Retired pitcher Javier Vazquez will pitch for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic and is considering a big league comeback for the 2013 season, Peter Gammons of MLB Network reports.
That's not too much of a surprise for those of us who thought Vazquez might call off his retirement last offseason when pitching-hungry teams started flashing cash. The righthander is only 36 years old and finished his 2011 season by going 8-3 with a 1.62 ERA over his last 11 starts with the Florida Marlins. Back then, one would have thought Vazquez to be a prime candidate to collect a nice contract once Jeffrey Loria and David Samson went on their spending spree for the rebranded Miami Marlins last winter.
Vazquez apparently really wanted that year of rest with his family back home in Puerto Rico and went through with his retirement. But with his batteries apparently recharged and perhaps a touch of cabin fever setting in, Vazquez will pitch for the team in his hometown of Ponce before taking the hill for the national squad next spring.
As I've written before, Vazquez might be the most maddening pitcher in baseball history considering he has inexplicably wilted on contending teams while posting career years with teams that were out of the race. But there's no denying that he owns exceptional talent and has the ability to pitch brilliantly for extended periods of time.
There will be more than one team looking to bolster their rotation with Vazquez's presence should he decide to come back for more.
Are you ready for hot stove season?
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