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« Wilson & Zduriencik On New Deal | Main | Nationals Interested In DeRosa, Gonzalez »
Discussion: Omar Vizquel
No one in Major League history has played more games at shortstop than Omar Vizquel, who this year served as a mentor to Elvis Andrus in Texas while doubling as a valuable option off the bench. We know that Vizquel will not be returning to the Rangers in 2010, and instead is looking for a similar role with a more high-profile team.
The 42-year-old continues to be a marvel on defense, posting well-above-average UZR/150's at second, third and short this year. Unfortunately, Vizquel ceased being an offensive weapon several years ago, though his .266/.316/.345 batting line in 2009 was his best offensive season since 2006. He signed a minor league deal last offseason that paid him $1MM.
Where do MLBTR's readers see Vizquel playing next year? Could a return to Cleveland be in order? What about a get together with the Red Sox, who are perpetually looking for a shortstop? Tell us what you think in the comments.
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cardinals as insurance for ryan and just in case freese isnt so hot on the hot corner.
Posted by: joshbdork | November 13, 2009 at 05:35 PM
He should just retire
Posted by: Yankees10 | November 13, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Haven't the Phillies been looking for a good backup for Rollins and Utley to give them more rest?
Posted by: Halos77 | November 13, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Why Omar should sign with the Tribe:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/288827-therefore-be-it-resolved-bring-omar-vizquel-home-to-cleveland
Posted by: Buizly | November 13, 2009 at 05:42 PM
We just read how Baltimore is looking for a defensive minded SS for 2010. They could start him and bat him last...you could do a lot worse.
Posted by: HeadFirstSlide | November 13, 2009 at 05:44 PM
He'd get the most PT in Oakland with the shaky option of Cliff Pennington being the only thing standing in his way. There is a shot Grant Green could get rushed through the system in order to have Omar mentor him as well.
Posted by: PL | November 13, 2009 at 05:44 PM
"He should just retire"
Why?
He's still a very good defender and he wasn't a total liability with the bat in 2009. Why pass up a million bucks when you can still contribute?
Posted by: vtadave | November 13, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I love Omar I wish the Giants could bring him back but there's really no room for him
I think the Red Sox would be a good fit for him he still plays outstanding defense and can still hit a little even at his age
I see Omar as a manager after he's done playing like Ozzie Guillen without the F-bombs haha
Posted by: Bleacher_bum_SF | November 13, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Though it's not ever going to happen, it would kind of be neat to have the Cubs sign him to mentor Starlin Castro if they traded Andres Blanco. That way, when Theriot moves to 2B and Castro takes over at SS, there would be a good guy there to coach him.
It would be a good hypothetical thing, but I would in no way expect the Cubs to even think about it.
Posted by: cubs223425 | November 13, 2009 at 06:31 PM
@Buizly,
It's not a question of the Indians trying to bring him back, as much as why would Omar sign there?
I have been saying that the Indians should sign Omar since LAST offseason (though that was before the DeRosa trade). He would be a huge addition to the team for several reasons. He was my favoritie 90s player and would love to get him back.
But Omar knows this may be his last year, he has said he wants to win a title. He's not doing that in Cleveland in 2010.
I said earlier in the week that Boston would make sense.
TB could also be a fit if they decide to keep Zobrist in the OF and use Brignac at 2B (which doesn't sound likely, but could still happen).
Posted by: Hermie13 | November 13, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Milwaukee could use him as a backup 2B-3B-SS, as well as a mentor to Alcides Escobar.
Posted by: parrothead8 | November 13, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Oh please. AGon is a better choice in the field AND at the plate.
Posted by: Little Bear | November 13, 2009 at 07:03 PM
I second the Phillies suggestion. He would be great to have off the bench.
Posted by: phightin'phils | November 13, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Maybe for the Mets.
He's better defensively than Cora and will probably be cheaper.
Posted by: supersteve1492 | November 13, 2009 at 07:20 PM
I wouldnt mind seeing him in Detroit. It couldnt hurt to mentor the young kids and he should be cheaper than signing everett again. vizquel can at least bunt right?
Posted by: Calriver | November 13, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Omar is a future hall of famer and a class act. Like Bleacher Bum said, he was fantastic in SF and he will be a manager after he's done playing.
Posted by: Humm Baby | November 13, 2009 at 07:26 PM
It would be nice to have him on the Mets as a defensive back up and most importantly a mentor. He could certainly be had for a fair price.
Posted by: matt11 | November 13, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I don't know about Omar's HOF candidacy. His glovework is Ozzie-like, but a .693 OPS?
Sure, Ozzie had an ominous .666 mark himself, but also had 15 ASG appearances to Vizquel's three, though the three number was obviously impacted by Vizquel playing a majority of his career in the Golden Age of shortstops (Jeter, Tejada, Nomar). I'll be quite interested to see what sort of support he gets in 2016 or so.
Posted by: vtadave | November 13, 2009 at 07:45 PM
I would love to hear why Boston would have any interest in him. The Red Sox already have a backup Lowrie who can play 2B/SS/3B and can hit decently.
Posted by: Alex Riley | November 13, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Dear Omar,
Please replace Juan Castro in LA.
Posted by: GScott | November 13, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Reds should get him. He is certainly an upgrade from Janish and is very cheap. They would have one of the best infields in the majors.
Posted by: Jeff | November 13, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I could see the O's making it a priority to sign Vizquel if they cant lock down Woodward.
While I mean this sarcastically, I dont doubt that it might be true.
Posted by: Bretwk | November 13, 2009 at 09:15 PM
Wasn't Omar Vizquel that guy who kicked Cap Anson in the balls for stealing his horse and buggy spot?
Posted by: Starplot | November 13, 2009 at 10:30 PM
As a Tribe fan, I would love to see Omar back in Cleveland..
This would be a little more than a PR move, because the Indians actually have a need for a utility guy.. Not only as a 3B/SS/2B backup, but also to give Valbuena rest against lefties (not that Omar crushes LHP, or anything..)
At this point in his career, I think Omar is going for a ring.. If he can get a back-up gig with a serious contender, I'm sure he'll take it over Cleveland.
Posted by: GoTribe | November 13, 2009 at 11:42 PM
I'd love to see Omar on the Dodgers. Especially if they get a guy like Callaspo, who needs to refocus on defense. He is still probably a better bat than Castro and his defense is still amazing. Then again, Chin-Lung Hu can fill that defensive role as well.
Posted by: AA | November 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I'd rather have him on the roster than Varitek. He will probably produce too.
Posted by: Cyyoung | November 14, 2009 at 10:24 AM
"I'd love to see Omar on the Dodgers. Especially if they get a guy like Callaspo, who needs to refocus on defense."
My thinking exactly. If the Dodgers end up with someone like Callapso or Uggla playing second, they'll need a strong defensive backup and Vizquel fills that bill perfectly. I like it -- especially since it would drive Giants fans crazy.
Posted by: BlueSky | November 14, 2009 at 10:59 AM
The only contenders that I can see Omar going to would be the Red Sox, Phillies, and Dodgers.
However I could also see the White Sox getting him as a mentor to Alexei. I dont really know who is the back up in the infield.
But it would make sense for the Indians to get him and make him the mentor to Asdrubal Cabrera. I think the Indians should trade Hafner to the Rangers for a starting pitcher(possibly Kevin Millwood). Then let Jim Thome hit his 600th in Cleveland. He is at 564 I believe. With a good season I could see him hitting his 36th HR around Sept. 28.
Posted by: WindyCityWarrioe | November 14, 2009 at 05:32 PM
I would like to see him in Philly. He can backup Rollins and Utley. Plus, I wouldn't mind seeing him act as a part-time coach. He could be the future managerial replacement for Manuel.
Posted by: Jim Kaat | November 14, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Omar V please retire, If I see him with the Doyers, I might puke.
Posted by: Kingsmen59 | November 14, 2009 at 07:13 PM
i would love to see him in a dodgers uniform i mean we do need a second baseman i know he train to be short stop but what about him being a second base man think about it collett
Posted by: twitter.com/wrestlinggod123 | November 14, 2009 at 08:39 PM
I have read several postings on Padres boards that are saying that Vizquel would be a perfect fit to mentor another good young Shortstop in Everth Cabrera.
Vizquel is obviously not a starting SS anymore and his bat would not be the deciding factor in games in Petco. His glove might be though.
Posted by: Websoulsurfer | November 14, 2009 at 11:19 PM