Tribe declines to pick up Vizquel's contract option

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians declined to pick up Omar Vizquel's $5 million contract option for next season, making him eligible to become a free agent when the World Series ends.
"This step is a mere formality and does not impact the process in re-signing Omar Vizquel," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said Tuesday. "It does not lessen our hope or desire in bringing Omar back."
The 37-year-old shortstop has said he wants to return for a 12th season in Cleveland, but the Indians are targeting a starting pitcher.
The Indians will pay Vizquel's $1 million buyout and could sign him to a new deal or enter salary arbitration with him by Dec. 7.
Shapiro last week called bringing back the widely popular Vizquel "a long shot."
The team doesn't want to lock into any contracts because it wants to look at the free-agent market and has some pending salary arbitration cases, including one with second baseman Ronnie Belliard.
Vizquel hit .291 with seven homers and 59 RBIs this season. He also scored 82 runs, stole 19 bases and had no errors over the last 55 games.
Shapiro also wants a veteran middle infielder and said it was unlikely he would start the season with Jhonny Peralta at shortstop together with Brandon Phillips at second base.
The Indians could offer salary arbitration to Belliard, who had a strong first season in Cleveland, or Shapiro said his coaching staff feels third baseman Casey Blake could shift to second.