Freddy Guzman finally runs

Speedy late season Yank lugnut Freddy Guzman -- arguably the greatest base-stealer in minor league history -- has fled Scranton.

Freddie -- our backup Brett in the 2009 Oct-Nov ratings sweeps -- signed with Philadelphia yesterday, ending his swift career as a Bronx Bomber.

Over 8 minor league seasons, Freddy has stolen 443 bases. He's 29, and if he can swipe 40 a year for the Chattanooga Chewchews of the world, who knows: He could steal the record someday.

Late in the season, Cash stole him for a box of Thin Mints and a gift card to Olive Garden. He played in 10 games, stole 4 and was nabbed once.

We activated Freddy against Anaheim. Joe pinch-ran him twice. Both times, fans across the Yankiverse were screaming at their TVs, "RUN, FREDDY, RUN!" Freddy didn't run. Still, what a rush... having a guy on first who scared pitchers shitless.

This year, Brett Gardner might start. (Let's hope!) And let's hope we learned a lesson. Every $200 million team needs a $1.98 spare part like Freddy Guzman. The Torre teams of the late 1990s had Homer Bush. Last year, we had Brett and Freddy.

In between... well... we ran Bubba Crosbys. Nobody yelled, "Run, Bubba, Run!"

If Gardner plays every day, we need that pinch threat. When Jorge or the Nicks get on in the ninth, I'd hate to think we pinch run Frankie Cervelli -- instead of the greatest minor league base stealer in history.

Run, Freddy, run! Hopefully, Cash will keep your number in his roll-a-deck. Somebody will want a gift card to Olive Garden. Hey, they treat you like family!