I was a surprised at the move.

Merloni is a veteran who gives 100% and is comfortable with his role as a bench player.  I don't expect him to hit over .260 but that's a lot better than Vazquez.
 

Merloni will be a much better option during interleague play when we have to hit for the pitcher (CC excepted). Somehow sending up Vazquez to hit for a pitcher wouldn't make sense since he hits about as well as a pitcher anyway. Merloni actually has a chance to hit it where they ain't.

I also wonder if this isn't a "clubhouse" move.  Merloni has always been a positive factor in every clubhouse he's ever set foot in.  That's not to say that Vasquez was a clubhouse cancer in any way.  But Grady admitted to the guys pressing a little bit in order to end the losing streak.  It may be that the front office viewed Vasquez and Merloni as a wash, but felt that Merloni might provide a solid veteran presence ON the bench

I'm a bit confused, actually. Who plays short?  

Boone had 54 ABs as a SS in 2002, 13 in 2003, 0 in 2004 (obviously), and 0 in 2005.

Merloni had 7 ABs as a SS in 2002, 59 in 2003, and that's that.  Granted, he may have played a few games in the minors, but I would doubt much.

Regardless, we have two of the most groundballingest pitchers in the majors. What gives?

My two observations -

1. This is a short term move, for some reason, until Inglett takes up residence for the rest of the season.  What reason, I simply don't know.

2. This clearly shows what the front office thinks about Peralta's defensive abilities.  Wasn't it just the start of last year he was on a short leash supported by a Proven Veteran Backup?

Anyway, it may be an inconsequential move, or maybe I think it is b/c we didn't bring up Mr. Inglett.  The way i see it he has an equal, if not better bat, and better matched defensive abilities to meet our team's needs.  Maybe he has taken up the long time Indian veteran presence spot on the roster required by the FO since Graves was released.  

i think we're all forgetting how much more satisfying it is to yell "Loouuuuuuuuuuuu" at the top of our lungs than it is to yell "Ramooonnnnnnnn"