Indians Tidbits (2006 season)..

[tsteele316]

it's rather obvious what this move is for. does anyone really think that cleveland will start the season with 5 OF on the roster in michaels, delucci, grady, choo, and gutz? That assumes casey blake isn't playing OF.

My guess is that you're going to see a trade in the very near future for some pen help. Additionally, with the Barfield trade, you also have two platooners with inglett and luna. inglett also plays outfield. Add to that the fact that trevor crowe may be ready by the '08 season to start in the outfield, and you have quite the crowd. some guys are getting moved.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

BASEBALL

<H1 class=red>Indians turn focus to reliever Foulke

</H1>

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Paul Hoynes

Plain Dealer Reporter

The Indians have made several multiyear offers to relievers in an effort to strengthen the bullpen for next season. Keith Foulke, reportedly, is one of them, but it's unclear whether they'll sign him.
"We've moved down the road," said agent Dan Horwits of the Beverly Hill Sports Council, regarding negotiations with the Indians. "The Indians have expressed interest and Keith has talked to some of the Indians people."
General Manager Mark Shapiro said, "We've talked to every reliever out there who can help us."
Foulke walked away from a $3.75 million player's option with Boston at the end of last season to become a free agent. He said he wanted to be closer to his family in Texas and Arizona.
That's a hurdle the Indians will have difficulty clearing.
Foulke, 34, helped Boston win the 2004 World Series by going 32-for-39 in saves. He recorded the last out of the Red Sox's four-game sweep of St. Louis for their first World Series championship since 1918.
Knee and elbow injuries stalked Foulke in 2005 and 2006. Foulke went 3-0 with a 4.03 ERA in 44 games this year. He lost the closer's job to rookie Jonathan Papelbon.
"Keith says he's as healthy as he was before the 2004 season," Horwits said. "Every team we've talked to has no concerns about his health."
The bidding on Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa ended Monday. Reportedly, the highest bid was $25 million.
The Indians, who at one time thought Igawa might help them in the bullpen, didn't make a bid. Their scouts feel he's more suited for the National League.
Finally:
Fausto Carmona is leading the Dominican Republic winter league in strikeouts with 28 in 23 innings. Carmona, pitching for Aguilas, is 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in five starts.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-5158

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

NO BLOCKBUSTER DEALS FOR TRIBE

By Sheldon Ocker

AP Photo/George Widman
Philadelphia Phillies' David Dellucci singles against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the second inning of their baseball game Sunday, June 18, 2006, in Philadelphia.

Attention, Indians fans. It's time to cheer, in unison: ``Whoop-de-doo.''
That spontaneous show of support for the team is in honor of the impending signing of David Dellucci, an outfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies whose agent says has agreed to work for the Tribe. Mr. Dellucci graciously has accepted the relatively meager sum of $11.5 million to be a part-time left fielder. And that's for three whole seasons.
Apparently, the plan is for Dellucci to play left against right-handed pitchers and for the incumbent, Jason Michaels, to take his at-bats exclusively against lefties.
I know what the fans are thinking. The reaction to this news is somewhere between ``Wasn't Aunt Sophie's first husband -- the guy who tried to build a vacation home entirely out of Indian-head nickels -- named Dellucci?'' to ``When does LeBron go mano-a-mano with Kobe again?''
This is not the blockbuster signing fans were hoping for. Moreover, it is unlikely General Manager Mark Shapiro will be able to pull off the sort of sexy signing or trade that makes headlines on SportsCenter. And no, the Indians are not in the running for Manny Ramirez.
So, at this moment, at office water coolers and taverns all over Northeast Ohio, Tribe partisans are shaking their heads in agreement.
``We knew it all along,'' they are saying. ``Larry Dolan is too cheap to get us a real player.''
How much more evidence do you need? First, Shapiro trades for a second baseman who was a mere rookie last year. Translation: The kid will cost the team little more than the $380,000 minimum salary.
Well, what about Alfonso Soriano and Manny, you say? Dolan is willing to open his wallet and pull out $15 million, maybe $20 million. But he can't afford to give all of it to one player.
Lefty reliever Jamie Walker would have made a nice addition to the bullpen. He signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles for something like $12 million. He's 35 years old and would not have filled the vacuum either as a setup man or closer.
Shapiro made a sharp deal for Josh Barfield, the young second baseman from the San Diego Padres whose rookie year was filled with promise. But trading for a player from the other league -- someone who is almost unknown to local fans -- wasn't likely to set in motion the kind of marketing and sales blitz that would have aroused the Tribe's business department.
In fact, if you're disenchanted with the pizazz quotient of the Indians' offseason acquisitions, just think how the team's ticket-sales and marketing executives feel. They try to work all the angles, but the one that keeps coming up empty -- the one that has the greatest bottom-line impact -- is acquiring that heroic player who will set the turnstiles spinning.
That's not Shapiro's responsibility. He is trying to upgrade the talent on the field. In that respect, Barfield is a definite plus, and Dellucci might be more valuable than he appears at first glance.
Last year, he hit 11 home runs and amassed the unimposing total of 35 RBI against right-handed pitchers. I know; Manny can do that in his sleep and often has. But we're not talking about one of the most talented hitters of his era.
Dellucci compiled his numbers in only 244 at-bats against right-handers. If you project those over a full 550-at-bat season, they come to 25 homers and 79 RBI. That means that when he was asked to produce in a limited role, he did his job pretty well.
Moreover, of Dellucci's 73 hits against righties, 40 percent went for extra bases. Anything over 33 percent puts him in the upper echelon of hitters. He had a slugging percentage of .529 and an on-base percentage of .375.
Is Dellucci the next coming of Jim Thome or Eddie Murray? Hardly, but when he faces right-handers -- he could receive about 400 at-bats in that role -- he is a positive factor and should be an upgrade in left.
Because spring training doesn't begin for 2 ? months, what Dellucci is likely to do when the season starts is irrelevant to the negative notions currently held by the fans.
And as I said, the rest of the winter is likely to focus on more of the same. If you're looking for a marquee free-agent signing or a blockbuster trade, become a Boston Red Sox fan. If you have some sense of reality, you will understand the situation in which Shapiro finds himself.
If it's any comfort, the Indians' marketing department is likely to produce a Dellucci bobblehead that probably will bring at least six bucks on eBay.

 

[PrincetonBuckeye]

Today ESPN is reporting that Buck Showalter has been hired by the Indians as a senior advisor....

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2682590

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

CLEVELAND INDIANS
Showalter accepts advisory job

Saturday, December 02, 2006




Former major-league manager Buck Showalter has one foot back in the dugout, after accepting an advisory position with the Cleveland Indians yesterday. But first he made sure he would not be stepping on current manager Eric Wedge.
"That was very important to me," Showalter said. "I think he?s the right guy to lead this club, and I?m looking forward to learning from him. But it?s always nice to have somebody who?s walked in your shoes. I?ll answer when my opinion is asked."
Mike Hargrove, Terry Francona and Buddy Bell previously served a similar role in the Indians? front office, between managerial jobs with other organizations. General manager Mark Shapiro said Showalter will assist him in player evaluations, help Ross Atkins adjust to the new role of farm director, and help the big-league coaching staff in any way possible.
"Eric enjoyed bouncing ideas off Grover and talking with him," Shapiro said.
Showalter has managed 11 seasons in the big leagues, with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers. He was fired by the Rangers after last season.
Meanwhile, the Indians could soon fill a few holes in their roster. They have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder David Dellucci on a three-year contract and are simply awaiting results of a physical, which is expected early next week. And they reportedly have a one-year deal with free-agent reliever Roberto Hernandez.
Shapiro does not comment on individual players until they are signed, but he said he "could have a few announcements" by the conclusion of the winter meetings next week.
? Scott Priestle [email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Indians notebook

GM Shapiro adds Showalter to mix

Indians expect to be busy at winter meetings. Hernandez possible add

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

The Indians' entourage to the winter meetings grew by one Friday when former Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter signed on as senior adviser to baseball operations.
Showalter will join General Manager Mark Shapiro and other operatives in Orlando, Fla., for the annual meetings next week.
Though Shapiro has been outbid in his efforts to lure one or more relievers to Cleveland, he is optimistic that he will not come home from Florida empty-handed.
``I'm feeling confident that we have good traction on some free agents,'' Shapiro said. ``By the end of the meetings, I think we'll have some announcements for you.''
Shapiro is believed to be in serious negotiations with 42-year-old Roberto Hernandez, late of the New York Mets, and reportedly is talking to Joe Borowski, closer for the Florida Marlins last season, and former Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke, who missed much of the past two seasons with injuries. It also has been reported that Shapiro would like to work out a trade for Scot Shields of the Los Angeles Angels.
Shapiro said that Friday night's deadline for offering arbitration to free agents would not limit him. If a free agent is not offered arbitration by his former team, that club will not receive a draft choice from the player's new employer.
``We're not going to lose a first-round pick no matter what,'' Shapiro said. ``So we are not going to let losing a draft choice stop us from signing a player.''
Showalter follows in the footsteps of Mike Hargrove, Terry Francona and Buddy Bell, who served as consultants with the Tribe between managerial positions.
``Like other special assistants before him,'' Shapiro said, ``Buck's job will evolve as the season goes on.''
Showalter will go to spring training and assist manager Eric Wedge. When the season starts, Showalter will evaluate the farm system and perform other duties for Shapiro.
Inevitably, some people see the hiring of Showalter as a message to Wedge: ``Watch your step, because this guy can be your successor.''
Shapiro and Showalter insist that is not true.
``One reason I came here is because Eric is the manager,'' Showalter said. ``Mark, Eric and I talked about this already. We have a manager here.''
Showalter, 50, has a managerial record of 882-833 with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Rangers.
Asked if he covets another managing job, Showalter said: ``That's not something I wake up in the morning wringing my hands about. Wherever this job leads me, that's where it will lead me.''

 

[BuckFanAtAkron]

Tribe adds Roberto Hernandez, Aaron Fultz to 'pen

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Indians report

GM adds two new pitchers to the mix

Veteran, lefty brought in to shake up dynamic

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro on Saturday signed two pitchers: a veteran with 326 saves who will not close and a left-hander who probably will earn a portion of his living pitching to right-handers.
``We wanted to change the dynamic of our bullpen and bring in some veteran presence and outside experience,'' Shapiro said of 42-year-old Roberto Hernandez and lefty Aaron Fultz. ``If things get bumpy, these guys can provide leadership.''
As long as they perform on the field, the GM should have added.
Hernandez has been around, pitching for the White Sox, Giants, Devil Rays, Royals, Phillies, Braves -- and last season -- the Mets and Pirates.
Despite his advanced age, Hernandez showed little sign of slippage in 2006, though he no longer is charged with saving games. He made 68 appearances, working 63 2/3 innings and posting an 0-3 record with two saves (in five chances) and a 3.11 ERA. Opposing hitters batted .248 against him.
Hernandez's effectiveness slipped after the All-Star Game, when he compiled a 3.96 ERA compared with 2.56 before the break. Maybe that was a consequence of his age, or maybe he was feeling the effects of an aching knee that was surgically repaired in October.
``I have zero concern about that knee,'' Shapiro said.
Manager Eric Wedge ultimately will determine the roles of Hernandez and Fultz.
Of Hernandez, Shapiro said, ``He will pitch at the back end of the bullpen: most likely the seventh and eighth innings, but he also could work some in the sixth and ninth.''
The GM also said Hernandez is not being counted on to close games.
``We expect and hope to sign maybe two more guys with closer experience,'' Shapiro said.
Asked if he anticipated a competition in spring training for the closer role, the GM said, ``It's probably premature for me to answer that. If you wait three more weeks, I'll be able to answer.''
Nor is Shapiro ready to announce who will be the team's setup man.
``I think it's a little premature to do that,'' he said. ``I don't think we'll lay that out publicly until spring training.''
Hernandez has a one-year guarantee of $3.3 million and a club option for 2008 for $3.7 million. Last season, he made $2.75 million.
Fultz, 33, compiled a 3-1 record and 4.54 ERA in 66 appearances (71 1/3 innings pitched) for the Phillies last season. It is obvious from the number of innings that he pitched that he was not limited to being a left-handed matchup pitcher.
He finished the season by giving up only one run in his last eight outings, a total of six innings.
Fultz's best season came in 2005, when he was 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA, working in 62 games (72 1/3 IP) for the Phillies. Opposing hitters batted only .186 against him that year.
In addition to working out of the Phillies bullpen, Fultz has pitched for the Giants, Rangers and Twins.
``Fultz has been successful against left-handers throughout his whole career,'' Shapiro said. ``He's also a strong character guy.
``Under the right circumstances, you'll see Eric use him against right-handers, too.''
Fultz will earn $1.5 million in 2007. If the team exercises his option for 2008, he will make $1.5 million in 2008.
Scout added
The Tribe has hired Jim Benedict as a major-league scout. For the past seven years, Benedict has worked in various scouting positions with the Yankees.
Before that, he was pitching coordinator for the Dodgers and Expos.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

TALKIN' TRIBE
Big deals by Indians not likely at meetings
? I hope I'm wrong, but I don't sense any big deals coming from the Tribe during the winter meetings. They seem to be involved in a lot of talks about veteran relievers, but not much is being said -- as of now -- about the kind of trade that makes fans take notice.
? The Indians have checked out the price on Manny Ramirez. As of now, the Boston Red Sox want a lot: Fausto Carmona, Adam Miller and Trevor Crowe. Those are three of the Tribe's top prospects. The Red Sox also want any team to take over the entire bill for Ramirez's contract. He has three years left totaling $60 million. He will be 37 when the contract is finished, and Ramirez might want an extension to agree to a deal. He has a no-trade clause.
? That can change, especially if the Red Sox continue to sign high-priced free agents. That's also why they don't want to pay much on the contract. Because Ramirez has to approve any deal, you also are heading into the uncertainty that is Manny's World. In the end, Manny might stay in Boston.
? The Indians want to hang on to Miller and Carmona, because both could be in the starting rotation by 2007. That also gives them the freedom to trade a starter such as Paul Byrd right now. I doubt Jake Westbrook will be traded, but if the Indians do get involved in a mega deal, don't be surprised if Westbrook is in the middle of it. His trade value has soared, and for good reason: his 44 victories over the past three seasons are fifth in the American League.
? The Indians had some talks about Gary Sheffield. The main piece going to the New York Yankees would have been Kevin Kouzmanoff. The Yankees stalled. The San Diego Padres offered Josh Barfield, and the Indians moved quickly to pick up a young, talented second baseman.
? The Indians also made an offer to Frank Catalanotto, who eventually signed a three-year deal with the Texas Rangers. He batted .301 for the Toronto Blue Jays with a .376 on-base percentage. Like David Dellucci, he also is a left-handed hitting outfielder. Some in the Tribe organization gave Catalanotto the edge over Dellucci, but in the end Catalanotto wanted to return to Texas, where he played from 2000-2002.
? Dellucci will sign a three-year, $12 million deal with the Indians. He's 33, and batted .292 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI in 264 at-bats for the Philadelphia Phillies. He never has been a regular, and he batted only .200 against lefties. He had poor year with runners on base: .185 (12-of-65) with them in scoring position; .034 (1-of-29) with runners in scoring position and two outs.
? It's worth taking the last three years of a player's career to see how that averages out. For Dellucci, who spent the previous two seasons with the Rangers, the numbers show this: .258 average, .359 on base, 20 home runs, 55 RBI in 340 at-bats. As for runners on base, in the past three years years, it's .260 with them in scoring position, .202 with two outs. His stats last season dragged down these numbers.
? Dellucci's agent has been saying the Indians are considering him as a regular player. I find that hard to believe. At 33, he is exactly what he seems -- a platoon player. As the Tribe learned with Jason Michaels last season, it's difficult to take a player in the middle of his career and make him a regular. A right-handed hitter, Michaels hit .291 vs. lefties, .252 vs. righties. He batted .268 in the first half, .266 after the All-Star break. So it's not like he suddenly kicked into gear.
? Dellucci is part of the search for a No. 2 hitter. Michaels was supposed to do it, and on-base percentage is a key stat for that lineup slot. You want a player as close to .350 as possible. He had a .399 on-base mark as a part-timer with the Phillies in 2005. It dropped to .326 with the Indians. Leadoff hitter Grady Sizemore was at .375. Over the past three years, Dellucci's on-base percentage is .359.
? Here's what I sense will happen: The Indians will platoon Michaels/Dellucci in left. They will go with Sizemore in center, Casey Blake in right field and Shin-Soo Choo as the fifth outfielder.
? But another possibility being discussed is this: Dellucci in left, Sizemore in center, Choo/Michaels platoon in right and Blake at first base -- with Ryan Garko coming off the bench. I hope they don't do it. Garko deserves a shot to start, and why is there any reason to believe Dellucci can be a regular at 33? In the past three seasons, he's a .185 hitter vs. lefties.
? Here's one other plan tossed out, but it would only be used in an emergency situation. Suppose Andy Marte looks terrible in the spring. Then the Indians could move Blake to third, keeping Garko at first. Marte does have minor-league options left. This is a long shot.
? My concern about the Indians' new approach with several platoon positions is if manager Eric Wedge will buy into it. Other than platooning Ben Broussard and Eduardo Perez at first to begin last season, he has not bought into it. He has played his regulars too many games in some situations. With a lot of guys who are sort of the same, he needs a new, creative approach to make it work.
? The Indians knew the New York Mets were offering Moises Alou a one-year deal in the $8.5 million range. They offered him a two-year deal worth at least $16 million. Not bad for a 40-year-old outfielder. Alou signed with the Mets, preferring to stay in the National League and play for a team that he's sure will contend.
? Alou would have made a lot more sense for the Indians. He's a right-handed hitter, which they need. In 98 games last year, he batted .301 with 22 home runs and 74 RBI. He always has been a run-producer. He might be 40, but over the past three seasons, he has hit .304 and averaged 26 home runs and 80 RBI.
? As for the bullpen, the Indians signed ageless Roberto Hernandez. The 42-year-old righty had a solid year with the Mets and Pirates: 3.11 ERA with opponents batting only .248. He still throws in the low 90s and struck out 48 in 63 innings with 32 walks. He once was a premier closer, but is more of setup man now. If he's healthy, he'll help.
? They also signed Aaron Fultz, a 33-year-old lefty -- the main reason being lefties hit only .212 against him last season. But Fultz has been inconsistent. Only once in his career has he had an ERA under 4.54 -- that was in 2005, when he was 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA for the Phillies. But the Indians are desperate for left-handers and are hoping he can help.
? They also are talking seriously to Octavio Dotel, who had Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in 2005, and then pitched only 10 innings last season with the Yankees. His career record is 37-31 with 71 saves in 99 attempts (not a good ratio; you want 80 percent). If he's healthy -- the medical reports are good -- he can add some depth to the middle of the bullpen.
? Another reliever under consideration is Keith Foulke. Foulke, 34, was 3-1 with a 4.35 ERA for the Boston Red Sox last year. He has had some knee problems, but the Indians like the fact that he threw 11 scoreless innings in September and had a 2.04 ERA after the All-Star break. Foulke has a 190 career saves and wants to close, which is why he won't return to the Red Sox.
? And yet another reliever is Joe Borowski, the 35-year-old who was 3-3 with a 3.75 ERA and 33-of-40 in saves for the Florida Marlins. He has a history of arm trouble and there is concern about his arm. He pitched in Florida, a very tough park for hitters. His ERA was 3.01 at home, 4.71 on the road. Even if the Indians sign him, can he close?
? With the exception of Borowski, none of these relievers would be considered closers. So who would close? Who knows? They'd have to figure it out in spring training. The Indians counter that past two World Series winners had closers seemingly come from nowhere: Bobby Jenks (White Sox) and Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals). They say Tom Mastny had a tired arm at the end of the season. He converted his first five saves before falling off. This was his first full year in relief.
But right now, they don't know.

 

[Okinawa's#1Buck]

Per ESPN.com

Indians add closer Borowski, outfielder Dellucci

Associated Press






CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians found a front-runner for their vacant closer's job, agreeing Wednesday to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with free agent Joe Borowski that includes a club option for 2008.
Joe Borowski

Relief Pitcher
Cleveland Indians

Profile2006 SEASON STATISTICSGMWLBBKERA723333643.75

The Indians also completed their $11.5 million, three-year contract with free-agent outfielder David Dellucci, who passed his physical in Cleveland on Tuesday.


Borowski had 36 saves in 43 tries last season for the Florida Marlins. He was close to finalizing a two-year deal last week with Philadelphia, but the Phillies didn't like the results of medical tests performed on his right shoulder.


The Indians had their doctors examine the 35-year-old Tuesday, and apparently felt Borowski was worth taking a chance.


Cleveland, which traded Bob Wickman before the July 31 deadline last season, had a major league-low 23 saves in 2006. Borowski will be the favorite going into training camp to be Cleveland's next closer.


General manager Mark Shapiro has also had talks with agents for Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel and Eric Gagne.


Last week, the Indians signed veterans Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz, who are expected to fill setup roles.


Borowski, who has also pitched for Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs, is 17-26 with a 3.87 ERA and 80 career saves. Since 2003, he is 78 for 95 in save opportunities.


Het gets $4 million next year, and the Indians have a $4 million option for 2008 with a $250,000 buyout.

The 33-year-old Dellucci is expected to platoon in left field for Cleveland. A left-handed hitter, he batted .292 with 13 homers and 39 RBI in 132 games for Philadelphia, which acquired him before Opening Day from Texas.

 

[BuckFanAtAkron]

I like the signing of Borowski, but the signing of Dellucci is just another platoon job.

 

[Bucks21]

I would like to see Foulke get a deal. Between him and Borowski one of them are gonna have a good year for us depending on whose arm better holds up.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Indians sign free agents Joe Borowski, David Dellucci
UPDATE: 11:23 AM, Wednesday, December 6, 2006

CLEVELAND (AP) - The Cleveland Indians found a front-runner for their vacant closer's job, agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract with free agent Joe Borowski that includes a club option for 2008.


The Indians also finalized their $11.5 million, three-year contract with free agent outfielder David Dellucci, who passed his physical in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Borowski had 36 saves in 43 tries last season for the Florida Marlins. He was close to finalizing a two-year deal last week with Philadelphia, but the Phillies didn't like the results of medical tests performed on his right shoulder.

The Indians had their doctors examine the 35-year-old Tuesday, and apparently felt Borowski was worth taking a chance on.

Cleveland, which traded Bob Wickman before the July 31 deadline last season, had a major-league low 23 saves in 2006. Borowski will be the favorite going into training camp to be Cleveland's next closer.

General manager Mark Shapiro has also had talks with agents for Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel and Greg Gagne.

Last week, the Indians signed veterans Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz, who are expected to fill setup roles.

Borowski, who has also pitched for Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs, is 17-26 with a 3.87 ERA and 80 career saves. Since 2003, he is 78 for 95 in save opportunities.
The 33-year-old Dellucci is expected to platoon in left field for Cleveland. A left-handed hitter, he batted .292 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 132 games for Philadelphia, which acquired him before opening day from Texas.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

BASEBALL WINTER MEETINGS
Indians concentrating on arms


Friday, December 08, 2006 Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter

Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
- Manny Ramirez won't be returning to Cleveland, much to the displeasure of Indians fans. It's doubtful another comparable hitter is either, but offense wasn't the reason the Indians finished fourth last season in the American League Central.
The Indians were done in by a bad bullpen and poor infield defense. GM Mark Shapiro has been patching and repairing those positions since the last day of the season on Oct. 1.
First came second baseman Josh Barfield from San Diego in a trade for Kevin Kouzmanoff and Andrew Brown.
Barfield, 23, has range and speed, which should help the infield defense.
The bullpen has occupied most of Shapiro and the front office's time. And well it should. In a five-day span, Shapiro signed relievers Roberto Hernandez, Aaron Fultz and Joe Borowski.
Hernandez and Borowski have combined for 406 saves - 326 by Hernandez and 80 by Borowski.
They come with wear and tear.
Hernandez is 42, Borowski has a right shoulder that caused the Phillies to back out of a two-year deal and Fultz might not be the second coming of Paul Assenmacher, but he's an experienced left-hander, something the Indians have lacked since Sheffield Village police arrested Scott Sauerbeck and a female companion last May hid ing in the bushes.
The Indians are still trying to add another late-inning arm. Octavio Dotel is their main target. Depending on Dotel's recovery from Tommy John surgery, he could compete and/or assist Borowski in the closer's role. Hernandez may get a save situation now and then, but he's not expected to see the ninth inning with any regularity.
In baseballspeak, the Indians have "thickened" the pen. With three, and possibly four new relievers, along with Rafael Betancourt, manager Eric Wedge has plenty of options in the eighth and ninth innings. The new additions will force Fernando Cabrera, Jason Davis, Tom Mastny and others to compete for time in the sixth and seventh innings.
If inexperienced left-handers Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp or Juan Lara make the club, fine, but Fultz's presence will lessen their burden.
Then there's Fausto Carmona. Wedge, talking to reporters Wednesday at the winter meetings, called him "arguably the best set-up man in the American League for a six-week period last year." Unfortunately, he followed those six weeks with one horrendous week at closer.
The infusion of new relievers should help the Indians avoid that kind of move this year. They can let Carmona compete for time in the middle innings with an eye to moving him to the back-end of the pen. Or they can keep him sharp in Class AAA Buffalo's rotation, a phone call away in case of injury or trade.
Shapiro was able to add Hernandez, Fultz and Borowski for an estimated $10 million. They all signed one-year deals with club options for 2008.
"All three of these contracts could turn into multiyear deals and we were able to maintain some of our long-term flexibility as well," said Shapiro, who left the winter meetings Thursday.
Outfielder David Dellucci, so far this winter, is Shapiro's only long-term investment. Delucci, criticized by fans mostly because he isn't Ramirez, formally agreed to a three-year $11.5 million contract after he passed his physical Wednesday.
He'll get most of the at-bats in left field, sitting occasionally when Jason Michaels plays against a left-handed starter. Wedge wouldn't say whether Dellucci will be his No. 2 hitter behind Grady Sizemore, but that might be a logical spot for him.
"I think the bulk of our heavy lifting is done," said Shapiro.
The Indians are still looking for a utility infielder, with a masters degree in playing shortstop, because of the shaky nature of Jhonny Peralta's play. John McDonald would do nicely, but the Tribe traded him a couple of years ago to Toronto and the Blue Jays aren't likely to part with him.
They've talked to free agent Chris Gomez and are exploring trade possibilities.
As for making a Ramirez-type deal, it's not likely.
"A big bat is obviously something we've been trying to find," said Wedge. "We're not going to close any door, but right now we just don't see the opportunity out there."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-5158

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

No Rule 5 draft picks for Tribe; two losses

The Indians didn't select anyone in Thursday's Rule 5 draft, but they lost two players.
Tampa Bay took outfielder Ryan Goleski in the major- league portion of the draft, paying the Tribe $50,000. The Devil Rays then sold Goleski to Oakland for $100,000.
Philadelphia took right-hander Jim Ed Warden in the major-league portion of the draft, which also cost the Phillies $50,000.
Goleski batted .331 with 10 homers and 43 RBI at Kinston before being promoted to Akron, where he he hit .296 with 17 home runs and 63 RBI. Warden spent the entire season in the Aeros' bullpen, compiling a 5-2 record with 11 saves and a 2.90 ERA.

-- Sheldon Ocker​

​