Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Juan Guzman (1991-1998)
Early in his career, Juan Guzman looked like he would be a star for the Blue Jays. He then lost his touch, found it again, and then had injuries take their toll.
At the beginning, Guzman was a rare breed. He started his career with a 40-11 record, joining Sal Maglie, Whitey Ford and Roger Clemens as the only pitchers to have 40 or more wins and fewer than 15 losses in their first three years. He then lost his effectiveness during the strike-shortened seasons in 1994 and 1995, but rediscovered that form one last time in 1996. That year, he posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.124 WHiP, leading the American League in both categories. Guzman appeared to be back as a possible ace for the Blue Jays.
However, that would be a short-lived comeback. He struggled with his command once again and dealt with injuries. He would be traded to Baltimore a year later, and only two years later, his career would be over, with shoulder woes forcing his retirement after one disastrous outing in Tampa Bay.
Overall, Guzman had a solid 76-62 record in Toronto, posting a 4.07 ERA and a 1.353 WHiP. He struck out 1030 batters in 1215.2 innings of work but was undone by 546 walks. As decent as a career as Guzman had, it is a far cry from what he appeared to be on the verge of becoming in his first three years in the league.
Juan Guzman appeared as though he would be a star. Instead, he had four excellent seasons and found himself derailed by injury and command issues.
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