Angels add Omar Vizquel to minor-league coaching staff

Vizquel will begin the transition to coaching in 2013. (US Presswire)

The Angels have added longtime big-league infielder Omar Vizquel to their minor-league coaching staff, reports Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Vizquel will serve as a roving minor-league infield instructor.

“I think it's a great move for us,” said GM Jerry Dipoto. “It's a tremendous presence. What our infielders, both young and old, can learn from him is incalculable. It's tremendous what he brings to the to the table. I think it's the start of the next career for Omar Vizquel.”

Vizquel, 45, hit .235/.265/.281 in 60 games with the Blue Jays last season as a utility infielder. He produced a .272/.336/.352 batting line to go along with stellar defense at shortstop during his 24-year-career hitter, so he'll receive plenty of Hall of Fame votes in five years.

Vizquel made it no secret through the years that he hoped to get into an instructional role, either as a coach or manager, once his playing days were over.

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