The Mariners are interested in Ramon Vazquez and could reach a deal with the infielder soon, according to Shannon Drayer of ESPN 710 in Seattle. The Pirates released Vazquez earlier in the month, but as MLBTR's Luke Adams pointed out before the release, Vazquez does have some value for teams looking for infield depth. Other clubs haven't been linked to Vazquez since his release, but Drayer says a deal with the Mariners "could happen shortly."
Vazquez, 33, hit .230/.335/.279 in 239 plate appearances for the Pirates last year, but his career .254/.328/.350 line suggests he could hit better than that. Vazquez, who will only cost the major league minimum to sign, played shortstop, second and third last year and has experience at all four infield positions. The Mariners announced today that Jack Hannahan will begin a rehab assignment at Triple A Tacoma, so they do have depth on the way.
Not a bad move for the M’s. They are little soft as far as backup players in the infield. Figgins and Wilson also have issues staying healthy. Thumbs up if the price is right.
The price is right, no doubt. But is this really what Jack Z is spending his time on right now? Don’t get me wrong, he’s the man, he’s way more the man than I am, but we should be looking for a bigger bat or an extra arm here, not another low-end utility guy. I think we’re already plenty well stocked there as it is.
Bill Hall…