Friday, December 11, 2009

#449) JOSE VIZCAINO

Jose Vizcaino joined the New York Mets when he was traded from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Anthony Young and Ottis Smith on March 30, 1994. Jose was resigned to a two-year contract after his first season with the Mets even though young shortstop, Rey Ordonez was on the horizon. The team had concerns over the incoming rookie's ability to hit at the major league level. Vizcaino provided another quality option and understood that. "It's a team of the future." he said of the Mets. "It's got a chance to win a championship and I want to be a part of that. I want to play everyday, but I know we've got Rey Ordonez. I've gotta go out and work for a job." Jose was able to do that as he made his way into 135 games during the 1995 season. All of them, save one, at shortstop. During the 1996 season he shifted positions to second base with Ordonez becoming the everyday shortstop. Vizcaino was traded along with Jeff Kent to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Carlos Baerga and Alvaro Espinosa on July 29, 1996.

Jose Vizcaino signed his card in the set for me during the Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 7, 2009.

No comments:

Post a Comment