Youthful Omar Vizquel will play as long as he can

[March 10, 2010]  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Omar Vizquel strutted into Scottsdale Stadium from the center-field entrance like a confident 20-something and gave a little point to some former San Francisco teammates. He may as well still be in his baseball prime.

Vizquel insists he feels that good physically, and mentally he still considers himself among the best shortstops in the game -- even if he's going on 43 and no longer a regular heading into his 22nd major league season.

The 11-time Gold Glove winner was in the lineup and playing shortstop against the Giants on Tuesday, but the game was being delayed by rain.

Vizquel's energy and enthusiasm rubs off on others around him -- one reason he wants to manage once his playing days are done.

[Associated Press; By JANIE McCAULEY]

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