Yankees bring in speed merchant Guzman

By ERIK BOLAND

Freddy Guzman is here for one reason.

"He's a base-stealer," general manager Brian Cashman said before last night's game of Guzman, the outfielder who was acquired from Baltimore in August and was promoted yesterday from Triple-AScranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Righthanded reliever Anthony Claggett was designated for assignment to make room for Guzman on the 40-man roster.

Guzman will have a little more than three weeks to try and convince the Yankees he's worthy of a spot on their 25-man postseason roster.

"This guy's going to audition for a spot," Cashman said. "He could be a burner as a 25th man."

Guzman is with his fourth organization this season. The Yankees acquired him from Triple-A Norfolk of theOrioles organization Aug. 31 for a player to be named or cash and was assigned to Scranton.

In six regular-season games with Scranton, Guzman hit .286 (6-for-21) with five walks, seven runs and five stolen bases. In 101 games this season for Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle), Pawtucket (Boston), Norfolk and Scranton, Guzman batted just .223 but had 45 stolen bases in 54 attempts.

Guzman believes he can steal a base off any pitcher.

"I've been doing that all my career," said Guzman, who last appeared in the majors in 2007 with theRangers. "That's my game, speed. I know how to steal against anybody."