Expos avoid arbitration with RHP Javier Vazquez

[RockieBill]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/gen/wire?messageId=7778565

MONTREAL (Ticker) -- The Montreal Expos on Friday avoided arbitration with righthander Javier Vazquez, signing one of baseball's top young pitchers to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Vazquez made $2 million last season

Vazquez, 25, emerged as the Expos' ace and one of the game's rising stars last season after going 16-11 with a 3.42 ERA in 32 starts. He finished in the top 10 in the National League in shutouts (3), complete games (5) and strikeouts (208).

Vazquez won the NL Pitcher of the Month honors in August after going 5-1 with a microscopic 0.55 ERA.

The Expos also avoided arbitration with catcher Michael Barrett, signing him to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In his first full season as the Expos' catcher, the 25-year-old Barrett batted .250 with six homers and 38 RBI in 132 games.

[pmeares17]

who knows though with all this contraction nonsense vasques could be a marlin??:uhoh:

[RockieBill]

That's very possible, but I think MLB will just take over the 'Spos until next season...if they're going to do anything, they better git jiggy wit it - only 25 days 'til Spring Training!

[KingFish]

It looks like contraction is dead for the season. Look heavenward and give thanks. The Expos as a team do not deserve this kind of treatment but the loyal fans will eventually suffer for the cities lack of support. Vasquez is the real deal in my maind and wherever he ends up will be a great addition to the team. If they do have to relocate the DC area may be a perfect fit for them if the Twinkies don't beat them to it. :crying2: