Vizquel's failed physical scuttles trade
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 | 10:45 AM ET
CBC Sports
Reports had Cleveland and Seattle trading shortstops, with the Indians acquiring Carlos Guillen from the Mariners in exchange for Vizquel.
However, Vizquel told MLB.com on Tuesday that his surgically repaired right knee didn't pass the physical examination given by Mariners' physicians.
Therefore, he will remain with Cleveland.
Vizquel was limited to just 64 games this past year because of the knee problems and batted .244 with two home runs and 19 runs batted in.
He underwent two arthroscopic procedures to repair ligaments in the knee.
The 36-year-old Vizquel, a nine-time Gold Glove winner, began his playing career with Seattle in 1989.
He was then traded to Cleveland on Dec. 20, 1993 for shortstop Felix Fermin, first baseman Reggie Jefferson and cash.
In 15 major league seasons, Vizquel has a lifetime average of .273 with 59 homers and 656 RBIs.
The Mariners had just re-signed Guillen to a one-year contract on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Guillen has raised his average in each of the last four years, from .257 in 2000 to .276 this past season.
He also had seven homers and 52 RBIs in 2003 and split time in the field between shortstop and third base.
He missed time in July and August with a pelvic injury.
Guillen is a career .264 hitter since starting his MLB career with the Mariners in 1998.
