God, I hope you are wrong about Javier Vazquez, Big Mike.
Yeah, I think it was probably another good decision by Yanks’ GM Brian Cashman to give Vazquez another try in New York, particularly given how well Vazquez pitched for the Braves last year. On the other hand, Vazquez – given his great “stuff” – has underperformed for much of his 12-year career as a pitcher, in my view. So, despite the baseball pundits heaping praise on the Yanks and all assuming he’ll pitch outstandingly in 2010, I think he’s far from a “sure thing.”
You must agree with me, Big Mike, that Vazquez, as such a talented pitcher, has been sort of a typical pitching enigma for much of his career. Why hasn’t he been a 20-game winner at least once? Or, just posted records that are more “outstanding” rather than “average” — which is what he has done over most of his 12 years? What happened to him on the White Sox? I believe Ozzie Guillen might’ve been over-critical of him, but his W-L records there of 11 – 12, 15 – 8 and 12 – 16 seem to typify his career. (I know his won-loss record is only one measure)
I remember, back in 2004, when I first saw him pitch for the Yankees. He looked like a stud. He seemed unhittable at times. He has a fastball that moves, a first-rate changeup, a slider and a curve. What I recall about Vazquez is that when he was “on,” he pitched like a true ace. His main problem against the Red Sox, including in the 2004 ACLS, is that he threw too many “mistake pitches” – balls that he just left out over the plate out of the blue. The Red Sox have usually had a number of hitters who rip “mistake pitches” – just like Johnny Damon tagged Vazquez for two home runs in Game 7 of the 2004 ACLS.
If you look at Vazquez’ pitching stats, you remain confused why he hasn’t posted more wins. He has ended five seasons with more than 200 strikeouts and his “batting average against” stats have been good. He’s won 15 games or more only twice out of his 12 years – once in 2001, when he finished 16-11 for Montreal, and, then, last year, with his 15-10 record for the Braves.
So, if Vazquez finds his groove in 2010, he may help the Yanks win another title, but, I would think that it’d be hard to shake his old inconsistent habits in the American League East.
Javier Vazquez is an enigma, partly because he hasn’t yet emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball. I hope he remains an enigma – as a guy who keeps struggling as an average pitcher – despite fantastic talent – for the Yankees.
