Back in May, Omar Vizquel told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times that he'd probably retire unless he finished the season well. Three months later, with the White Sox in a pennant race and Vizquel getting regular playing time, the veteran shortstop sounded as if he's ready to stick around in another chat with Cowley.
"I think it would be sad that if at the end of the season I look back, look at my year, and say, 'Man, I don't think I can do this anymore,' " Vizquel said. "Taking a look at the numbers and the things that I have done this year, it will give me a good possibility to come back next year and try and see if a team is interested in wanting me again.''
Entering tonight's action, Vizquel has a .283/.349/.341 slash line in 259 plate appearances for Chicago. While the .690 OPS is modest, it would represent Vizquel's best season since the .749 OPS he posted in 2006 as San Francisco's everyday shortstop. Vizquel has played mostly third base for the Sox this season filling in for the injured Mark Teahen, and has made five of six starts at third since Teahen returned from the DL last week.
Vizquel signed a one-year, $1.375MM contract with Chicago last winter and would certainly sign a similar pact with the White Sox or another club if he chooses to return for his 23rd major league campaign. If he does come back, Vizquel will continue his surprising ascent up baseball's all-time hits leaderboard. Though Vizquel is known for his defense (he's an 11-time Gold Glover), he is also 49th all-time with 2768 hits heading into Thursday. He'll already pass Hall-of-Famer Andre Dawson (2774 hits) and future HOF-er Ken Griffey Jr. (2781) before this season is out.
I think it would be a really nice touch if the Indians gave Vizquel a 1 year deal. It would mean a lot to Omar, the organization, the fans, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Jason Donald.
As long as he doesn’t take at-bats away from guys who are actually a part of the team’s future…
No doubt about it. No reason to think he would, but he would serve as a great mentor to the infield and even the whole team.
Just an FYI, the Indians tried hard to sign Omar this past winter. Reports were they actually offered close to $2M but Omar turned them down hoping for a better chance at a World Series (and he obviously made the right call there even if the White Sox fall short of the playoffs).
Don’t get me wrong, I’d LOVE to see Omar back as we could use a vet presence…and we have no 3B to speak of really next year (maybe Goedert or Nix steps up but we’ll see). Could also get some time at 2B/SS to spell AC and Donald.
I’m hoping it can happen….but my guess is he returns to ChiTown for another year.
Do hope once he calls it quits he signs a 1-day deal for spring training to retire an Indian as he’s clearly going into the Hall as a member of the Indians and will have his number 13 retired in due time.
Agree with everything you said except for one thing.
He’s going in to the hall of fame as a Texas Ranger.
Joke.
I saw a Jays vs. White Sox game early this year that he played in, and Vizquel was still impressive. Barring injuries, I’d say he’s got a few years left!
Personally, I would love to see the Cubs sign Omar next season. I’ve been watching the White Sox a lot and I have no doubt the Cuban Missile’s play has improved this season because of Omar. Beckham and Ramirez have both been impressive. If the Cubs added Omar, his leadership and mentoring of Castro, the future, plus whoever will be at 2nd would be huge. When you consider the possibility of Trammel being canned after the season, I believe this would be a solid acquisition. Omar could play 3rd, moving ARam to 1st.
I think you could have something there in the Cubs actually. Depends on how much Omar values winning though as I don’t see the Cubs competing next year.
I think when you break it down, Omar makes sense for all 30 teams. I mean, what team out there couldn’t use a cheap veteran who plays solid defense at 3 positions and has the type of leadership skills as Omar?
Rays, Yanks, BoSox, Phillies, Cards, Reds, Padres, Giants, etc…..
You name the team, and they could use Omar in some capacity in 2011. Omar as Jeter’s defensive replacement late in games and backing up A-Rod at 3B is actually an intriguing move IMO…..
Omar Vizquel=the new Julio Franco?
Even at 43, he would be a great mentor for any team.
I was thinking that. Difference though is Omar still has at least 2 plus tools