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Omar Vizquel

White Sox Notes: Beckham, Jones, Designated Hitter

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White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen addressed some of the team's needs before heading off to Indianapolis, and MLB.com's Scott Merkin has the goods..

  • Guillen would like to find an upgrade over Gordan Beckham in the leadoff spot.  However, Guillen went out of his way to say that he is a "good RBI man" and added that he would like to move him down to sixth or seventh in the lineup.
  • Andruw Jones could be an everyday outfielder for the ChiSox if (and, as Merkin notes, "that's a big if") he reports to Spring Training in shape.
  • Guillen seems to like the flexibility that comes with not having a true designated hitter.  The way he sees it, he can use Jones, Omar Vizquel, Mark Kotsay, Paul Konerko or Mark Teahen in the spot when neccessary, and shift them around as he sees fit.
  • Freddy Garcia is working to get himself in position to be the club's fifth starter.  The 33-year-old posted a 4.34 ERA in nine starts with the White Sox last season.

Rogers On Mauer, Pujols, Vizquel

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Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says the Twins are "getting serious" about a Joe Mauer extension. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported earlier in the week that the Twins hope to sign Mauer to an extension by Christmas. As Rogers points out, Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, represented Cal Ripken Jr. and Kirby Puckett, so there's hope for Twins fans who dread Mauer's impending free agency. Here are the rest of Rogers' rumors:

  • Albert Pujols' representatives told the Cardinals not to worry about a potential extension until they take care of the team's other needs. Pujols is under control through 2011, a year longer than Mauer.
  • The White Sox may ask Omar Vizquel to mentor 20-year-old shortstop Eduardo Escobar. Like Vizquel, Escobar is a Venezuelan switch-hitter with a good glove and little power. But White Sox farm director Buddy Bell cautions against making Vizquel comparisons just yet.

White Sox Sign Omar Vizquel

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1:22pm: The signing is official, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin.

MONDAY, 12:13pm: Levine says Vizquel will sign a one-year, $1.375MM deal with the White Sox today.

SUNDAY, 10:37pm: The White Sox offered Vizquel a one-year pact worth about $1MM, writes Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune.

FRIDAY, 3:10pm: Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago hears that the White Sox are close to a deal with Vizquel's representatives. Levine notes that the White Sox offered Vizquel a long-term deal before the 2005 season only to see him sign with the Giants.

10:59am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that the White Sox are close to a deal with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.  He says it'd be a one-year deal and Vizquel would serve as a backup.

Vizquel, 43 in April, hit .266/.316/.345 in 195 plate appearances for the Rangers this year while playing shortstop, second base, and third base.  He earned $1MM.

Possible Destinations For Omar Vizquel, Nick Johnson

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You could hardly think of two more dissimilar players than Omar Vizquel and Nick Johnson, but Evan Brunell of The Hardball Times took a look at where these two free agents may end up playing in 2010.

First, Vizquel.  Brunell thinks that Vizquel's desire to play for a higher-profile club than Texas may stem from the fact that playing for a big-market team may improve Vizquel's chances of being voted into the Hall of Fame when his career is over.  There's also the fact that the 42-year-old shortstop would no doubt love to get another chance at a World Series title after coming so close with Cleveland in 1995 and 1997. 

With these factors in mind, Brunell feels that Philadelphia is the ideal destination for Vizquel, as he can serve as a backup to Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and whomever the Phillies get to play third base.  Vizquel's presence as a late-inning defensive replacement would also mean that the Phils could focus their third baseman search on finding a solid hitter, not necessarily a top gloveman.

As for Johnson, Brunell points to Arizona as a good landing spot for the first baseman.  The Diamondbacks' .324 team OBP last season (22nd in MLB) would get a big boost from Johnson's career .402 OBP (.426 in 2009).  In signing Johnson to a one or two-year contract, Brunell argues, the D-Backs would buy some more development time for prospect Brandon Allen, whose presence would also serve as cover in case Johnson's well-documented injury history again becomes a problem. 

One flaw in Brunell's argument is that he doesn't account for Conor Jackson, who may avoid being non-tendered by the Snakes if he shows in winter ball that he is fully recovered from Valley Fever.  If Jackson is back, then he would provide a cheaper alternative at first base than Johnson while still providing solid production — Jackson posted a .292/.371/.451 line in his three full seasons with Arizona from 2006 to 2008.

What do you fans think?  If you're a Phillies or Diamondbacks supporter, are you on board with the idea of Vizquel or Johnson in the fold?  Or are there some other teams who would be better fits for these two players?

Odds & Ends: Phillies, Nationals, Mariners

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There's no such thing as an offseason- just different kinds of on-seasons.

Discussion: Omar Vizquel

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No one in Major League history has played more games at shortstop than Omar Vizquel, who this year served as a mentor to Elvis Andrus in Texas while doubling as a valuable option off the bench. We know that Vizquel will not be returning to the Rangers in 2010, and instead is looking for a similar role with a more high-profile team.

The 42-year-old continues to be a marvel on defense, posting well-above-average UZR/150's at second, third and short this year. Unfortunately, Vizquel ceased being an offensive weapon several years ago, though his .266/.316/.345 batting line in 2009 was his best offensive season since 2006. He signed a minor league deal last offseason that paid him $1MM.

Where do MLBTR's readers see Vizquel playing next year? Could a return to Cleveland be in order? What about a get together with the Red Sox, who are perpetually looking for a shortstop? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Odds & Ends: Bellorin, Chapman, Cardinals

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Links for Friday…

Rosenthal And Morosi On Yankees, Vizquel, Bradley

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Let's check in once more on Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, as they continue to pass on rumors in their FOX Sports blog.

  • If the Yankees were to let Johnny Damon go, they'd have plenty of other options, and not just left fielders. Some baseball people feel that New York should be focusing on center field instead of left, and the team has long coveted Mike Cameron. He could potentially replace Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner until Austin Jackson is major-league ready.
  • Omar Vizquel will not return to Texas in 2010. A source tells Rosenthal and Morosi that Vizquel is looking for a role similar to the one he had with the Rangers, but on a higher-profile team.
  • The Cubs and Rays are still discussing a possible Milton Bradley–Pat Burrell swap, but it doesn't sound like the two sides are close on the money issue. One of the report's sources describes talks as "worse than Chinese water torture."

Rangers Notes: Vizquel, Byrd, Rodriguez

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MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan examined what some of the Rangers' plans might be this winter, and here are some of the highlights…

  • A right-handed bat is at the top of the Texas wish list for the off-season, with Sullivan singling out Jermaine Dye as perhaps the best fit for the Rangers amongst the veteran hitters on the free agent market.
  • There is a good chance that veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel will re-sign with Texas before the club's exclusive negotiating period for free agents ends on November 19.  Sullivan reports that "there appears to be genuine interest on both sides" to bring the 11-time Gold Glover back for his 22nd big-league season in 2010.
  • Texas GM Jon Daniels says that the team would like to bring back free-agent outfielder Marlon Byrd, but since Byrd wants to test the market, "it's just not going to happen in the exclusive window period, if it's going to happen at all."
  • The Rangers want to see how Jarrod Saltalamacchia rebounds from shoulder surgery before looking at re-signing veteran catcher and franchise legend Ivan Rodriguez.
  • In regards to the other four Texas free agents, Sullivan said that Andruw Jones and Hank Blalock won't be pursued by the club, Eddie Guardado may retire and Joaquin Benoit is "in limbo" following shoulder surgery that sidelined him for all of 2009.
  • If Ben Sheets is able to pitch in 2010, the Rangers still have interest in the right-hander who they thought they had signed last January.
  • Relief pitching will become a priority if Neftali Feliz and C.J. Wilson are moved to the rotation.  Sullivan lists several bullpen options for the Rangers, many of whom have pitched in Texas before.

Rangers’ Rumors: Pudge, Andruw, Vizquel

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The Rangers fell just short in their pursuit of the franchise's first playoff berth since 1999 this season, but with oodles of young talent the future certainly looks bright. MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan brings us some news on three of the more veteran members of the ballclub in Arlington…

  • GM Jon Daniels has told catcher Ivan Rodriguez that the team has interest in bringing him back next year. With Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden on board, Pudge knows he'd play a reduced role, and would be okay playing once or twice a week while mentoring the kids.
  • Club officials have made it clear to Andruw Jones that he's not expected to be back in 2010. Jones, who has been playing some first base lately, said he expects to keep playing for someone, but admits his days as a centerfielder are probably over. Seems like just yesterday that this guy was hitting homers in the World Series and running down everything from gap to gap, doesn't it?
  • Omar Vizquel may no longer be a starting shortstop, but he still has value as a utility infielder and the team is interested in bringing him back. The 42-year old said he would be interested in returning, but wants to see what other opportunities are out there for him.
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