Omar Vizquel signed a one-year contract with the White Sox on Monday, which means his return to Progressive Field in 2010 will have him in the visitor’s dugout and wearing the uniform of a division rival.
That’s a far cry from the comeback many Tribe fans were hoping for. Knowing the Indians had a need for a utility infielder, the hope among fans was that Vizquel would be brought aboard to mentor fellow Venezuelans Asdrubal Cabrera and Luis Valbuena and to finish off a potential Hall of Fame career in the city where he truly made a name for himself over 11 memorable seasons.
The Indians did express interest in Vizquel, but they were told by his agent, Adam Katz, that the White Sox were a higher priority on his list. It had been speculated that the 42-year-old Vizquel, perhaps seeking future support for his Hall of Fame candidacy, wanted to land with a “high-profile” club, and the Sox are obviously in a bigger market than the Tribe.
Of course, there were other reasons why Vizquel wasn’t what you’d call the perfect fit for the Indians’ utility vacancy. While the Tribe certainly valued the defensive help Vizquel could have provided, the leadership he’d bring to their middle infielders and the sentimental reasons to bring him back to Cleveland, the truth is that the Indians are hoping to land a utilityman who can hit well right-handed and spell Valbuena, who will be entering his first full season in the bigs, against left-handed pitching.
Repoz
Posted: November 23, 2009 at 09:14 PM |
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I thought I read that Teahen will spend most of the time at 3B, but would probably see some time in the OF too. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Vizquel get quite a bit of time at 3B.
Whereas Gordon Beckham will be making the conversion to second base, and while Alexei Ramirez has all the tools to be an outstanding shortstop, he sometimes has trouble making routine plays.
If the idea of Vizquel-as-mentor has any merit, then he's a good fit on the White Sox. I don't hate this signing.
To me, this is kind of crazy. Whatever franchise he spends his last year as a utilityman is not going to impact his HOF candidacy. Most BBWAA writers won't be able to name his final team in 5 years. If anything, finishing in Cleveland would be a more noteworthy finale.
I think Vizquel is going to try to Pete Rose his way to 3000 hits... He's at 2704 now, so it looks like he'll need another 6-7 years.
As a result, I'd be willing to bet Tribe fans are going to have many more opportunities to see Vizquel take a final lap in the home uni.
Yes, but this is pure speculation. He probably chose the White Sox because they offered him more playing time.
By the way, add Omar Vizquel to the list (along with guys like Carl Everett, Roberto Alomar and Darin Erstad) of "Kenny Williams always gets his man" players. The White Sox were really close to inking him to a 2-year deal before the 2005 season, and the Giants swooped in at the last second and offered a three-year deal.
What we can't quantify isn't worth worrying over, but regardless I think I like this deal.
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