Javier Vazquez told Ruben Rodriguez of El Nuevo Dia (translation courtesy of Nick Collias) that he has not started negotiating with any team.
"We’re not evaluating any offers. Not yet," Vazquez said. "I’m not in a hurry or under pressure. If it comes, great. There’s a desire in me that there wasn’t last year. I’ve got the itch to pitch again. I didn’t have it before; but, now, I’m considering returning to pitch in the big leagues. I’m ready to pitch now; but, to make the decision, I need to be 100 percent."
The Nationals are showing "heavy interest" in signing the 36-year-old right-hander. In fact, GM Mike Rizzo traveled to Puerto Rico Wednesday to see Vazquez throw six innings with 10 strikeouts and his fastball reportedly touching 95 mph. Vazquez says he spoke with Rizzo afterwards, but the conversation was strictly informal.
"We just said, 'Hi,' to each other and he asked me how I felt," said Vazquez.
Vazquez sat out the 2012 season after pitching to a 3.69 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 192 2/3 innings for the Marlins in 2011. The ACES client has been scouted by the Red Sox, White Sox, Phillies, Royals, Rays, and Mets in recent weeks and has been contacted by 15 teams to express their interest.
