INDIANS Vizquel gone, Shapiro looks to the future

Shapiro said Vizquel will be missed by the team and the Cleveland community.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Mark Shapiro is just as disappointed as Cleveland fans that Omar Vizquel is gone, but the Indians' general manager has other concerns, too.
"My job is to put the best team on the field," Shapiro said Monday, a day after the popular Vizquel signed a three-year, $12.25 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. "My focus is on finding the best way possible to score runs as opposed to giving them up."
Vizquel, who had been anchoring the Indians' infield since 1994, has nine Gold Gloves at shortstop and filled a key spot in the batting order as the No. 2 hitter.
"This is something we were preparing for, but it is tough and emotional in its finality," Shapiro said. "We will miss Omar in the clubhouse, on the team, in the city and in the community."
After the Indians went 80-82 for a 12-game improvement in 2004, Shapiro said that as much as he admired Vizquel, he believed signing a proven closer and starting pitcher were more important to the team's rebuilding process. Doing it on a limited budget makes it even more difficult.
Statistics
Even without the 37-year-old Vizquel, who hit .291 with seven homers, 82 runs scored and 59 RBIs last season, Shapiro doesn't believe adding a veteran shortstop is a must. Young infielders Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Phillips each had solid seasons at Triple-A Buffalo in 2004, both hitting over .300.
"We've got two young shortstops here, though no one has a job given to him," Shapiro said. "You can't replace an Omar Vizquel. He's special, a once-in-a-generation player."
Shapiro said he talked with Vizquel and his agent, Adam Katz, on a regular basis.
Now, Shapiro's focus turns to free agency as well as possibly extending multiyear offers to young players such as catcher Victor Martinez, right-hander Jake Westbrook or designated hitter Travis Hafner.
Shapiro also said he would like to re-sign free agent Lou Merloni. The veteran hit .289 in 71 games and played every position except pitcher, catcher and center field.
The Indians also announced they have activated left-hander Jason Stanford, right-hander Kazuhito Tadano, infielder Aaron Boone and outfielder Jody Gerut from the 60-day disabled list. That gives Cleveland 37 players on its 40-man active roster.