Vizquel on verge of 2,000th hit

The shortstop is also closing in on his 2,000th game.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- When Omar Vizquel broke into the big leagues in 1989, he wasn't expected to produce offensively.
"The manager told me, 'Don't worry about your hitting,' " Vizquel recalled Wednesday at Jacobs Field. " 'I don't want you to think about anything else but making double plays and routine plays.' "
Vizquel obliged, winning nine Gold Gloves as an All-Star shortstop while playing for the Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians.
"I came into the big leagues as a defensive player, and people didn't think I could hit," said Vizquel, batting .279 in his 11th season with the Tribe.
Milestone
But something happened along the way; Vizquel became consistent at the plate, and now he's reaping the rewards.
Going into today's afternoon game against the Kansas City Royals at Jacobs Field, Vizquel was one hit shy of 2,000 for his career.
"It's experience -- just being in playoff games and World Series, and seeing all the starting pitchers," Vizquel said of his success over the years.
"And learning from the best, like Eddie Murray and Dave Winfield," he added.
"Just by listening, you learn a lot. They give you a plan of what you have to do at the plate."
Vizquel still has the game balls from his milestone hits -- his first as a major-leaguer and his 1,000th.
He's preparing for another, whether it happens in Cleveland or Detroit, where the Indians begin a three-game series Friday.
"It's gonna come sooner or later, so I'm not really worried where it's going to be," Vizquel said of No. 2,000.
"It's going to be a special moment for me. It would be nice if I can get it in a close game or in a [key] situation."
Remembering No. 1
Vizquel had started his major-league career with the Mariners 0-for-7, but in his eighth at-bat, he ripped a double down the left-field line in Oakland.
Thus began Vizquel's hitting career that will put him among the game's elite. Only 229 major league players have reached the 2,000-hit plateau.
"You don't see too many players with 2,000 hits," Vizquel said. "I think the length of players' [careers] nowadays is shorter than what they used to be."
Vizquel is also proud of his other achievements at the plate -- four career grand slams and a career-high 14 home runs in the 2002 season.
Durability has given Vizquel the ability to reveal his offensive exploits.
He's only eight games shy of becoming the 15th shortstop in major league history to appear in 2,000 games.
"One of the ways I try to maintain my game is physical fitness," Vizquel said.
Asked whether 2,000 hits or 2,000 games was more important to him, Vizquel settled for the averages.
"That means one hit a game," he said, smiling. "That's pretty good."
Notes
The Indians (5-10) and Royals (5-8) were rained out Wednesday night. Fans were asked to keep their tickets until an announcement is made regarding the rescheduled game. ... Tribe left-hander C.C. Sabathia, 23, will make his 100th career start today. Bob Feller is the only other Indians pitcher to make 100 or more starts before the age of 24. Feller had 175.
richesson@vindy.com