman had a private meeting with shortstop Cristian Guzman on Thursday afternoon and asked him to switch to second base for the 2010 season.

Guzman, who did not give Rizzo and Riggleman an answer, was in shock and told them he never played second base in his life. The only other position Guzman has played other than shortstop was in the 2008 All-Star Game when he played third base for the National League team.

If Guzman agrees to the switch, that means the Nationals most likely will look for a shortstop during the offseason.

Will Ian Desmond get that chance to become the everyday shortstop? It's hard to tell, but he got off to a quick start on Thursday night by going 2-for-4 and driving in four runs in his Major League debut against the Phillies.

Washington has been concerned about Guzman's defense almost all season. They have been alarmed that Guzman is having a problems going to his left on groundballs.

In the past, Riggleman believed that a foot injury has hampered Guzman's ability to go to his left, but no one knows how Riggleman feels now because he was not available for comment.

Both Rizzo and Guzman declined to talk about the possible move to second.