CLEVELAND -- Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel failed a physical in Seattle on Tuesday, putting in jeopardy a trade that would have sent him to the Mariners for Carlos Guillen.
The teams had agreed on a deal to swap the shortstops contingent on Vizquel passing medical tests. The 36-year-old had two surgeries on his right knee last season.
However, after undergoing a physical and being put through agility drills at Safeco Field by the Mariners, Vizquel was informed that he did not pass.
"They called me about an hour ago, and told me that I didn't pass the test on my knee," Vizquel told MLB.com on Tuesday night. "It was kind of a shock. I was really looking forward to coming back and playing for the Mariners."
Vizquel played five seasons for Seattle before being traded to Cleveland in 1993.
Seattle had been interested in acquiring Vizquel after the team failed to sign free agent Miguel Tejada, who agreed to a $72 million, six-year deal with Baltimore.
Vizquel, who lives in Issaquah, Wash., is a nine-time Gold Glove winner and has been an All-Star three times. With 10 years in the big leagues and five consecutive years with the Indians, Vizquel could have vetoed any trade.
Guillen agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract with Seattle on Sunday.
 | |
| Omar Vizquel played five seasons in Seattle before being traded to Cleveland in 1993.(AP) |
Last season, he tore cartilage in his knee during a June game at Arizona while sliding into home plate. During rehabilitation, Vizquel tore the knee again.
Vizquel was one of Cleveland's key players during its run of six AL Central titles from 1995-2001, which included AL pennants in 1995 and 1997. The acrobatic infielder was acquired by Cleveland in 1993 from the Mariners for shortstop Felix Fermin and designated hitter Reggie Jefferson.
For 10 seasons, he has dazzled Indians fans. Vizquel's ability to charge and barehand a ground ball before throwing out a runner became his signature play.
Vizquel won nine straight Gold Gloves from 1993-2001 before his streak was stopped by Texas' Alex Rodriguez.
Guillen, a 28-year-old switch-hitter, batted a career-best .276 last season with seven homers and 52 RBI. It was the fourth straight year he raised his batting average. He was limited to 109 games became of inflammation of the pelvis.
Guillen played shortstop and third base last season, and in previous years also played second.
The Indians have also been trying to sign a second baseman, and had offered free agent Todd Walker a $2.4 million, one-year deal during the winter meetings. However, Indians general manager Mark Shapiro withdrew the offer Tuesday and said the club was preparing to make another to an unspecified player.
Notes
RHP Jake Westbrook agreed to a $925,000, one-year contract. RHP David Riske is Cleveland's only player remaining eligible for arbitration.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
