Although the finance have improved to where the cash in game is maxed out at $20M, the Valencia brass wanted to open up free agency options by ridding themselves of the $10.5M salary/-0.8 WAR of Vazquez. The move gives the Stars a $41.6M checkbook for free agency this off-season.
As mentioned, transferring that salary to Las Vegas did come at a cost. Outfielder Angel Trejo hit .314/.378 in his third season at AAA while hitting 16 homers. He did not fare well in his September callup (.167/.286), but the 22 year-old still is considered to have potential to contribute at the major league level in a minor role with an overall rating of 45.
Reliever Rafael Gonzalez went 4-2 with a 4.32 ERA in his third year in AAA. The 23 year-old also is a candidate to contribute with an overall rating of 45 while striking out 47 batters in 50 innings thanks to his 100 mph heat.
Inside sources stated that the same deal was worked out with Vancouver only to have Vazquez nix it via his no-trade clause.
Las Vegas promptly released Vazquez and paid the remainder of his salary. Rumor has it that Vazquez is in the free agent market seeking a $1.8M/1 year deal.
