Javier Vazquez’ first tour of duty with the Yankees lasted only one season. His second stint may follow a similar path.
According to MLB.com, the 33-year-old pitcher told a Puerto Rican newspaper that his baseball future is year-to-year at this point in his career.
"I don't have much playing time left," Vazquez told La Perla del Sur. "It is up to God. I go year by year, and I don't know if it will be one, two or three years, but I'm definitely not going to play until 40."
The Yankees acquired Vazquez along with pitcher Boone Logan in a trade with the Braves last month. Vazquez will earn $11.5 million this season in a contract that runs through the upcoming season.
Despite having an uncertain long-term future with the Yankees, Vazquez is certain about one thing. The former All-Star knows he is back exactly where he wants to be.
"I'm glad to be back," Vazquez told MLB.com last month. "I'm excited to be part of this team again. Everybody that knows me knows that I didn't want to leave my first time out. I'm just glad that I can be back.”
Vazquez spent the 2004 season with the Yankees and went 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA.
Yankees fans remember Vazquez’ final game for the team well. Vazquez gave up two home runs to Johnny Damon in two relief innings in Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series. That offseason, he was dealt to Arizona as part of the Randy Johnson trade.
Now Vazquez gets a second chance to prove he can handle the pressure of pitching in the Bronx
If he is successful, Vazquez and the Yankees can look forward to a bright 2010 season. The right-hander, who is signed through 2010, was 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA in 32 starts for Atlanta last season and is expected to be New York’s No. 4 starter behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte.
