End of an era: Vizquel signs with Giants

The shortstop had been with the Indians since 1993.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Omar Vizquel hopes to revitalize his career with a new team in a new league. The San Francisco Giants just hope the veteran shortstop has a few more good years in him.
Vizquel agreed to terms with San Francisco on Sunday. The deal is worth $12.25 million over three years, a person close to the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
At 37, Vizquel is headed to the National League for the first time in his career after spending the last 11 seasons with Cleveland. He turned down a two-year offer from the Chicago White Sox, in part because he wanted to play on the West Coast near his Seattle home.
"People say I have a really young heart," he said. "That's important in this game. I think I can be really strong another two or three years. I think coming to a new league is going to keep me sharp. I hope I can pick up the pace real quick."
Free agent frenzy
Vizquel, a nine-time Gold Glove winner, is the first of 207 free agents to join a new team.
The switch-hitter batted .291 with seven homers and 59 RBIs last season for the Indians. He also scored 82 runs, stole 19 bases and didn't make an error in the last 55 games.
The Giants hope Vizquel can provide a boost to their defense and improve production in the No. 2 spot in the order.
Though Vizquel's production and durability have been questioned in recent seasons, general manager Brian Sabean believes Vizquel still can be an everyday contributor -- and the Giants are never scared off by aging players.
"To get somebody of Omar's caliber is certainly a godsend," Sabean said. "I think if you watch him play, he has a passion for the game and is in great shape."
Vizquel filed for free agency last month after the Indians declined to pick up his $5 million option for 2005. Vizquel had said he wanted to return for a 12th season in Cleveland, where he grew into one of the franchise's most popular players, but the Indians said his return would be "a long shot." General manager Mark Shapiro's priority this off-season is pitching.
Attempt to stay
Shapiro did meet with Vizquel and his agent, Adam Katz, last month to discuss the possibility of a return, but nothing came of it. Cleveland had to pay Vizquel a $1 million buyout.
"I'm really happy about the chance I have to play for a contending team," Vizquel said. "The last couple of years, I've been a part of a rebuilding process. Being with a contending team is really special."
Last season, Vizquel became just the 19th active player to reach 2,000 hits, and now has 2,147 in 16 major league seasons. He won the AL Gold Glove every year from 1993 to 2001. The Indians acquired him in a trade with Seattle in December 1993.
"I'm excited about finding the kind of player he is and the kind of man he is," manager Felipe Alou said. "This is an awesome first step, and I'm feeling more comfortable about the position there. He knows what this is all about. It's about winning."