Laser Eye Surgery

Not being able to see the ball may have contributed to Guzman's paltry batting average.

Guzman, 27, said he wore contact lenses during the season and couldn't see the ball very well.

There was nothing in Guzman's past to indicate he would have fallen off so dramatically from a .266 career hitter after six seasons in Minnesota.

"It doesn't matter what people say, they're going to enjoy the new Guzie this year," Guzman said.

"I've got something ...

I've got a little surprise for them.

My vision is better, a lot better." Club officials were mortified watching Guzman struggle last season.

To avoid a repeat of last season, the Nationals signed 15-year veteran Royce Clayton as an insurance policy in case it wasn't a one-year aberration.

With Clayton in the mix at short, the Nationals are making Guzman earn his job in spring training.

Maybe Clayton is just a psychological ploy used by the club to motivate Guzman.

Either way, it doesn't faze the club's light-hitting shortstop.

"That doesn't work for me.

They can bring [in Derek] Jeter.

This is the new Guzie right now," he said.

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