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Team Notebook: Cleveland Indians News, Rumors and Injury Updates
 Indians | More on Wright Updating a previous item, The Associated Press reports Cleveland Indians RP Jamey Wright will make $900,000 if he is added to the 40-man roster this year, with a chance to make an extra $700,000 in performance bonuses. Indians | Wright signs The Associated Press reports the Cleveland Indians signed free-agent RP Jamey Wright (Royals) to an undisclosed minor league deal Tuesday, Feb. 9. Indians | Brantley the front runner in left The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta said OF Michael Brantley is the front runner for the left field job. He'll compete with OFs Trevor Crowe, Jordan Brown, Austin Kearns and Shelley Duncan. Indians | Won't pursue Lopez Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians will not be pursuing free-agent 2B Felipe Lopez (Brewers). Indians | Payroll around $65 million The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto reports the Cleveland Indians are expected to have the second-lowest payroll in the American League around $65 million in 2010. Indians | Talking to Branyan The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto reports the Cleveland Indians are talking to free-agent 1B Russell Branyan (Mariners). Indians | Interested in Dye The Cleveland Indians have expressed interest in free-agent OF Jermaine Dye (White Sox), according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto. Indians | Interested in Gomes? The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto reports that the Cleveland Indians may have interest in free-agent OF Jonny Gomes (Reds). Indians | Offered Hudson more money FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports the Cleveland Indians offered Minnesota Twins 2B Orlando Hudson a two-year, $10 million deal. However, the deal was heavily backloaded with a bunch of money included in a buyout of the third-year option. Indians | Rivera successful as closer in winter ball Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians RP Saul Rivera had a 2.29 ERA and 11 saves in 19 outings in the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason. Manager Manny Acta had a good relationship with Rivera as a member of the Washington Nationals. Indians | Choo's military service a non-issue Updating a previous report, Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians continue to consider OF Shin-Soo Choo's two-year military obligation to Korea as a non-issue. Choo could avoid his military service by establishing U.S. residency. He could also avoid the issue if he helps South Korea win the gold medal in baseball during the 2010 Asian Games. Indians | Laffey more confident in changeup John Vargo, of the Tribune Chronicle, reports Cleveland Indians SP Aaron Laffey has grown more confident in his off-speed pitches, especially his changeup. "The first season or so, I didn't really use it a ton," Laffey said. "I used my sinker to change speeds than I would the changeup. I've gained a lot of confidence in my changeup this past season, just being about to throw it behind in the count. I can throw it for a strike, keep guys off balance and give guys a different look to that outer part of the plate for a righty. Anything they see coming in is a fastball or slider. So to see anything else coming in, that's a little bit softer and going away - to mess with the timing a little bit more - I think has helped me a lot." Indians | Sizemore will not be limited The Associated Press reports Cleveland Indians OF Grady Sizemore (elbow, hernia) has been cleared by doctors and will not be limited in any way during Spring Training. "I've been hitting and throwing and lifting and running and everything has felt good," Sizemore said. Indians | Sizemore regrets photo scandal Tom Withers, of The Associated Press, reports Cleveland Indians OF Grady Sizemore regrets how big the uproar has been over photos he took for his girlfriend that were meant to be private but ended up on the internet. "It's tough," he said. "This is a situation where it's a private matter and personal photos were stolen illegally. I've always tried to represent myself and the Cleveland organization as best as possible and to put everybody through this is a terrible feeling and I apologize to everybody." Indians | Unlikely to sign Hudson Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians are unlikely to sign free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson (Dodgers) because of their lack of funds. Indians | LaPorta update Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians 1B/OF Matt LaPorta (hip, toe) has been recovering well, but he's still iffy for opening day. If he has the slightest setback in spring training, the team could start him on the disabled list. Indians | Two invited to spring camp The Akron Beacon Journal's Sheldon Ocker reports the Cleveland Indians invited Ps Josh Judy and Zach Putnam to spring camp as non-roster players. Indians | Sowers out of options Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians SP Jeremy Sowers is out of minor league options. Indians | McBride switched positions Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians C Matt McBride transitioned to a first base, outfield role at Double-A last season. Indians | Interested in Branyan? The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto reports that the Cleveland Indians may be interested in free-agent 1B Russell Branyan (Mariners). Indians | Interested in Kennedy The MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports the Cleveland Indians are interested in free-agent 2B Adam Kennedy (Athletics). Indians | Made offer to Tatis Mike Puma, of the New York Post, reports the Cleveland Indians made an offer to New York Mets 1B Fernando Tatis. Indians | Trying to make room for Hudson? Ken Rosenthal, of FOXSports.com, reports the Cleveland Indians are exploring the idea of trading SP Fausto Carmona to clear money for free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson (Dodgers), according to major league sources. However, the possibility of such a move is unlikely. Indians | Brantley has bulked up Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians OF Michael Brantley has added about 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason. "I'm the strongest I've ever been in my life," Brantley said. "But I've been running each and every day, so I'm still light on my legs. I couldn't be happier with my weight and conditioning." Indians | C. Perez update Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (ankle) said he is 95 percent recovered from surgery to remove a loose bone and cyst from the back of his left ankle. He said his ankle is still a little weak when he plants his foot, but he'll be ready for spring training. Indians | Lofton named to team HOF The Associated Press reports former OF Kenny Lofton has been named to the team's Hall of Fame after serving as a leadoff hitter for the club for 10 seasons. He is the franchise leader in steals (452) and ranks third in runs scored (975). Indians | Unlikely to sign Damon Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, reports the Cleveland Indians are highly unlikely to outbid other teams for the services of free-agent OF Johnny Damon (Yankees). Indians | Not going after Thome Jon Paul Morosi, of FOXSports.com, reports the Cleveland Indians are not pursuing free-agent 1B Jim Thome (Dodgers), according to one major league source. Indians | Redmond knows his role is defined The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Cleveland Indians C Mike Redmond was signed to work with the Indians' young catchers and pitchers. Their starting catcher will apparently be decided between rookies Lou Marson and Wyatt Toregas. The winner will keep the job warm for Carlos Santana, who is recovering from a broken hamate bone in his right hand. "Cleveland really wanted me. I've got a chance to work with some great young pitchers. My wife's sister lives in Medina. It seemed like a good fit. Besides, it's going to be fun catching Fausto Carmona instead of trying to hit against him," Redmond said. Indians | Many question marks in bullpen Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians have many question marks in their bullpen for the 2010 season, and nothing is exactly set in stone. RP Kerry Wood is the closer, but if he were to be injured, the most logical choice to take his place is RP Chris Perez. Perez is expected to serve as the setup man to Wood. The only other sure things in the bullpen include RPs Joe Smith and Rafael Perez. RP Tony Sipp is not guaranteed a spot, but has a strong chance to make the team out of Spring Training. Indians | Cabrera a lock at shortstop Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera is a lock to start at shortstop this year, but second base is a different story. 2B Luis Valbuena is likely to start at second base, but will be rested against left-handed pitchers. Other infield candidates include SS Brian Bixler, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, SS Luis Rodriguez and SS Jason Donald. Indians | Have plenty of competition for rotation Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians Ps Mitch Talbot, Hector Rondon, Carlos Carrasco, Aaron Laffey, David Huff and Jeremy Sowers will be competing for the final two rotation spots in Spring Training this year. Indians | Masterson assured a rotation spot Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians SP Justin Masterson is assured a spot in the rotation entering the 2010 season. "Right now, for him and for the Cleveland Indians, (starting is the best option)," pitching coach Tim Belcher said. "Whether that's the case down the road is anybody's guess. He's a big, strong guy with a big arm and big delivery. You can see him in just about any role - the ace of a staff or the closer of a staff. As of right now, we see him helping us and himself more in the starting role." Indians | More on Perez Updating a previous item, Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports the Cleveland Indians avoided arbitration with RP Rafael Perez by agreeing to a one-year, $795,000 deal Tuesday, Jan. 19. Indians | R. Perez avoids arbitration The Sports Network reports the Cleveland Indians avoided arbitration with RP Rafael Perez by agreeing to a one-year deal Tuesday, Jan. 19. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Indians | Bixler acquired The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic reports the Cleveland Indians acquired SS Brian Bixler from the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, Jan. 18, in exchange for 3B Jesus Brito. Bixler is expected to compete for a utility role. Indians | R. Perez files for arbitration Updating previous reports, Cleveland Indians RP Rafael Perez has filed for salary arbitration, according to MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince. Indians | Toregas unlikely to make big league roster Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians C Wyatt Toregas is unlikely to make the big league roster out of Spring Training after the team signed C Mike Redmond. Indians | Redmond contract update Updating previous items, The Associated Press reports the Cleveland Indians agreed to terms on a one-year, $850,000 deal with C Mike Redmond Friday, Jan. 15. He can make an extra $50,000 in performance bonuses: $10,000 each for 40, 45, 50, 60 and 70 games started. Indians | Redmond update Updating a previous item, MLB.com reports the Cleveland Indians agreed to terms on a one-year deal with C Mike Redmond Friday, Jan. 15. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Redmond will serve as the backup to rookie C Lou Marson. Indians | Redmond agrees Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports the Cleveland Indians have agreed to terms with free-agent C Mike Redmond (Twins). Terms weren't disclosed. Indians | Seven invited to spring camp The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports seven players have been extended spring training invites by the Cleveland Indians. P's Alex White, Frank Herrmann and Yohan Pino, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, 1B Beau Mills, C Damaso Espino and IF Niuman Romero are the seven selected. Indians | Several conversations with Perez The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports the Cleveland Indians have had several conversations with the agent for RP Rafael Perez (Indians) to see if they can reach a contract without going to arbitration. Players and teams will exchange salary figures Tuesday, Jan. 19. Perez, who pitched well this winter in the Dominican Republic after a bad season in Cleveland, made $436,300 last year. Indians | LaPorta expected to begin baseball activities soon Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians 1B Matt LaPorta (hip, toe) is expected to be cleared to begin baseball activities next week. "I should be able to start Spring Training with everybody else," LaPorta said. "I'll have another checkup with my doctors right before (Spring Training) to make sure I'm 100 percent. I'm on a good pace." LaPorta does not expect to be limited once he is healthy, and can play both the outfield and first base. However, the Indians see him receiving the bulk of playing time next year at first base. Indians | Grudzielanek signs Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports the Cleveland Indians signed 2B Mark Grudzielanek (Royals) to a minor league contract. |
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