Chicago White Sox close to deal with Omar Vizquel

Nov 20, 2009 - 11:34 PM By RICK GANO AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO(AP) -- The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a contract agreement with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The deal could be announced as soon as Monday, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not commented.

Vizquel, who will be 43 in April, has played 21 major league seasons. Last year he was in a utility role with the Texas Rangers, playing shortstop, third base and second base while appearing in 62 games. He batted .266.

Vizquel, who broke in with the Mariners in 1989, has long been known as one of the game's best fielding shortstops. He's also played for the Indians and Giants. He is a career .273 hitter with 2,704 hits in 2,742 games.

Vizquel would give the White Sox depth and experience as a backup in the infield where newly acquired Mark Teahen will play third, Alexei Ramirez will be at short and Gordon Beckham will switch from to second. Vizquel would play for fellow Venezuelan Ozzie Guillen, who will be 46 in January.

Chicago had no comment on the deal Friday.

The imminent agreement was first reported by Foxsports.com

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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.