Claudio Vargas Almonte (born on June 19, 1978 in
Valverde Mao, Dominican Republic) is a pitcher in
Major League Baseball for the New York Mets. In the
past, he has started games and also pitched in both
middle and long relief. He was waived by the
Washington Nationals and subsequently claimed off
waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 3, 2005.
On November 25, 2006, Vargas was traded to the
Milwaukee Brewers along with pitcher Greg Aquino and
catcher Johnny Estrada, for outfielder Dave Krynzel,
and pitchers Dana Eveland and Doug Davis. On March
25, 2008, he was released by the Brewers. On April
10, 2008, Vargas was signed to a minor league deal
with the New York Mets.
Vargas is 6'3" and weighs 220 lbs.
Vargas was given the nickname "Magic Man" for his
ability to avoid giving up runs with runners on
base.
