Though he stated he would probably retire after the 2011 season, Javier Vazquez still surprised many when he stayed to his word. He came off a solid season in 2011 with an even more impressive finish. For the Marlins, he was 13-11, 3.67 in 32 starts with a 1.183 WHIP. Of course, New York fans will remember him for his less than impressive two separate seasons with the Yankees in 2004 and 2010. However, at age 36, he can still provide depth to a good rotation.
The question remains of whether Vazquez wants to pitch again. There was a story on www.baseballreference.com that stated he was considering pitching again. Looking at his career numbers, he has pitched consistently enough to get a chance. Outside of his 11-15, 4.42 season of 2005 with the White Sox, he has had very good seasons every other season since 2001. Kind of like Bret Saberhagen during the odd seasons from 1985-1991. In 2001, he was 16-11, 3.42 for Montreal. After a 10-13, 3.91 season in 2002, he was 13-12, 3.24 with a career high 241 strikeouts. Despite 14 wins and an All Star selection with NY, it was a disappointing season as he finished with a 4.91 ERA. 2006 saw him finish 11-12, 4.84. But he went 15-8, 3.73 with 213 Ks in 2007. His 2009 season with Atlanta was unbelievable, when he was 15-10, 2.87 and 232 Ks. Throw in his 2011 season with the Marlins, could he be on pace to perform near those previous numbers?
Maybe he took the season off because he sensed the pattern. By doing so (if he wants to pitch), he automatically lowered his asking price. Teams should clearly have a doubt when it comes to signing a pitcher who just voluntarily did not pitch an entire season. Andy Pettitte got $2.5 million with incentives to come back to the Yankees last year. It would be unlikely if Vazquez got even that. Half of the teams in baseball would take Vazquez as their 5th starter with the upside of being better than that. The question is, does he want to return? If so, he can be a comeback player of the year candidate.
Maybe he took the season off because he sensed the pattern. By doing so (if he wants to pitch), he automatically lowered his asking price. Teams should clearly have a doubt when it comes to signing a pitcher who just voluntarily did not pitch an entire season. Andy Pettitte got $2.5 million with incentives to come back to the Yankees last year. It would be unlikely if Vazquez got even that. Half of the teams in baseball would take Vazquez as their 5th starter with the upside of being better than that. The question is, does he want to return? If so, he can be a comeback player of the year candidate.
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