Vizquel's trade to Mariners scratched after failed test



The Gold Glove-winning shortstop will remain with the Indians for now.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Omar Vizquel's days with the Cleveland Indians aren't over just yet.
The Gold Glove shortstop, who had two surgeries on his right knee last season, failed a physical in Seattle on Tuesday and put in jeopardy a trade that would have sent him back to the Mariners for Carlos Guillen.
The teams had agreed on a deal to swap the shortstops contingent on Vizquel passing medical tests. But the 36-year-old said Tuesday night that the Mariners informed him he would be staying with Cleveland -- for now.
Earlier in the day, the Mariners put Vizquel through agility drills and a physical at Safeco Field to see how his knee was.
Apparently, they didn't like what they saw.
Failed test on knee
"They told me that I didn't pass the test on my knee," Vizquel told MLB.com. "It was kind of a shock. I was really looking forward to coming back and playing for the Mariners."
Indians general manager Mark Shapiro did not return a phone message seeking comment Tuesday night.
Vizquel, a nine-time Gold Glove winner and three-time AL All-Star, 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., has 10 years in the big leagues and five consecutive years with the Indians, giving him the power to veto any trade. He has done that before, and said throughout last season that Seattle would be the only team to whom he would agree to be traded.
Guillen agrees to pact
Guillen agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract with Seattle on Sunday.
Vizquel, who will make $6 million next season, played in just 64 games in 2003, his fewest since 1988. In 2002, Vizquel had his most productive offensive season, batting .275 with 14 homers and 72 RBIs.
Last season, he tore cartilage in his knee during a June game at Arizona while sliding into home plate. He had surgery and was placed on the disabled list.
During rehabilitation, Vizquel tore the knee again and had another operation on Sept. 5.
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, Vizquel has dazzled Indians fans. His ability to charge and barehand a ground ball before throwing out a runner has become a signature play.
Vizquel won nine straight Gold Gloves from 1993-2001 before his streak was stopped by Texas' Alex Rodriguez.
Guillen's background
Guillen, a 28-year-old switch-hitter, batted a career-best .276 last season with seven homers and 52 RBIs. 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 also have 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, Shapiro withdrew the offer Tuesday and said the club was preparing to make another to an unspecified player.
Westbrook signs
Right-hander Jake Westbrook and the Indians agreed Tuesday to a $925,000, one-year contract.
Westbrook was 7-10 with a 4.33 ERA this season, with a career-high 34 appearances, including 22 starts.
The Indians were impressed by the pitcher's final month, when he was 2-1 with a 2.01 ERA and his first career complete game.
In addition to his salary, he can earn $75,000 in performance bonuses.
Right-hander David Riske is Cleveland's only player remaining eligible for arbitration.
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