I have a feeling Jose Vidro’s tenure with the Nationals will come to an end before summertime. Vidro hates RFK Stadium and seems to have a rocky relationship with team president Tony Tavares.
Vidro’s stock is as high as it’s been in years. He seems healthy and is hitting .357 with 3 HR and 10 RBIs in 42 ABs. And the club has a left fielder who’s desperate to move back to second base.
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Vidro has a no-trade clause for 6-8 teams…anyone know which? Of course, players can be convinced to waive such things. He makes $7MM this year, $7.5MM in ’07, and $8.5MM in ’08. 2008 will be his age 33 season, and the contract will be a massive burden at that point. If Jim Bowden can get out from under any portion of Vidro’s terrible deal he should.
I think any deal with Vidro would be a salary for a salary, similar to the Finley for Alfonzo trade. I suppose a swap to the Mets for Kaz Matsui could work. The Cards have a need at second base, but I don’t see a good fit there. And that’s about it for Bowden’s options. After looking at just how bad Vidro’s contract is and how few teams need a second baseman, I’m starting to waver on my inital feeling that he will be dealt by summertime. And that was just a few paragraphs ago.
No truth to the Kerry Wood for Vidro rumor that surfaced in late December.
