Pirates sign Vazquez

The Pirates just announced that they've signed infielder Ramon Vazquez to a two-year deal. Vazquez hit .290 in 300 at-bats with the Rangers, hitting six homers and posting a .365 on-base percentage while playing mostly at third base. He's a natural shortstop, but that's Michael Young's position in Texas -- with Jack Wilson on the trading block, Pittsburgh now has a replacement. One question about Vazquez is how he might handle an everyday role, if indeed that is the plan for him. He's had 300 at-bats each of the last two seasons, but hasn't had more than that since hitting .261 with a .342 on-base percentage as the 2003 Padres' primary shortstop. If the Pirates can't find a suitable deal for Wilson, they'll be able to use Vazquez both as his backup and quite often at third base, where Adam LaRoche has not established he can hit major league pitching. Vazquez is a player who has to sit against tough lefthanded pitchers -- he's got a .195 career average against southpaws -- but against ... (link)