Jose Vargas (minors03)

Jose Eligio Vargas

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 165 lb.
• Born July 14, 1964 in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional D.R.

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Jose Vargas played in the minor leagues from 1983 to 1991. Though he spent nine seasons in professional baseball, starting in the Houston Astros system, he never reached higher that Double-A.

He was signed by scouts Julio Linares and Domingo Mercedes.

Pitching for the GCL Astros in 1983, Vargas went 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA in three games, one of which he started. In 13 2/3 innings, he allowed only ten hits and one walk, while striking out six batters.

In 1984, the right-hander appeared in 14 games (10 starts) for the GCL Astros, going 2-1 with a 4.06 ERA. He tied for first in the Gulf Coast League in balks with three, while finishing along with Darryl Mitchell for second in the loop in earned runs allowed with 34. He was also third in the league in hits allowed with 80 and runs allowed with 46.

He pitched for the Asheville Tourists in 1985, going 13-7 with a 3.19 ERA, seven complete games and two shutouts in 24 starts. In 161 innings, he allowed only 135 hits, while walking 64 batters and striking out 136. He tied for third in the Southern League in complete games and shutouts.

With the Osceola Astros in 1985, Vargas slumped to 7-13 with a 3.83 ERA in 24 starts. He led the Florida State League in losses, while tying for second in hit by pitch.

He rebounded nicely with Osceola (11-8, 2.33 ERA, 23 starts) and the Columbus Astros (2-0, 3.00 ERA, 3 starts) the next year, going a combined 13-8 with seven complete games, five shutouts and a 2.40 ERA in 26 starts. In 179 2/3 innings, he allowed only 144 hits and 52 walks, while striking out 117 batters. His five shutouts led the FSL.

Posting an 8-8 record with Columbus in 1988, Vargas made 25 starts, striking out 108 batters in 154 innings. The following year, he pitched for Osceola (18 games) and Columbus (one game), going 3-1 with a 3.97 ERA in 19 matches overall. Though previously he was a starting pitcher, 1989 marked the beginning of his conversion to relief pitching - he started only three games that season.

Moving to the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Vargas worked entirely as a reliever for the St. Petersburg Cardinals (3.35 ERA, 35 games, 12 saves) and the Arkansas Travelers (6.75 ERA, 15 games, three saves) in 1990, going a combined 5-10 with a 4.32 ERA in 53 games. He had 15 saves and 36 games finished.

In his final season, 1991, he pitched in the New York Mets' and Milwaukee Brewers' systems, playing for the Williamsport Bills (Mets), Reno Silver Sox and Stockton Ports (Brewers). He went 3-2 with a 5.22 ERA in 31 appearances (three starts).

Overall, Vargas went 54-51 with a 3.50 ERA in 219 games (116 starts). He had 21 complete games, nine shutouts and 17 saves.