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Did World Baseball Classic Hurt Omar Vizquel’s MLB Managerial Chances?

By Nick Dudukovich

Mar 18, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Venezuela manager Omar Vizquel walks back to the dugout during the seventh inning against Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Puerto Rico won 13-2. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Venezuela manager Omar Vizquel walks back to the dugout during the seventh inning against Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Puerto Rico won 13-2. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The World Baseball Classic has at least one MLB exec wondering why Omar Vizquel’s Venezuela team played so poorly. Will it affect his managerial chances?

The World Baseball Classic is in the books, and the event is being lauded for bringing out joy and emotion in the game.

Team USA won the whole she-bang for the first time, Marcus Stroman became an American hero and Francisco Lindor used the platform to further brighten his superstar while becoming the face of Puerto Rico.

But the WBC didn’t go smoothly for all involved, and that includes Cleveland Indians legend Omar Vizquel.

Vizquel managed Venezuela to a 2-5 record and the team looked “disorganized” and “disinterested” according to John Perrotto of FanRagSports.com.

Vizquel’s reputation looks to have taken a hit in MLB circles, as Perrotto cited a National League exec who was surprised by how poorly an Omar lead team played.

"“I was shocked by the way Omar’s team played,” the NL executive said. “Omar is a sharp guy and he was a great player and is so well-respected in the game. But that Venezuelan team was a train wreck.”"

Vizquel had hopes of winning the WBC with his native Venezuela, but his team didn’t get out of the second round. Injuries plagued his team, as catcher Salvador Perez was lost in the first round after a home-plate collision. Miguel Cabrera dealt with back tightness. Martin Prado had hamstring issues.

Related Story: Ian Kinsler Couldn't Be More Wrong About Emotion In The WBC

Omar was known for his defensive wizardry and will probably get into the Hall of Fame because of if, but he made some questionable decisions when setting his infield for the tournament. The result? Venezuela allowed 55 runs in seven games. 55!

Baseball America’s Kyle Glaser analyzed Vizquel’s struggles and where it all went wrong, especially when it came to how Omar used Rougned Odor and Jose Altuve at third base, over natural third basemen Yangervis Solarte and Martin Prado. over better defensive options.

"The performance led to criticism of manager Omar Vizquel’s decisions on defensive alignment and bullpen usage.Rather than use Solarte or Prado, the team’s two natural third basemen, Vizquel elected to use Rougned Odor and Jose Altuve at third base despite neither having played the position in the major leagues. Odor, who also never played third in the minors, committed two critical errors in a 4-2 loss to the United States to open second-round play. Altuve, who hadn’t played third since he was in Double-A in 2011, made an error in the finale against Puerto Rico and seemed to misread balls off the bat in his two second-round games, allowing what should have been routine ground balls to become singles."

Vizquel defended his decision by saying he couldn’t exactly afford to bench the bats Odor and Altuve.

Omar is still a beloved figure in Cleveland, and don’t think for a second Indians fans haven’t thought about who will replace Terry Francona when Tito finally decides to step away (hopefully he stays forever).

Ask a Tribe fan with Wahoo tinted glasses, and the short list is usually made up of Omar and Sandy Alomar Jr.

Next: Projecting Carlos Santana's Next Contract

Vizquel currently works as the first base coach for the rival Detroit Tigers.

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