Vazquez was a member of the American League All-Star team in 2004 with the Yankees, carrying a 10-5 record with a 3.56 ERA into the break. By Vazquez's own admission, his 4-5 record with a 6.92 ERA in the second half for the Yankees was far below his high standards.

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper pointed to the Montreal days for Vazquez as a target where the organization would like to see him return. Vazquez pitched six years for the Expos, but his best numbers came during the 2003 campaign. He finished 13-12 with a 3.24 ERA and 241 strikeouts over 230 2/3 innings.