Latest Update! Indians Offseason Moves

It's been a long time since I've updated the blog but I have added a few new features including a Twitter page (see top of blog)!

Let's take a look at what has been a quiet offseason for the Cleveland Indians:

I'm a fan of the Russell Branyan move. There is no sense in rushing LaPorta's progress and him learning from a veteran power hitter like Branyan is a major plus.

The Shoppach trade was necessary to pave the way for more talented youngsters Lou Marson and (later down the road) Carlos Santana. Unless Andy Marte pans out (don't hurt yourselves laughing), the Coco Crisp trade officially becomes a bust for both teams.

And last, but far from least, is the Manny Acta hire. I think this was a great move! I'll admit I was asking myself "who is this washout from the Nationals" but Manny has grown on me to the point where I have actually become quite excited about the 2010 season. Acta's youth, energy and ability to relate with our Latin players will all be plusses. It's too early to tell what his assistants will do for the club, but any fresh faces are a relief from Carl Willis and Derek Shelton.


Cleveland Indians 2009 Offseason


Additions:

Re-Signed Free Agents/Arbitration:

P Rafael Perez, re-signed

Minor League Free Agents:

P Adam Miller, re-signed
P Anthony Reyes, re-signed, placed on DL

Added to 40-Man Roster

IF Jordan Brown
P Kelvin De La Cruz
P Jeanmar Gomez
IF Carlos Rivero
IF Jason Donald
IF Wes Hodges
OF Nick Weglarz

Non-Roster/Minor League Invitees

P Jason Grilli
P Mike Gosling
IF Brian Buscher
IF Luis Rodriguez
P Saul Rivera
OF Shelley Duncan, Yankees
IF/OF Austin Kearns, Nationals
IF Mark Grudzielanek, Royals
P Tom Mastny, Japan
P Josh Judy
P Zach Putnam
P Alex White
P Yohan Pino
P Frank Herrmann
IF Lonnie Chisenhall
IF Beau Mills
IF Niuman Romero
C Damaso Espino

Rule 5 Draft – Major League

P Hector Ambriz, Diamondbacks

Rule 5 Draft – Minor League

IF Brian Horwitz, Giants


Trades

P Mitch Talbot (for Kelly Shoppach)
IF Brian Bixler (for Jesus Brito)

Free Agents

C Mike Redmond, 1 year, $850 K
IF Russell Branyan, 1 year, $2 mil
RP Jamey Wright

Subtractions:

Free Agents:

P Tomo Ohka, free agent
IF Jamey Carroll, signed with LAD, 2 years

Minor League Free Agents:

P Juan Veras, Florida minor league
P Vinnie Chulk, Pittsburgh minor league
P Greg Aquino, Chicago White Sox minor league
IF Tony Graffanino, free agent

Outrighted to AAA

P Scott Lewis
P Mike Gosling
IF Niuman Romero

Rule 5 Draft – Major League

P Chuck Lofgren, Brewers

Rule 5 Draft – Minor League

P Anillins Martinez, Marlins
P Matt Meyer, Cardinals

Trades

C Kelly Shoppach, Rays (for Mitch Talbot)
IF Jesus Brito, Pirates (for Brian Bixler)
P Zach Jackson, Blue Jays (for PTBNL)


Reassigned to Minor League Camp:



40 Man Roster

Pitchers

Hector Ambriz
Fausto Carmona
Carlos Carrasco
Kelvin De La Cruz
Jeanmar Gomez
David Huff
Aaron Laffey
Jensen Lewis
Justin Masterson
Chris Perez
Rafael Perez
Anthony Reyes
Hector Rondon
Tony Sipp
Joe Smith
Jeremy Sowers
Mitch Talbot
Jess Todd
Jake Westbrook
Kerry Wood

Catchers

Lou Marson
Mike Redmond
Carlos Santana
Wyatt Toregas

Infielders

Brian Bixler
Russell Branyan
Asdrubal Cabrera
Jason Donald
Wes Hodges
Andy Marte
Jhonny Peralta
Carlos Rivero
Luis Valbuena

Outfielders

Michael Brantley
Jordan Brown
Shin-Soo Choo
Trevor Crowe
Matt LaPorta
Grady Sizemore
Nick Weglarz

Designated Hitter

Travis Hafner


Coaching Staff/Front Office

Subtractions

Eric Wedge- Manager
Carl Willis- Pitching Coach, minor league pitching coordinator Seattle
Derek Shelton- Hitting Coach, same position Tampa Bay
Jeff Datz- Bench Coach, same position Baltimore
Luis Rivera- First Base/Infield Coach
Joel Skinner- Third Base Coach, manager AA Akron
Chuck Hernandez- Bullpen Coach
Tim Maxey- Strength and Conditioning Coach, MLB

Lino Diaz- Director of Latin American Operations, re-assigned by Cleveland

Additions

Manny Acta- Manager
Tim Belcher- Pitching Coach
Jon Nunnally- Hitting Coach
Tim Tolman- Bench Coach
Steve Smith- Infield/Third Base Coach
Sandy Alomar Jr- First Base/Catching Coach
Scott Radinsky- Bullpen Coach
Joe Kessler- Strength and Conditioning Coach

Ramon Pena- Director of Latin American Operations