January 25, 2004
CLEVELAND INDIANS REPORT -- Sunday, January 25
Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support in welcoming our daughter
Jennifer into the world. All of your messages were greatly appreciated and I
particularly enjoyed reading the similar tales of mad dashes to the hospital.
It's been a hectic week, including a broken-down car and a stomach bug that
wiped out 3/5 of the household, but I think we're slowly returning to normal,
albeit a completely different normal than before :-).
Given the above, today's CIR will serve as a general news update with the
organizational position reviews following later in the week. Here we go...
Aside from the previously announced NRIs, the Indians have invited minor
leaguers Michael Aubrey, Zach Sorensen, Brad Snyder, Dave Wallace, Dusty Wathan,
Brian Luderer, Victor Valencia, Kyle Denney, and Kazuhito Tadano to spring
training. Aubrey and Tadano are the biggest names among this group and both
could possibly see time in Cleveland at some point this season (see note below
on Tadano). Wallace, Wathan, Luderer, and Valencia are all catchers and their
presence in camp will ensure that there's somebody available behind the plate
for all the pitchers scheduled throwing sessions.
Francisco
Cruceta is the subject of an article on mlb.com in which it's noted that
command of his fastball is the key to his future. He'll start the year in the
Bisons rotation.
Kazuhito
Tadano is also the subject of an article on mlb.com in which John Farrell is
quoted as saying that he will have the opportunity to compete for a major league
job this spring. Very interesting, although the bullpen is awfully crowded on
paper. After sailing through single-A and double-A last season in his first year
in the States, Tadano will likely start this season in the Bisons bullpen.
Paul Hoynes noted in the PD yesterday that the Indians were impressed with Scott
Erickson after watching him throw last week in Arizona but feel he may be out of
their price range. The Tribe also watched an Orlando Hernandez workout last week
and will continue to monitor El Duque as he continues to recover from shoulder
surgery. Either pitcher would be worth a look at the right price (i.e., pretty
much bargain basement) although I suspect their respective agents will be more
interested in a guaranteed spot in the rotation (chance to show their stuff for
future big dollars) than haggling over an extra couple hundred thousand dollars.
I'm not sure the Indians can guarantee anything at this point (dollars or
starts).
Mike Jackson and Jose Santiago signed minor league deals with the White Sox that
include an invite to spring training.
Nick Bierbrodt signed with the Red Sox. While he was only with the Indians a
short time, I hope that he does not become "one who got away".
Karim Garcia officially signed with the Mets for one year and $800k.
Jim Brower received a 2-year, $1.825 million contract from the Giants. He went
8-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 51 appearances last year.
The Braves added to their list of former Indians top prospects (joining Julio Franco, Jaret Wright, and Tim Drew) by signing Russ Branyan to a minor league
contract and inviting him to spring training. Branyan was nontendered by the
Reds in December after hitting .216 with 9 homeruns and 69 strikeouts in 176
at-bats last season.
Jeremy Ware signed a minor league contract with the Expos. Derek Wathan (Dusty's
brother) did the same with the Marlins. Mike Matthews signed with the Reds. Pat Borders re-signed with the Mariners.
Grady Little will work for the Cubs this year as an assistant general manager
and scouting consultant.
Jesse Orosco announced his retirement after a 24-year major league career,
including three seasons in Cleveland (1989-1991). He had signed a minor league
deal with the Diamondbacks this past November.
Sad news to report regarding former Indian outfielder Otis Nixon as he was
arrested on aggravated assault charges after allegedly pulling a knife on his
bodyguard at a motel.
WTAM and the Indians announced that 20 games will be broadcast this spring,
including all three opening weekend games (March 5-7) and eight of the final
nine games of the spring, including the two exhibition games against the
Phillies in the new Citizens Bank Park on April 3-4.
Fox Sports Net also announced that they will televise four games this spring
(March 22 vs Cincinnati, March 24 vs Tampa Bay, March 25 vs Montreal, and March
27 vs Cincinnati).
It sure is nice to have Mike and Mike (and espn radio) back on the Cleveland
morning airwaves. I'll miss Ken Silverstein's Indians updates this spring, that
was good stuff.
Can someone please explain to me how Cleveland State took North Carolina down to
the wire? Simply amazing. As bad as this season has been, though, Mike Garland
and the kids deserve some credit for playing hard and being in virtually every
game until the final minutes. It will be interesting to see what kind of
recruiting class Garland can bring in next year in, realistically, his first
full year on the job. I'm cautiously optimistic.
Speaking of being optimistic, anyone else starting to think the Cavs can sneak
into the playoffs this year? I am. Gotta make it happen.