Special_K19
10-13-2004, 03:33 PM
Not much too post here recently, but there is minorly news worthy. It doesn't mean Omar is gone, just that he won't be on the same contract. Hopefully he'll actually give the Tribe a hoetown discount. Even if he does sign back here, I expect Johnny Peralta to get a lot of playing time.
10/12/2004 3:10 PM ET
Indians decline option on Vizquel
Team still intends to sign veteran shortstop
By Justice B. Hill / MLB.com
CLEVELAND -- The Indians declined to pick up the $5 million option on Omar Vizquel's contract, marking the next step in the on-going dialogue between Vizquel and team officials.
"This step is a mere formality and does not impact the process in re-signing Omar Vizquel," general manager Mark Shapiro said in a statement. "It does not lessen our hope or desire in bringing Omar back."
Both Vizquel and Shapiro have expressed interest in trying to work out a deal that would keep the 37-year-old Vizquel, the last link from the glory days of the 1990s, with the Indians. He has said he would like to retire as an Indian.
But with younger and cheaper shortstops like Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Phillips seemingly ready to step into Vizquel's shoes, Shapiro has said he might not be able to afford Vizquel, who made $6.25 million last season, and also land the kind of quality starting pitcher the team needs to contend in 2005.
Shapiro, who has not seen his budget for 2005 yet, has called finding a No. 2 or No. 3 starter and an experienced arm for the back end of the bullpen his highest priorities this offseason.
"I want Omar back," he said earlier this month. "But more than anything, I want this team to have the best chance to win a championship.
"I want this team to be able to fulfill our expectations from Opening Day next year of contending for a division [title]."
The Indians now must pay Vizquel, who batted .291 with seven homers and 59 RBIs this past season, a $1 million buyout.
10/12/2004 3:10 PM ET
Indians decline option on Vizquel
Team still intends to sign veteran shortstop
By Justice B. Hill / MLB.com
CLEVELAND -- The Indians declined to pick up the $5 million option on Omar Vizquel's contract, marking the next step in the on-going dialogue between Vizquel and team officials.
"This step is a mere formality and does not impact the process in re-signing Omar Vizquel," general manager Mark Shapiro said in a statement. "It does not lessen our hope or desire in bringing Omar back."
Both Vizquel and Shapiro have expressed interest in trying to work out a deal that would keep the 37-year-old Vizquel, the last link from the glory days of the 1990s, with the Indians. He has said he would like to retire as an Indian.
But with younger and cheaper shortstops like Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Phillips seemingly ready to step into Vizquel's shoes, Shapiro has said he might not be able to afford Vizquel, who made $6.25 million last season, and also land the kind of quality starting pitcher the team needs to contend in 2005.
Shapiro, who has not seen his budget for 2005 yet, has called finding a No. 2 or No. 3 starter and an experienced arm for the back end of the bullpen his highest priorities this offseason.
"I want Omar back," he said earlier this month. "But more than anything, I want this team to have the best chance to win a championship.
"I want this team to be able to fulfill our expectations from Opening Day next year of contending for a division [title]."
The Indians now must pay Vizquel, who batted .291 with seven homers and 59 RBIs this past season, a $1 million buyout.