By Mark Gonzales
The White Sox today finalized the signing of shortstop Omar Vizquel to a one-year contract worth $1.375 million.
Vizquel, who nearly signed with the Sox five years ago, will serve as a backup to starter Alexei Ramirez at short and assist Gordon Beckham, who will make the transition from third base to second base after spending most of his career as a shortstop..
Vizquel, 42, is an 11-time Gold Glove Award winner for his exceptional defense. Vizquel fulfilled the same role last season in Texas with rookie Elvis Andrus. Vizquel batted .266 in 62 games with the Rangers.
Manager Ozzie Guillen sent Vizquel, a fellow Venezuelan, a bottle of champagne in 2008 after Vizquel broke the major league record for most games played by a shortstop. Guillen also said last season that Vizquel was a better shortstop than Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio.
Vizquel adjusted well last season to his new role. He didn't commit an error in 207 total chances while playing 27 games at shortstop, 20 at third base and 16 at second.
The acquisition raises questions about the status of Jayson Nix, who served as a utility player last season, and Brent Lillibridge.
The White Sox today finalized the signing of shortstop Omar Vizquel to a one-year contract worth $1.375 million.
Vizquel, who nearly signed with the Sox five years ago, will serve as a backup to starter Alexei Ramirez at short and assist Gordon Beckham, who will make the transition from third base to second base after spending most of his career as a shortstop..
Vizquel, 42, is an 11-time Gold Glove Award winner for his exceptional defense. Vizquel fulfilled the same role last season in Texas with rookie Elvis Andrus. Vizquel batted .266 in 62 games with the Rangers.
Manager Ozzie Guillen sent Vizquel, a fellow Venezuelan, a bottle of champagne in 2008 after Vizquel broke the major league record for most games played by a shortstop. Guillen also said last season that Vizquel was a better shortstop than Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio.
Vizquel adjusted well last season to his new role. He didn't commit an error in 207 total chances while playing 27 games at shortstop, 20 at third base and 16 at second.
The acquisition raises questions about the status of Jayson Nix, who served as a utility player last season, and Brent Lillibridge.
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say hello to the best defensive short stop all the time
I hear that Greg Luzinski is available.
I'm guessing Vizquel will only be a bench player who will tutor Beckham and Ramirez and will probably spell Ramirez in late inning close games.
If Vizquel starts all games then the Sox are in trouble
"Guillen also said last season that Vizquel was a better shortstop than Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio."
Also, a better shortstop than Guillen?
I'm guessing Vizquel will only be a bench player who will tutor Beckham and Ramirez and will probably spell Ramirez in late inning close games.
If Vizquel starts all games then the Sox are in trouble
Brent Lillibidge's status is not in question. The man is not a major league caliber player.
Maybe the 42-year-old Vizquel can bat leadoff. With Podsednik and Getz gone, he's just as capable of whoever else is left on the Sox roster.