ST. PETERSBURG -- It was late in Spring Training and the Angels had decided that Deolis Guerra would not make their Opening Day roster. But they wanted him to remain with the organization, so that he could report to the Minor Leagues and make some necessary adjustments to his delivery. And they promised him that if he did, a spot would eventually open up for him in their bullpen.
Guerra has returned as an uber-effective strike-thrower, facing 91 batters entering play Thursday without issuing a single walk. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 2.22 ERA in 24 1/3 innings in the Major Leagues this year, giving up 18 hits and striking out 18 batters.