FORT MYERS, Fla. — It doesn't take much time spent in the Pirates clubhouse to figure out how influential closer Felipe Vazquez is to the team.
"He's very important to us and what we do," outfielder Starling Marte said. "The confidence he has in every pitch and every hitter he faces gives us confidence. He makes everybody happy on and off the field. You can talk to him in confidence when you need a shoulder to lean on. He's the guy. If you need him. He's there for you. He is our go-to guy."
Vazquez had a breakout season in 2018 with 37 saves, a 2.70 ERA and his first all-star appearance. Manager Clint Hurdle credited his performance as part of the reason Vazquez has emerged as a leader.
"It takes time and success to attempt to become a leader," Hurdle said. "He was just trying to figure things out when he first got over here. He was a confident guy, however, it can take time to develop and translate into performing and closing games."
Hurdle believes that the way Vazquez handled adversity last season is why teammates look to him. Vazquez had six appearances from May 20 against the Padres until May 31 where his ERA jumped from 2.70 to 4.84. Vazquez was vulnerable but undeterred. Hurdle noticed.
"The way he got through the challenges and adversity helped develop his demeanor, his perseverance, his resiliency, which made him more of a guy to be able to lead later on," Hurdle said. "It’s a lot more seamless to become a leader when everything is going well. It's a lot harder to lead when your performance is poor. That's a true sign of leadership."
"I think he was able to show some guts and guile. Going through that challenging time in front of his teammates showed a lot. He handled it well. That bought him a lot of street cred."
If you're anywhere near the Pirates clubhouse there's loud music blasting, just like most locker rooms. Sometimes it's the smooth dulcet tones of new Pirates friend Garth Brooks, maybe it's Jay-Z rapping over a tight beat, or it can be Celia Cruz on a Salsa track. Whoever or whatever is playing, chances are the sounds are coming from Vazquez’s iPhone. He plugs it into the speakers and keeps a playlist.
In a car or in a clubhouse full of big league ballplayers, control of the aux cord is a serious matter.
"He's earned that," Marte said. "He knows how to keep the mood up. Music is so important to get our day started. We have people from all over the world and Felipe knows how to relate. The music is an example."
When he isn't preparing to pitch or making sure the mood is right with music, Vazquez might be found signing autographs. Once a week he signs all the baseball cards and pictures sent to him at Pirate City, LECOM Park or at PNC Park.
"If the fans take out time to send me letters and pictures, the least I can do is sign them," Vazquez said. "The fans are important. I can never forget that."
Vazquez tends to walk around with a smile. Until he gets on the mound. When the bullpen door opens, he channels the energy he needs to pitch well.
"You’ve got to be a little crazy," Vazquez said. "Most great closers are crazy. Look at [Craig] Kimbrel. He's crazy. He pitches with no fear. If you're crazy, you can be good for the ninth inning. That's how I want to be. I've learned that I can't let up on anybody."
Other than one week on a cruise with his sister, Vazquez spent his winter working on his craft. Vazquez believes this work will make 2019 even better than in 2018.
"I'm coming into this year knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do," he said. "I know the pressure is on me. I love it. I feel strong. I think this is my year. This is my second year as a closer. I'm more confident in the role. This is going to be my year."
Hurdle has been in baseball for many years. He has seen nearly every clubhouse character imaginable. Vazquez might be one of the more unique ones, and that's what could make him great.
"Most of the teams I've been on there was usually a guy that if you needed some truth and wisdom you went to him," Hurdle said. "Then there were other guys if you needed your hair cut or your car washed you went to them. Felipe might be both guys."
Nubyjas Wilborn; nwilborn@post-gazette.com Twitter: @nwilborn19.
First Published: February 27, 2019, 12:31 a.m.
