ARLINGTON, Texas — Omar Vizquel is going to spring training with the Texas Rangers, who want him to mentor 20-year-old shortstop Elvis Andrus.
An 11-time Gold Glove winner, the 41-year-old Vizquel agreed to a minor league deal Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.
Vizquel might become a utility infielder for the Rangers, but his biggest contribution could be helping in the development of Andrus. Texas is moving five-time All-Star shortstop Michael Young, a Gold Glove winner last season, to third base to make room for Andrus, who has never played above Double-A.
If he makes the major league team, Vizquel will get a $1 million contract with a chance to earn more in performance bonuses.
Vizquel, a three-time All-Star, spent the past four seasons with the San Francisco Giants, who did not pick up his contract option for 2009. He made $5.3 million last season.
“The signing of Omar gives us some additional depth in the infield,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “His experience and years of defensive excellence should be an asset to all of our young players.”
Vizquel’s 2,654 games at shortstop are a major league record. Only Ozzie Smith has won more Gold Gloves at shortstop (13), but Vizquel is the only shortstop to win the award multiple times in both the American and National Leagues.
The Rangers also signed catcher Adam Melhuse to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Melhuse made the team’s opening-day roster as a backup last season, but was released April 25 after appearing in only eight games.
Vizquel missed the start of last season after undergoing left knee surgery. He was limited to 92 games, his fewest since playing 64 in 2003 for Cleveland, and hit .222 with 23 RBIs and 10 doubles.
After making his major league debut with Seattle in 1989 and staying with the Mariners for five seasons, Vizquel appeared in two World Series with the Indians from 1994-2004.
He is a .273 career hitter with 2,657 hits and 385 stolen bases in 2,680 games.
“He is somebody that not only can help on the defensive end, but can teach guys when it’s a good time to drop bunts,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He can teach guys how to play the game fundamentally. He brings a lot.”
Vizquel still lives outside Seattle, so he would get a chance to play close to home if he makes the Rangers, who play nine games on the road against the Mariners this season.
Vizquel is the only Venezuelan-born player with at least 20 seasons in the majors. He was the captain on the Venezuelan team during the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and could play for that squad again in March.
“If he decides to be with Venezuela, he deserves that right,” Washington said.
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