Javier Vazquez once again returns to the National League. The veteran will join the Florida Marlins in 2011 for somewhere between $6 million and $7 million.

Vazquez will either become the 4^th or 5^th starter in a rotation consisting of Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad.

2010 was a nightmarish year for Vazquez. In 26 starts for the New York Yankees he had a 10-10 record with an ERA of 5.32 and a 1.40 WHIP.

In 8 seasons in the NL he has a 4.02 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP compared to an ERA of 4.65 and 1.28 WHIP which he accumulated in 5 years with the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.

The Florida Marlins got Javier Vazquez on the cheap and hope that he can keep them in contention for a playoff berth or even more. He has the tools to be an effective pitcher but sometimes has problems to stay focused and is home run prone. His velocity is down and it remains to be seen whether his decline in Ks last season was just an off-year or an indication that he is past his peak.

Fantasy Perspective

Vazquez’ changing leagues has got to be an upgrade regarding his value. The risk of giving up home runs is reduced and the fact that there is no designated hitter in the NL should work in his favour as well. While I don’t consider the Florida Marlins to be a contender at the moment he could be good for 12 wins at the end of the rotation. The NL and the ballpark will definitely help him to improve his ERA of 5.32 from last year. If he can stay focused his numbers should be somewhere near his NL average of a 4.02 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. If Vazquez is still available in the final few rounds if the draft you may want to consider picking him. If he goes undrafted he will make for an excellent pitch-or-ditch guy.

New York Mets Perspective

The Marlins may have lost a power hitter in their lineup with the trading of Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves but they have just improved their rotation. Right now it remains a challenge for the Mets to surpass the Florida Marlins let alone push for a playoff spot.

Vazquez is 10-9 in 25 career starts against the Mets. In those games he recorded an ERA of 3.16 and a 1.08 WHIP. Last season he pitched 6 innings at Citi Field in which he did not surrender an earned run and only allowed 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 6 batters.

New York Yankees Perspective

The Yankees may have lost a starting pitcher but Vazquez’ second stint with the team was even less impressive than the first in 2004. Bearing in mind that the Yankess are in the market for a top tier starter, Vazquez’ departure can hardly be considered a loss. The New York Yankees and Javier Vazquez just aren’t a fit!