Indians Look For Relief

[love_that_reefer]

The Indians continue to talk to free agent Joe Borowski, who failed a physical with the Phillies earlier this week.
The Phillies are still believed to have interest in signing Borowski for one year, though they didn't want to risk a multiyear pact. Borowski's history of shoulder problems makes him a poor bet for the long-term.

Indians GM Mark Shapiro confirmed that his team is in serious negotiations with Roberto Hernandez, though he denied a Denver Post report that the deal is done.
There's a good chance the two sides have an agreement and are just waiting for the arbitration deadline to pass before finalizing it. The Mets weren't expected to offer arbitration to Hernnadez.

Borowski kidding himself if he thinks he is getting more than a one year deal now. I think both players are better off sticking to the NL but moreso Borowsi.

[brewersfan19]

totally agree with reefer!! If either of them deserves more than one year, it maybe Borowski, but no more than a two year, that is for sure!

[love_that_reefer]

Indians signed RHP Roberto Hernandez, who had been with the Mets, to a one-year contract with a club option for 2008.
Reports had him being guaranteed $3.5 million under the terms of the deal. Hernandez had a 3.11 ERA in 63 2/3 innings with the Pirates and Mets last season and was even better in 2005. However, the 42-year-old hasn't pitched in the AL in five years and he had a 4.33 ERA in his final season with the Royals. As things stand now, he's probably the favorite to open the season as Cleveland's closer. However, the team would much prefer to use him as a setup man.

Indians signed LHP Aaron Fultz, who had been with the Phillies, to a one-year contract with a club option for 2008.
The Indians almost surely had this deal done before Friday's arbitration deadline. Fultz, a Type A free agent, wasn't extended an offer of arbitration, so the Indians won't have to give up another draft pick. Fultz's ERA jumped from 2.24 to 4.54 last season, but he still had a nice 62/28 K/BB ratio in 71 1/3 innings. Lefties have hit .240 off him in his career. There hasn't been any word on the cash yet, but we're guessing it's somewhere around $2 million. Since it's just a one-year commitment, it's a pretty good signing.

Two one year deals isn't hurting this team. Decent pickups for the Indians.

[love_that_reefer]

Indians signed RHP Joe Borowski, who had been with the Marlins, to a one-year, $4 million contract with an option for 2008.
Borowski immediately becomes the favorite to close for the Indians, though he may not be handed the role entering spring training. It's doubtful that he'll fare as well in the AL as the did with the Marlins last season, but he could do a decent Bob Wickman impression for the Indians. Ideally, he'll buy them enough time until Francisco Cabrera, Fausto Carmona or another young reliever can step up and claim the role.

Another reliever for the Indians. Pretty risky move on a guy who just failed a physical.

[brewersfan19]

Well for the Indians sake, lets hope his shoulder holds up!!! If it does, he has become a pretty good closer!