GLENDALE, Ariz. — Omar Vizquel thought the 2009 season would be his last. Not so fast.
“I always doubted (that I would play in 2010),” said Vizquel, who hit .266 in 62 games for Texas last year before signing a free-agent contract with the White Sox this offseason worth $1.375 million. “But I felt so good during the whole year I decided to give it another shot. So, here I am.”
Vizquel, a 21-year veteran is back for another season, and he’s back in the Central Division, where he starred for 11 years as the Indians’ shortstop from 1994-2004. He’s not ruling out another go round in 2011, either.
“It depends on how it goes this year with the White Sox,” said Vizquel, who was not in the lineup for the Sox in their Catcus League game against the Indians at the Ballpark at Camelback Ranch on Thursday. He’s played in four games this spring, batting .083 (1-for-11).
At 42, Vizquel, who has won 11 Gold Gloves (nine in Cleveland), will enter the season as the oldest position player in the majors, and the third-oldest player overall behind pitchers Jamie Moyer (47) and Tim Wakefield (43). He turns 43 on April 24.
His days as a starting shortstop are numbered, but he’s still a valuable defensive asset and a positive influence in the clubhouse.
Last year in Texas, Vizquel played second base (16 games), shortstop (27) and third base (20) — the same spots he is expected to occupy in Chicago. He said the transition to second base, not third, was the most difficult.
“It was different, no doubt,” Vizquel said. “You feel kind of lost out there. You don’t know how to position yourself. (The ball) gets there faster (at third), but it’s OK. I’ve never had a problem catching the ball.”
There was talk this offseason that the Indians were interested in bringing Vizquel back to Cleveland. His agent Adam Katz, said that after spending a year in Texas, Vizquel was looking for a bigger, more modern city. Vizquel denied as much, saying he and the Indians never discussed a contract.
Would he like to play for the Indians before his career is complete?
“As soon as they offer me something,” Vizquel said. “They keep saying they don’t have much money.”
First time
Right-hander Mitch Talbot, one of three vying for two open spots in the Indians’ rotation, made his first start (second appearance). He allowed a run on two hits with two strikeouts over three innings.
“I feel like I’m doing my job,” said Talbot, who was acquired from Tampa Bay for catcher Kelly Shoppach this offseason. “The other guys (Aaron Laffey and David Huff) are doing their jobs, too. I’ll let that go to (manager) Manny (Acta) and let him do what he feels is right for the team.”
“I thought he threw the ball very well,” Acta said. “He continues to use both sides of the plate. He’s done a good job.”
Wrong way
Cleveland setup man Chris Perez took a shot at Central Division rival Minnesota’s decision to move into an outdoor stadium and out of the Metrodome, where the Twins always enjoyed a decided home-field advantage on the Astroturf and field turf.
“I think it’s one of the dumbest moves in the history of baseball,” Perez said. “The Twins know how to play there. Look at the stats, not too mention the weather. I’m not complaining. Hopefully it will get us a couple more wins there.”
Young guns
The Indians employed a lineup full of prospects against the White Sox, with just one projected starter – second baseman Luis Valbuena.
Baseball Prospectus recently ranked the Indians’ farm system as the third best player development system in the big leagues. Here’s what the publication had to say about Cleveland’s minor leaguers:
“While catcher Carlos Santana is their only Top 50 prospect, no system in the game can match Cleveland’s depth, as their three-star prospects go into the 20s. If you are making a wager on a system to produce the most players who reach the big leagues, Cleveland might just be your best bet.”
Roundin’ third
Today, 3:05, SportsTime Ohio vs. the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark. Jake Westbrook (0-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Palmer (0-0, 9.00).
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
