The Blue Jays have signed 44-year-old infielder Omar Vizquel to a minor league contract that contains an invitation to the Major League Spring Training camp, the team announced. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (Twitter link) had the scoop first, hearing the news from Adam Katz, Vizquel's agent. The infielder would earn $750K if he makes the Blue Jays, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 tweets.
An 11-time Gold Glove winner at shortstop, Vizquel has played mostly second and third base over the last few seasons and provides the Jays with depth at both positions behind starters Brett Lawrie and Kelly Johnson. The Blue Jays are Vizquel's sixth different club over his long career, which would reach 24 seasons if he plays in 2012. Vizquel still has an outside chance at the 3000-hit club (he has 2841 career hits) if he can keep playing through 2013, judging by his recent offensive output.
There it is… That was the missing piece
Congratulations on being the billionth person to make that joke.
But it was funnier this time
No.
How does it feel to be mad all the time for no reason? It must be awfully boring. I just managed to see you railing on someone else about a “Yu” joke. Welcome to the internet, this is a place for fun, not for your authoritarian rulings on jokes.
My brain hurts when I try to comprehend the concept that making the same unfunny joke again and again and again is somehow fun.
When I tell stand-up, I usually just repeat the same joke over and over again.
thats the best way to tell a joke Lucas,thats the best way to tell a joke Lucas,thats the best way to tell a joke Lucas,thats the best way to tell a joke Lucas,thats the best way to tell a joke Lucas,
How does it feel to be mad all the time for no reason? It must be awfully boring. I just managed to see you railing on someone else about a “Yu” joke. Welcome to the internet, this is a place for fun, not for your authoritarian rulings on jokes.
No.
Print off the World Series tickets.
This goes to prove that the further north you go, the slower you age. Trust me. I’m a physicist.
Wouldn’t a bio-chemist be more qualified?
I said trust me.
More like whale biologist. Always trust the whale biologist.
k THIS ones a little more questionable
AA is a fan of all things White Sox
45 years old.. umm
Maybe he can get his teammates senior citizen discounts on the road.
Darren Oliver needs a room mate 😉
not to ruin your joke, but I actually just recently learned that they dont have roomates. i was shocked to learned this.
No, you ruined it alright.
Seriously? Just the Jays or all/most teams?
All teams. Such a waste of money.
Huh. But how to they get up to crazy shenanigans?
Big respect to Vizquel, still holding it down at SS, at the age of 45. With all due respect though, you need to retire already!
This would have been a good pick up 10 years ago
Even better 20 years ago.
Agreed. Heard his grandson was in the minors.
say what??
Defensive backup; and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if AA has nabbed him with a mind to a long-term coaching role. He’s trying to build a dynasty at the Jays.
I can see that happening. He’d be a great mentor once Hech comes to town.
He has sure built a great dynasty of 4th place finishes.
Yes. Bye now.
So 2 years of 4th place finishes under AA where most of the team was still JP’s holdovers is his dynasty now?
you are aware he has been gm for 2 years right?
At least the Blue Jays have been competitive; they’re just in an insanely stacked division.
Better than Mccoy in every way.
I cant believe hes still hanging around. Bravo to him
Johnny Mac 2.0!!!
Isn’t Johnny Mac actually Omar Vizquel 2.0?
gotta be a good thing to have him around Yunel…
Wait.. this is a major league deal?
Hasn’t been updated on the Jays site yet, I see they brought back Woodward on a minor league deal again though.
Vizquel just tweeted he will be in spring training to earn a spot. Sounds like a minor league deal.
Ah okay—that makes sense. I could not see a team at his age giving him a major-league contract. But I wonder if it is time for him to transition into coaching. Vizquel really has nothing left to prove.
2-3 more seasons and he’ll crack 3000 hits!
comments section needs more AA love!
where are all you jays fans?
whatever. all i know is that if the dodgers signed him, this place would be nothing but jokes but when the jays sign him, there is nothing worth reading in here. all a bunch of meh
I think the only player left who was in MLB when I was born (unless you count Moyer).
I’m excited, only because there’s a chance I’ll get to see him play in Cleveland on opening day this year, as the Jays open against the Indians at Progressive Field. I’d love to be part of a standing ovation for him.
There is no chance you will see Vizquel on opening day in Detroit.
Unless this is a coaching position or just AAA depth I really dont understand it. I would rather have McCoy or Valbuena as the backup infielder.
This may be Vizquel getting his foot in the door of a coaching career.
I don’t understand why everyone’s tripping. It’s not a bad signing. I mean if anything you get one of the best defensive players ever to teach your younger players a thing or two about defense. Plus it’s only a minor league deal.
If Bautista can do it at 29. Why can’t Vizquel do at 45? He will change his approach at the plate. 35 bombs from Vizquel as DH/ss/3b/2b, book it.
Omar deserves to be in the HOF regardless. It would be nice to see him get to 3,000, though.
Based on longevity?
Based on being one of the best shortstops ever.
at shortstop, it is a feat.
Vizquel was the last active major leaguer to have played at Exhibition
Stadium.
LOL You know you’re old when…
The Bluejays make me laugh
Teh “AA” does it again!!!!!!!1!one Geniuz!!!!1!!
Should have got someone younger, like Kelly Gruber. Lawlz
This guy can teach every player and coach a few things.. He is a wealth of knowledge and helped Alexie Ramirez and Brent Morel and Gordon Beckham turn into defensive gems!!! I am shocked at all the disrespect for this guy just because of his age.. He isn’t starting and if he did would post a 280 average in his sleep. Everyone on this board needs to grow up!!
The Canucks healthcare can cover him now when he breaks a hip. I kid – I hope he plays until he’s 50 which is about how long he’ll have to play to reach 3000 at this rate
Some of you, really talk, talk, talk, with no idea of baseball… Omar has been and continues to be an example on the field, and out! He is a truly great player, at 44, he can still catch a ball better than almost any young player can, he brings charisma, team cohesiveness, and experience. I hope he gets the 3000 hits, because he DESERVES it! He is a baseball player to be remembered and followed
Congratulations. Want a cookie?
No you didn’t.
Me too. The stars aligned just like I predicted. Trust me. I’m an astrophysicist.
thats ok, harold baines is on the way.
And I’m the easter bunny.
You jipped me last year. I have high hopes for you this year.
hahahahahaha…. so funny…
not
Lame….maybe you are trying to hard
ahhh – there he is!
If a logo change worked for Tampa, it’ll work for the Jays!!
And that ain’t no bull!
Moyer against Vizquel. Now that’s a battle.
Vizquel made a grand total of zero errors last year. McCoy…
well, I don’t even need to look it up to know that it was more.
McCoy has the advantage of being a multi-positional player.