I think things will eventually click for Angel Guzman. He has the stuff and the control, as evidenced by his career minor league K/BB ratio of 3.5. But that time is clearly not this moment. After today's start, Guzman has walked 11 and allowed 2 homers in 15 innings, en route to a 7.20 ERA. The question now presented is how patient the Cubs will be with Guzman. My guess is not very, as long as the Cubs believe they can contend this year. That belief will last until at least the middle of July (which is not to say that the belief is not, at this point, valid).

Guzman may get one more start before being sent back down. There is no one else at Iowa who presents a viable option. (Les Walrond has a 2.12 ERA in 6 starts, but is not on the 40-man roster.)

After that one remaining start, though, Kerry Wood should be able to take Guzman's place (unless Wood takes Rich Hill's place). Wood did exactly what he should have done against low-A-ball hitters tonight in his first rehab start for Peoria. No runs in 5 innings, on 1 hit and 1 walk, with 12 strikeouts. Wood will likely have one more rehab start before making his season debut for the big league club.

Hopefully Wood will return with a good hitting stroke along with a strong right arm. He will need it.

Meanwhile, Juan Pierre can certainly be admired for his honesty. "I just stink right now."