Yardbarker: Omar Vizquel

White Sox & Ken Williams: Partying Like It’s 1999

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:06:40 -0500

Ken Williams can’t get mo money from Mr. Jerry Reinsdorf, so he’s partying like it’s 1999. How so? By signing 2 players that were in their prime back then: Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones. Those 2 also both played in the infamous “tie game” in 2002 All-Star Game. Is Kenny getting all nostalgic? Here are [...]

Any Deals for Jim Hendry on Black Friday?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:05:00 -0500

On the day after Thanksgiving, will Jim Hendry make any progress on "Movin' Milton"? Reports before the holiday indicated the Cubs remain focused on unloading Milton Bradley, which could clear a little necessary room on the payroll. Rumors have suggested the Cubs' payroll for 2010 will be anywhere from $140 million to $150 million. With all of the high-priced contracts (that includes multiple no-trade clauses) and arbitration eligible players, if the rumors are correct that ...

Jays 2010 Free Agent Wish List for SS

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:08:48 -0500

The other day Omar Vizquel signed for virtually peanuts ($1.375 million). Some ‘journalists’ have claimed that Omar’s signing has set the market. Give me a break. Depending on how much collusion is in the cards the Jays could end up with Marco via arbitration, although I highly doubt it. Coming off of a career year [...]

Let's not throw a hissy fit now

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:45:00 -0500

I figured out my purpose in life.

It's to have this blog forever and ever and make it go mainstream so I can educate stupid people.

I'm already seeing people jump on Mark Shapiro about Omar Vizquel signing with Chicago.

Really now? Seriously?

I've been joking around on Twitter (Because that's what I use Twitter for) about it and have been saying these things about Omar.

But there are people out there that are actually serious.

I mean the "Vizquel picks Sox ahead of Indians" title on Indians.com isn't helping matters, but people refuse to read beyond that.

They avoid the most important part of the article.

"The Indians did express interest in Vizquel, but they were told by his agent, Adam Katz, that the White Sox were a higher priority on his list. It had been speculated that the 42-year-old Vizquel, perhaps seeking future support for his Hall of Fame candidacy, wanted to land with a "high-profile" club, and the Sox are obviously in a bigger market than the Tribe."

You see that?

I've bolded it for reference. The Indians asked, Omar said no and that is the rumored reason.

So if your going to get on someone, don't get on Shapiro, get on Omar Vizquel for picking the White Sox. BECAUSE HE DID.

I'm glad some people have realized this.. Others have not.

However, we need to now discuss Omar and this situation, because it's now bleeding into traitor territory.

1. Money was not an issue here. I'm sure the Tribe would have paid him close what the Sox did.

2. Situation was not an issue here. He's a utility man/mentor in either case.

So that leaves his reasoning down to being with fellow countryman/shortstop Ozzie Guillen or as the rumor put it, being with a more high profile team to gain HOF support.

I can see it, more stops, more fans (because everywhere Omar goes, he is loved). That makes sense.. But it's rather insulting as an Indian fan to sit here and listen to this reasoning come out.

If he wanted to unite with Ozzie or something, that's cool. (Let me remind you that we've got a Venezuelan middle infield though, one who plays his position, wears his number and idolized Omar growing up).

But if this is a ploy to get more HOF Support? Come on, he's got enough. He's going in as an Indian, he'll be getting mass support from the West for his work with Seattle and San Francisco, from the south with his stint in Texas and of course here on the East with Cleveland. He's no doubt turned many writers and watchers of the game into fans of the guy.

Now this all being said.

While it is in traitor territory, let's not go crucifying Omar Vizquel for being an actual traitor.

This is low on the scale of traitor scale.

Let's not all of a sudden not be fans of him anymore.

And there is another factor here to consider.

Chicago was in the running for the playoffs last year. Granted this is the AL Central, but they look to have a more balanced team that is going to contend NEXT YEAR. So maybe he wants to win a ring, because that's something he still hasn't done.

Which again, is another reason I can buy.

But this "rumored" reason better be close to false, because it stinks for Cleveland and us fans of the team if it's true.

So the moral of this story is this.

1. Let's not crucify Omar Vizquel for signing with a rival, we probably will never know the real reason, but the "rumored" one is low on the scale of traitor. Be a little miffed, but don't boo him when he walks onto Progressive Field this upcoming season.

2. Let's not bash Mark Shapiro AT ALL for not signing him. He asked, was turned down. He did all he could do. Stop being irrational.

3. Omar still belongs in the Hall of Fame.

4. I still maintain that they could make up his salary in "Vizquel 13" T-Shirt sales... Not to mention Cabrera shirts because he most definitely would change his number now.

Before I bow out.. A few links to share.

I penned an article about Sandy Alomar Jr.'s return to Cleveland. I know we've been over it like crazy, but hey.

We probably won't talk until it happens, thanks to Thanksgiving tomorrow and probably the lack of news from now and until Sunday. But Jake Westbrook will make his first Winter League start this Saturday for Ponce in Puerto Rico. (Why is Puerto coming up as a wrong spelling in firefox? Who crazy, just after I mention it the red line went away).

IPI has an AFL Wrapup post up going over more than just stats, which is key especially for pitchers when you are talking about Arizona. Of course McBride had the killer AFL stint.

Finally a new Indians Inbox went up yesterday. More of the same that AC has and everyone else has been over in the past week. Kerry Wood, the bullpen, Acta, Rule 5 Stuff...

Speaking of, I'll have a new Rule V Article up on B/R sometime today or Friday.

Omar Vizquel is Official

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:23:29 -0500

I held off on commenting on the long-rumored Omar Vizquel signing for two reasons; one, it's pretty tough to get excited about the signing of a back-up shortstop, even if he happens to be one of the best defenders in the history of the game; and two, I wasn't going to waste the energy on a deal that wasn't official. Well now the deal is official. It seems the only hangup was getting Omar hooked up with some Sox gear, rounding up Luis Aparicio, and putting together&nbs...

Omar Vizquel signs with the White Sox

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:55:55 -0500

Omar Vizquel, the 42-year-old infielder, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. Vizquel will take his fantastic glove and 2,704 career hits to Chicago and help the team try to make it back to the playoffs. Last season, Vizquel played a bench role with the Texas Rangers. In 177 at-bats, the native of Venezuela hit .266 with one homer, 14 RBIs and 17 runs. With the White Sox, Vizquel will continue play a utility role — likely spending time at shortstop, third base and s...

Vizquel to the White Sox

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:08:41 -0500

Omar Vizquel moves to the White Sox as he signs as a free agent. Vizquel will provide experience as a backup in the infield where newly acquired Mark Teahen will play third, Alexei Ramirez will be at shortstop and Gordon Beckham will switch from third to second. Omar doesn’t contribute offensively any more, but he’s [...]

Omar Vizquel to the ChiSox

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:58:12 -0500

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP 3 months ago: Texas Rangers' Omar Vizquel celebrates his solo home against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) Browse more photos » Omar Vizquel has signed a one year deal for $1.375 million with the Chicago White Sox. Officially, Vizquel is going to be a backup in...

ChiSox seal 1-year, $1.375M deal with Vizquel

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:47:25 -0500

The White Sox have signed free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel to a one-year, $1,375,000 contract.

Former Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel signs with the Chicago White Sox

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:42:35 -0500

The Associated Press Omar Vizquel agreed Monday to $1,375,000, one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox. Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerOmar Vizquel, as a Texas Ranger, reacting to a standing ovation from Indians fans in Cleveland last Aug. 11.The...

Omar Vizquel to the South Side

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:15 -0500

If multiple reports from Friday come to fruition, the Chicago White Sox will make the first major league signing of the free agency period by adding infielder Omar Vizquel. Terms are unavailable; however, given Vizquel’s modest one-year for $1M contract last season, it seems unlikely that Kenny Williams is breaking the bank on the 42-year-old [...]

Former Cleveland Indians star Omar Vizquel, 42, is reportedly close to signing with the Chicago White Sox

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:22:05 -0500

Omar Vizquel, who won nine of his 11 Gold Gloves as the Cleveland Indians shortstop from 1994-2004, is reportedly close to signing a free agent deal with the Chicago White Sox. Vizquel, a potential Hall of Famer, has played 21 major league seasons.

Vizquel & Park

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:27:00 -0500

Omar Vizquel's name is being floated around as a possible replacement for the newly departed Eric Bruntlett. Vizquel, who is 42, still manages to be in excellent shape and play outstanding defense at multiple positions (SS, 2nd, and 3rd), but his bat is weak. Of course, a crusty piece of pooh could replace Bruntlett, so I'm not going to complain much if the Phillies decide to go this route. Last year with the Texas Rangers he hit .266 with a .660 OPS. Like I said, better than Bruntlet...

Rosenthal - Sources: Vizquel not returning to Rangers

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:10:02 -0500

Rosenthal - Sources: Vizquel not returning to Rangers Free-agent shortstop Omar Vizquel will not be back with the Rangers, major-league sources say. Vizquel, 42, had 195 plate appearances last season, and is looking for the same type of utility role. He would prefer a higher-profile team, one source says.