Vizquel joins Angels as roving infield instructor

The Angels have hired Omar Vizquel, one of the game's great defensive shortstops, as a roving infield instructor.

After 24 major-league seasons, Vizquel retired last year at age 45. He spent the 2012 season as a reserve infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Vizquel will join the Angels for spring training in mid-February in Tempe, Ariz., working first with the major leaguers and then the minor-league infielders.

He replaces Dick Schofield, whose contract wasn't renewed by the Angels. Vizquel will work with former Angels infielder Bobby Knoop.

"It's a great presence that he brings," said Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto, who was with the Cleveland Indians in 1994 when Vizquel was a player. "And it comes from his accomplishments -- a long career that we believe culminates in the Hall of Fame. We're thrilled to have him."

Vizquel finished his playing career with 2,877 hits and 11 Gold Gloves.