MaoTosiFanClub
The problem
From Jayson Stark on ESPN Insider
Arizona not the apple of Vazquez's eye
Now that Randy Johnson has turned into just another left-handed breaking-ball specialist and Javier Vazquez is 5-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his past seven starts, those Arizona Diamondbacks sure look like geniuses.
But don't expect Vazquez to live happily ever after in the desert. Six months from now, there's a dramatic showdown looming between the Diamondbacks and their newfound ace.
Javier Vazquez
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
G IP W-L BB SO ERA
10 67.0 5-3 8 63 3.49
Four months ago, even before this trade was completed, Vazquez asked Arizona not to trade for him – because he didn't want to pitch for a team that's a 12-hour airplane commute away from his family in Puerto Rico.
Now, even though Vazquez is quietly and professionally going about his business, sources say he is counting down the days until he can exercise his right to force himself out of Arizona.
Because he was traded in the middle of a long-term contract, Vazquez can formally demand that the Diamondbacks trade him next winter. If they don't, he can become a free agent next March 15.
It's hard to remember a player who actually exercised that right to opt out of a guaranteed contract. But if Vazquez keeps pitching the way he has over the past five weeks, it's safe to say he wouldn't be unemployed long.
Nevertheless, Vazquez's agent, Seth Levinson, says any speculation about Vazquez using that leverage is just talk.
"Since the trade, there have been no discussions regarding what may or may not happen at the conclusion of the season," Levinson said. "Pitching for a winning team is more important than which coast Javy is on. So far, Javy has enjoyed his experience with the Diamondbacks, and the entire organization has embraced him."
Interesting conondrum the front office could face at the end of the season or at the deadline if things fall apart. If Vazquez keeps up his torrid pace, I say Moorad sacks up and gives Javy and his family private jet use to ease his woes.
Arizona not the apple of Vazquez's eye
Now that Randy Johnson has turned into just another left-handed breaking-ball specialist and Javier Vazquez is 5-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his past seven starts, those Arizona Diamondbacks sure look like geniuses.
But don't expect Vazquez to live happily ever after in the desert. Six months from now, there's a dramatic showdown looming between the Diamondbacks and their newfound ace.
Javier Vazquez
You must be registered for see images attach
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
G IP W-L BB SO ERA
10 67.0 5-3 8 63 3.49
Four months ago, even before this trade was completed, Vazquez asked Arizona not to trade for him – because he didn't want to pitch for a team that's a 12-hour airplane commute away from his family in Puerto Rico.
Now, even though Vazquez is quietly and professionally going about his business, sources say he is counting down the days until he can exercise his right to force himself out of Arizona.
Because he was traded in the middle of a long-term contract, Vazquez can formally demand that the Diamondbacks trade him next winter. If they don't, he can become a free agent next March 15.
It's hard to remember a player who actually exercised that right to opt out of a guaranteed contract. But if Vazquez keeps pitching the way he has over the past five weeks, it's safe to say he wouldn't be unemployed long.
Nevertheless, Vazquez's agent, Seth Levinson, says any speculation about Vazquez using that leverage is just talk.
"Since the trade, there have been no discussions regarding what may or may not happen at the conclusion of the season," Levinson said. "Pitching for a winning team is more important than which coast Javy is on. So far, Javy has enjoyed his experience with the Diamondbacks, and the entire organization has embraced him."
Interesting conondrum the front office could face at the end of the season or at the deadline if things fall apart. If Vazquez keeps up his torrid pace, I say Moorad sacks up and gives Javy and his family private jet use to ease his woes.
