Javier Vazquez ends career positively, unlikely to return – MLB News
Javier Vazquez finished the season and probably his career in the most emphatic manner with a complete-game victory against Washington Nationals on Saturday, September 24. The lead-up to this was more impressive, nonetheless. Vazquez extended his record-streak
of scoreless innings to 29 in his last start which is likely to remain a record, for the foreseeable future at least.
The victory made Vazquez only the 35th starter in the history of Majors to win 10 or more games in at least 12 consecutive seasons.
After an extraordinary stint in September, Vazquez was named National League’s Pitcher of the Month. His statistics in September were incredible with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record and an inspiring earned-run average of 0.71. Vazquez allowed just three walks
in 38 innings, striking-out 36 batters on his way to glory.
This was Vazquez’s second monthly award and first since 2001, when he was a member of the Montreal Expos. If his form before the All-Star break is to be adjudged, with just three wins to his credit, no one would have tipped Vazquez to finish his career on
a high. However, defying all obstacles, Vazquez bagged ten of his total 13 wins after the midseason classic to reiterate his authority on the mound.
"I always had confidence in myself and always worked hard. Even with my struggles I kept battling and going out there and trying my best," Vazquez said. "Of course, if you ask me back then I wasn't thinking about pitching this way, but I'm glad and thank
the Lord I could finish this way."
Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen insisted that Vazquez’s presence would have strengthened the bull-pen but the decision to talk the ace out of retirement remains with the administration. Guillen said, "I know what he can bring to the table, but I just manage.
That's the front office and Javy's business."
As compensation for Guillen, however, the Marlins acquired right-handed pitcher Ricardo Andres from the Chicago White Sox. Andres stands tall at 6ft 4in and is just 20-years-old. His addition will be a plus for the Marlins but they will be looking to enhance
their batting strength for the next season to attain positive results.
Tags: