Signed by Cleveland, 11/19/99, as a non-drafted free-agent. ... Was the Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2000 in the Indians organization after going a combined 12-7 with a 2.62 ERA at Class A Columbus (7-4), Kinston (4-3) and Class AA Akron (1-0). ... Went 6-11 at Akron and 1-0 at Class AAA Buffalo in 2001 ... Played for Team USA in the World Cup in Taiwan in 2001, going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. ... Went 7-6 at Akron and 3-1 at Buffalo in 2002.

Went 10-4 with a 3.43 ERA at Buffalo in 2003. ... Contact purchased by the Indians 7/5/03 and made his Major League debut the next day in Minnesota, allowing two runs and five hits over five innings in a no-decision start against the Twins. ... Sent back to Buffalo on 7/12, but was recalled 7/22, sent back to Buffalo on 8/10, then back to Cleveland on 9/1/04. ... Got first MLB win 9/26 at Toronto, pitching six scoreless innings in a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays. ... Went 1-3 with a 3.60 ERA in 13 games (eight starts) and 50 innings overall for Indians.