Based on past performance, Ramon Vazquez could provide the Cardinals a valuable left-handed bat as an occasional starter against top-caliber right-handed pitching.
Vazquez, a nine-year big-league veteran infielder, agreed to a minor-league contract with St. Louis on Jan. 14. Because of his experience playing all infield positions, especially third base, he will have a chance to earn a roster spot during spring training.
A career .254 hitter in stints with the Mariners, Padres, Indians, Red Sox, Rangers and Pirates, Vazquez is virtually powerless against left-handed pitching (.203 career batting mark with no home runs).
It’s a different story against right-handed pitching (.267 with 22 homers).
Vazquez has strong career numbers against some of the top right-handed starting pitchers in the National League. Vazquez versus:
_ Aaron Cook of the Rockies: .385 batting average (5-for-13) with 2 walks.
_ Ryan Dempster of the Cubs: .545 batting average (6-for-11) with 3 walks.
_ Jon Garland of the Dodgers: .375 batting average (3-for-8) with 2 extra-base hits.
_ Zack Greinke of the Brewers: .429 batting average (3-for-7) with 1 home run.
_ Tim Hudson of the Braves: .600 batting average (3-for-5).
_ Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs: .357 batting average (5-for-14) with 4 walks.
Though he hits poorly against left-handers, an exception is his record against Bruce Chen. Vazquez is 4-for-4 with a walk against the Royals left-hander.
Vazquez hits best when he plays third base: .265 batting average, 10 home runs, 67 RBI.
He isn’t a good pinch-hitter, though: .211, no homers and 8 RBI.
[...] RetroSimba dives into some impressive numbers about Ramon Vazquez that the Cardinals could need. [...]