José Vidro's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was signed by the Montreal Expos as an amateur free agent in 1992. Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Vidro developed into a reliable second baseman known for his consistent hitting and solid defensive skills. His major league debut came on June 8, 1997, with the Expos, marking the start of an 11-year career in the big leagues.
Vidro's breakout season occurred in 1999 when he became the Expos' starting second baseman. That year, he hit .304 with 12 home runs and 59 RBIs, establishing himself as a key player in the team's lineup. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team in 2000, a testament to his growing reputation as one of the league's top second basemen. Vidro continued to excel at the plate, hitting .330 in 2000, which was the highest batting average of his career.
Throughout his tenure with the Expos, Vidro was a consistent offensive force. He was selected as an All-Star three times (2000, 2002, and 2003) and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2003, recognizing him as the best offensive player at his position. Vidro's ability to hit for average and power, combined with his defensive reliability, made him a valuable asset to the Expos during his time with the team.
In 2005, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., becoming the Washington Nationals. Vidro continued to play a significant role with the Nationals, although injuries began to affect his performance. Despite these challenges, he remained a productive player, contributing both offensively and defensively.
In December 2006, Vidro was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he transitioned to a designated hitter role. This move allowed him to focus more on his batting, and in 2007, he hit .314 with 6 home runs and 59 RBIs. Vidro's ability to adapt to the American League and perform well as a designated hitter demonstrated his skill and versatility as a player.
However, by 2008, Vidro's performance began to decline, and he was released by the Mariners in August of that year. This marked the end of his major league career. Over his 11 seasons in MLB, Vidro compiled a .298 batting average, with 1,197 hits, 128 home runs, and 654 RBIs. His career was characterized by consistent offensive production and reliable defense, making him a respected player among his peers.
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