When it became reasonably clear that Javier Vazquez would come out of retirement, he garnered immediate attention.  Teams from across the league have watched him pitch and expressed a desire to sign him.  Vazquez has not officially announced his return, but that has not stopped teams from scouting him, including the Washington Nationals.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Nationals are showing heavy interest in Vazaquez.  Nightengale also points out that Vazquez has not lost much, if anything, on his fastball velocity.

Scouts are raving about Javier Vazquez, who is throwing 92-95 mph in Puerto Rico. He will pitch in the WBC. The #Nats showing heavy interest
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2013

Vazquez did not leave the game due to injury.  He simply retired after the 2011 season.  He pitched well for the Florida Marlins that year, but Vazquez decided spending time with family was more important.  It seems the baseball bug has ahold of him again, though.

In 2011, Vazquez went 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA.  In his career, he has a 165-160 record with a 4.22 ERA.  Vazquez is a veteran, he knows how to pitch, and he can help any team he signs with.

The Nationals are looking for starting pitching depth after losing Edwin Jackson to the Chicago Cubs this offseason.  Vazquez, if he maintains his career averages, would be a comparable replacement.
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