Cleveland, OH (My Sportsbook) - Cleveland declined a 2005 option, worth $5 million, on shortstop Omar Vizquel on Tuesday. Vizquel, a 16-year veteran, will receive a $1 million buyout and become a free agent. In 2004, his 11th season with the Indians, the 37-year-old Vizquel hit .291 with seven homers and 59 RBI in 148 games. Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro met with Adam Katz, Vizquel's agent, on Monday. Vizquel, who spent the first five seasons of his career with Seattle, is a career .275 hitter with 66 homers and 715 RBI. The slick fielder won nine straight Gold Glove Awards from 1993-2001. "This step is a mere formality and does not impact the process in re-signing Omar Vizquel," Shapiro said. It does not lessen our hope or desire in bringing Omar back." In other news, the Indians outrighted pitcher Joe Dawley to Triple-A Buffalo. |
