Sticking Points 2060.3: Jesus Vazquez Returns From "Boarding School"

[JimSlade]

The similarly skilled outfielder battle among invitees to the 2060 Rockville Pikemen spring training camp just got more crowded, as the team reacquired its first pick in the 2054 draft, Jose Vazquez for cash considerations from the San Bernadino Bears.

Vazquez only played 1 season in the low minors in the PIkemen organization before he was dealt to the Omaha Cyclones for current free agent Eric Wagner. "We felt the time was right to strike for Eric," said Rockville GM Jim Slade minutes after the deal was announced, "but that doesn't mean we didn't see Jose as our guy. We see his journey as a sort of boarding school. Our kid is grown up now. Welcome home, son!"

Although Vazquez is not a strong centerfielder, he may have a way forward in Rockville as a righthanded option to complement Kyle Ray. And like so many of Rockville's native sons, Vazquez is versatile, having logged time at first base and second base as well as all 3 outfield positions.

"I'm not being critical of Omaha," said Slade, "but Jose was fast-tracked to the bigs. He got off to a nice start, then hit some stumbling blocks, as will happen to any young player. At 26, he's just reaching his early prime years. We're excited to get back a kid with some battle scars and see how he does if we pull back the reins a little bit."

When reached for comment, Vazquez said, "I'll have more to say when I get back 'home' and my head stops spinning, but I'm glad to see that many of the dudes from my draft class are also coming up to Rockville, like Jorge Ramirez, Roberto Soliz, and Jose Smith. Roberto and I roomed together. Class of '54 is ready to make some noise!"

[BaseClogger]

He’s a deserving player who I think can be quite good in center. His biggest negative for me was his arbitration salary and 4+ years of service time. It made him expensive minor league depth.