Free agency looms for Omar Vizquel

The shortstop has expressed interest in remaining in Cleveland.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Omar Vizquel's days with the Cleveland Indians could be dwindling. And although free agency beckons for the Gold Glove shortstop, he can't imagine playing for any other team.
Vizquel, who has played 11 seasons in Cleveland, may not get a 12th if the Indians decline to pick up the $5 million option on his contract for 2005.
"Regardless of what happens I'll play somewhere next season," Vizquel said. "I'll be sad if I have to leave Cleveland, but what can I do? That's how baseball operates. But I remain optimistic that I'll be able to stay."
The Indians, who are eager to get International League MVP Jhonny Peralta in their lineup next season, are not expected to exercise their part of the mutual option, making the 37-year-old Vizquel a free agent.
Unless Vizquel is willing to take a substantial pay cut and become a part-time player, he has two weeks and four home games remaining with the Indians.
Vizquel plans to sit down with general manager Mark Shapiro after the season and listen to what the Indians might be able to offer him.
"I want to stay here, but I have to see what their plan is and what kind of contract it is," said. "I feel like they have a good young team here ready to win, to go for it all. There is no other team I really want to play for."
Reduced price
Shapiro has already stated that he wants Vizquel back, but only if the price is right.
After last season, the Indians had agreed in principle to a trade sending Vizquel to Seattle, where he lives in the off-season. However, Vizquel, who had two surgeries on his right knee last season, failed the Mariners' physical.
"I don't really want to play for Seattle now because they are rebuilding and I don't want to go through that again like I did here," said Vizquel. "But I am going to play somewhere because I am not ready to quit."
Vizquel has been a pleasant surprise for Cleveland this season. Entering Monday night's game in Detroit, he's batting .294 with 79 runs, seven homers, 58 RBIs and 17 stolen bases -- numbers any team would love to have.
The Indians could still sign Vizquel after he becomes a free agent in November, but a deal would have to be in place by Dec. 7 when teams must offer their own free agents arbitration or risk losing them.
Vizquel is hopeful things can be worked out.
"I had a short conversation with Mark and he said he wants to sit down and talk with me after the season and talk," Vizquel said. "It should take about an hour. It will be either yes or no, it's that simple."
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