Ramon Vazquez Stats & Scouting Report

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After realizing D'Angelo Jimenez was better suited for second base, the Padres swung a six-player trade with the Mariners in December, getting Vazquez and righthander Brett Tomko. Vazquez was a Pacific Coast League all-star, and managers named him the league's most exciting player. Vazquez does a little of everything at shortstop. He hits for a solid average, occasionally stings the ball into the gaps and draws plenty of walks. Defensively, he offers range and soft hands, and he made just 12 errors last year. Vazquez doesn't have the speed or the arm strength normally associated with shortstops, though he has a quick first step that allows him to make plays. It took him seven years to move through the minors, so he may not have much room for improvement. The MVP and batting champion in Puerto Rico this winter, Vazquez is the frontrunner to start at shortstop for San Diego this year. Donaldo Mendez, a 2000 major league Rule 5 draft pick, could compete for the job in the future. He has more defensive upside than Vazquez but provides less offense.

The Mariners' Antonio Perez was considered the best shortstop prospect in the game coming into the season, but after missing most of the year he might not even be the best in his organization. Vazquez emerged after six nondescript years with a breakthrough season, nearly making the Mariners roster in spring training, drawing frequent trade inquiries and earning a big league callup in September. Vazquez has soft hands and good range for a shortstop, and he committed just 12 errors this year after 31 in 1999 and 22 last year. He has improved the accuracy of his throws significantly. He's a solid offensive player who recognizes his limitations and doesn't try to mash the ball, and he earns high praise for his approach. "He's out here working early, every day," Tacoma manager Dan Rohn said. "There's nobody who wouldn't want him on their team. There's a confidence about him. He knows he belongs. He makes plays that astonish us in the dugout."