Didn't see this anywhere. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1938068 Houston Astros: Infielder Jose Vizcaino and the Astros agreed Friday to a $1.25 million, one-year contract. Vizcaino, 36, batted .274 with three home runs, a career-high 21 doubles and 33 RBI for Houston last season. He played in 138 games with 53 starts, most of which came at the end of the season after shortstop Adam Everett went on the disabled list. "We're very pleased that Jose has decided to continue his relationship with the organization," new Astros general manager Tim Purpura said. "Jose was a big reason for our success this season, and we look forward to his contribution in 2005." Vizcaino, who could also earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses, has played with the Astros for four seasons, hitting .280 with 12 homers and 110 RBI. A 15-year major league veteran, Vizcaino has a .272 career average with 33 homers and 449 RBI.
good signing... he filled in admirably after Everett got hurt, but he noticebly hit the wall towards the end of the season, and was pretty much a non-factor w/ his bat in the playoffs. Everett needs to take a stranglehold on that SS job this year, and make sure he gets no more freak HBP accidents. And, if we don't get Kent, Burke needs to step in and show his worth.... otherwise Viz and Biggio will probably end up platooning as our everyday 2B.
Looks like the Astros don't think Bruntlet is ready yet. I thought he might be ready to fill in the backup infielder job.
Bruntlett doesn't have the left-handed bat that Viz has. To me, that's even bigger than the lack of experience. Other than that, he is ready.
more like he hit the wall, then the wall crumbled and fell on him. he was just done by the end of the year. completely and utterly useless. that said, he did do a nice job in the regular season and it's nice to have versatile guys like him on the bench every year.
