Florida Marlins pitcher Javier Vazquez puts faith in 2011
The Florida Marlins closed last season on a good deal last year when they landed Javier Vazquez from the free agency. The veteran pitcher has been in the Major League for more than 14 years and packs an incredible experience in the game of baseball.
Vazquez had been part of the New York Yankees’ roster last season, but hadn’t had the best time on the field. Now, the seasoned pitcher is putting faith in 2011 and is promising a rebound from a lacklustre season.
If there’s one thing the player has lost grip of, is his earning runs average. The player registered an earning runs average of 5.32 last season. His aim is to push that figure down this year. Most importantly, his wins and losses tally is a concern for
him. He maintained a tally of 10 wins – 10 losses in 2010. The player signed a $7 million deal with the Marlins and is looking to prove his mettle with the new management’s support.
“They’re a good team,” the right-hand pitcher said. "I think we have a good nucleus. Also, the proximity to Puerto Rico helps me see my family. My kids are in school over there right now. I'm hoping to make a few trips back home on days off, or they can
come over here. It's easier travel. I always loved Florida and thought about playing here.”
Florida Marlins Manager Edwin Rodriguez hails from the same town of Ponce in Puerto Rico that Vazquez grew up in. The skipper was able to sign the pitcher to the roster and he didn’t have to convince him a lot to make the decision.
“It’s a great honour to play for Edwin,” Vazquez said. “I’ve known Edwin for a lot of years. Every time, a manager or an organisation tells you they want you, it feels good as a player. I told them I did want to be here. It worked out."
Vazquez’s main problem last season was his velocity and he hopes he can get back to the form of 2009, when he played with the Atlanta Braves. The 34-year-old bagged 15 wins and 10 losses that year, posting an earning runs average of 2.87.
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