Monday, September 27, 2004
The Twins reached 90 wins with a 6-2 victory in Cleveland's home finale.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Omar Vizquel didn't know how to say good-bye.
So as the fans in Jacobs Field bestowed him with another standing ovation Sunday, Vizquel removed his cap and patted his right hand over his heart.
"That means I love you all," he said.
The feeling was mutual.
Vizquel got a warm send-off in possibly his final home game for Cleveland, and the Minnesota Twins reached 90 wins for the third straight season with a 6-2 victory over the Indians.
Wants to stay
Vizquel, the Indians' wildly popular shortstop, went 1-for-4 in the team's home finale -- perhaps his last game wearing Cleveland's white jersey.
Unless he's willing to accept a reduced role next season and work out a new contract with the Indians, Vizquel's 11th season with Cleveland will be his last.
"I want to stay here," he said before Sunday's game. "But it's not up to me."
Carlos Silva (14-8) allowed one run and eight hits in seven innings, improving to 4-0 in his last eight starts as Minnesota won for just the second time in six games.
Jacque Jones had two RBIs off Francisco Cruceta (0-1) for the playoff-bound Twins (90-66), who continue to be overlooked despite being back in the postseason.
"People said we were not going to win 90 games or the division," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We didn't pay attention to those people. We're pretty proud of what we accomplished. We think it's a pretty big deal."
Talking contract
Losing Vizquel would be a pretty big deal to Indians fans, who have seen Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez leave as free agents in recent years and may now see another star depart.
A three-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, Vizquel is expected to become a free agent in November. He has a mutual $5 million option for next season that the Indians are not likely to pick up.
The 37-year-old Vizquel is willing to accept a one-year deal to remain -- and retire -- with the Indians.
"I think we can work it out," said Vizquel, who will meet with general manager Mark Shapiro immediately after the season. "This is the first time I've ended a season not knowing where I am going to be for the next one."
If Cleveland fans had their way, Vizquel wouldn't be going anywhere.
Hundreds lined up before the game to shake hands with Vizquel, who joined his teammates at the turnstiles to welcome them as they arrived at the gates.
Some carried "Keep Omar" signs, and many stopped to hug Vizquel or tell him how much he meant to them.
"That was awesome, man," Vizquel said. "It was so cool to see so many people that I haven't seen for a while and people that I've known for years."