TUCSON, Ariz.-
Javier Vazquez was roughed up by Colorado after agreeing to a contract extension with the White Sox.
Vazquez gave up four runs and six hits in three innings Tuesday, and the Rockies beat Chicago 6-3 behind a long homer from Brad Hawpe.
Before the game, Vazquez and the White Sox agreed to a $34.5 million, three-year contract extension through 2010. He will get $12.5 million this season, the final year of his current contract, and $11.5 million in each of the following three seasons.
“I am thrilled that I will be able to stay here, hopefully for many years,” Vazquez said.
The right-hander, who pitched for four teams from 2003-06, was looking for stability.
“It is about being comfortable,” he said.
Vazquez, who went 11-12 with a 4.84 ERA for the White Sox last year, is 100-105 overall entering his 10th major league season. He is the only pitcher with at least 10 wins, 30 starts and 150 strikeouts in each of the last seven seasons.
“You know the way I feel about him and the way I feel about the people that make my job easier, and Javy is one of those guys,” Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said. “It is nice when you get a contract because you earn it. I hope Javy comes out of his shell and throws the ball the way we think he will to help this ballclub.”
Garrett Atkins and Matt Holliday each hit an RBI double off Vazquez in the first inning. Holliday went 2-for-3.
Kaz Matsui added a two-run triple against Vazquez. Hawpe hit a mammoth, two-run homer off Adam Russell.
“When I hit it I knew I hit it good and I put my head down and went to first,” Hawpe said. “I really didn’t see where it went, or how far. I don’t get caught up in that. If it goes over the fence, it goes over the fence. It is nice to hit home runs, but it is spring training. This is the time to work on stuff and get yourself ready.”
Colorado pitcher Rodrigo Lopez allowed three runs and three hits in three innings, walking two and striking out two.
After two relatively easy innings, Lopez gave up a single to Darin Erstad, a double to Juan Uribe and a two-run homer to A.J. Pierzynski.
Erstad finished 2-for-3.
