How the Mariners ended up with him:Omar Vizquel signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent at the beginning of the 1984 season.
Why we miss him:Playing five full seasons as a Mariner from 1989-1993, Vizquel became consistent producer at the plate, and more importantly defensively out at the shortstop position. In 1992 he put up a respectable line of .294/.340/.352. Although he lacked power in his offensive capabilities, Vizquel developed into the top defensive shortstop in the Major Leagues.
He earned his first gold glove in 1993 and would go on to earn nine consecutive gold gloves from 1993 to 2001. If there was no such baseball player named Alex Rodriguez, Omar Vizquel would be the most adequate short stop to fill in the Mariners' current weakness. Vizquel's glove would do wonders for a middle in field defense that continues to be a major hurdle for the team.
Where he is now:In the the offseason after the 1993 season, Omar Vizquel was traded to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Felix Fermin and Reggie Jefferson. Fermin played two years for the Mariners and then had two stints with the Yankees and Cubs in 1996, he was subsequently dropped by the Cubs in 1996 and never picked up a baseball again.
Jefferson ended up playing a year for the Mariners and then played five seasons with the Red Sox where he ended his career. Oh yea, this is supposed to be about Vizquel, right?
Well after being traded to the Indians, Vizquel's career took off from there. His reputation as a defensive wizard was made evident by his ability to make the All-Star three times based solely on his glove work in 1998, 1999, and 2001.
He is a potential Hall of Famer. Vizquel is currently on the division rival Texas Rangers, but he is seeing sparse playing time. Old age is catching up and it is likely he will retire within the next couple years.
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Photo Source: Left Coast Bias
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/07/...
