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« Odds and Ends: Tazawa, Boras, Cuban | Main | Cubs Re-Sign Dempster »
Diamondbacks Talk To Vazquez
MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports that the Diamondbacks have had informal conversations with the agent for free-agent infielder Ramon Vazquez.
Vazquez, 32, played 70 games at third, 26 at short, 11 at second and one at first for the Rangers in 2008. He is regarded as a good defender and as a left-handed hitter who would fit nicely in a right-handed heavy Arizona lineup.
Vazquez could replace free-agent Orlando Hudson at second base. In 2008, he had the best offensive season of his eight-year Major League career, hitting .290 with a .365 on-base percentage. While it's likely his offense will decline a bit in 2009, his defense could improve given the chance to concentrate on one position. This could be a nice pick up for Arizona.
Coley Ward writes for Umpbump.com and can be reached here.
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Wouldn't be a bad pickup for the D-Backs. His OBP is somewhat similar to O-Dogs (.367), and Vazquez's OBP would be better than all Arizona players outside of Conor Jackson. Plus that average will also help some, and wouldn't be a bad replacement for O-Dog.
Posted by: Ink&Paper | November 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Hey Tim,
Are you going to be compiling a list of 2010 FA's soon? It might be useful to be able to see who's available next year to maybe pick out a few trade candidates and get a better sense of the urgency of teams to find long-term solutions this year. For example, is there a deeper infield class next year? If so, teams might be better off finding a short-term solution this year and then making a bigger investment next year in a more buyer friendly market.
Posted by: MEddler | November 18, 2008 at 03:47 PM
He also has the ability to grow a very nice mustache. Should not be overlooked.
Posted by: Not Joe Morgan | November 18, 2008 at 03:55 PM
BABIP was .355 this year. Bad signing if anyone is going to count on him as more than a backup IF.
Doubt he hits over a very shallow .260.
Posted by: CubbyFan23 | November 18, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Was terrible defensively and was whining constantly when not in the lineup.
Posted by: kinsler5 | November 18, 2008 at 04:00 PM
"His OBP is somewhat similar to O-Dogs (.367), and Vazquez's OBP would be better than all Arizona players outside of Conor Jackson. Plus that average will also help some, and wouldn't be a bad replacement for O-Dog."
Career OBP is .328, career BA is .257. Not sure what he costs, but is he really an upgrade over Ojeda?
Posted by: CubbyFan23 | November 18, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Agree with Kinsler5. He had some nice games at the plate, but I can't count how many times he'd drive in a run & then go back out to third and let 2 runs in with a totally, ridiculously, boneheaded defensive play.
I also suspect that he's a lot like Mike Lamb in that he'll probably get worse the more he plays, as he gets quickly overexposed. Not sure he's an everyday player, since he's pretty terrible against lefties, but in a platoon where he gets all the AB's vs. RHP, he might do something crazy like hit .275 with 10 homers - but probably 20-25 errors.
And yes, he was a butt pain with is complaining about how poorly the team treated him. Waaaaahh!
Posted by: J the Dizzolla | November 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM
"Career OBP is .328, career BA is .257. Not sure what he costs, but is he really an upgrade over Ojeda?"
Well, I meant from just this past season. Hudson hit .305 the past season, but his career average is .282. Also, his career OBP is .346 compared to the past years .367. Ignoring the fact that Hudson is a gold glover, and just comparing what they bring with the bat, the loss isn't that bad.
I should also bring out that Vazquez career numbers playing in the NL was .264 BA and .338 OBP, not very far from Hudson's numbers. If they could get him on a one-year deal, it wouldn't be so bad. Who else would they be able to get with that limited money available? Marcus Giles?
Posted by: Ink&Paper | November 18, 2008 at 04:20 PM