Kearns Released

[love_that_reefer]

The Indians have released outfielder Austin Kearns, according to a club press release.

The Tribe designated Kearns for assignment last week to make room on the active roster for Shin-Soo Choo, who was activated from the disabled list. Now, after clearing waivers, the 31-year-old is a free agent.

Kearns re-signed with Cleveland on a one-year, $1.3MM contract in December. He began the 2010 campaign with the Indians but was traded to the Yankees prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.

The former first-round pick (No. 7 overall in 1998) was once a highy touted prospect in the Reds organization, but has played mostly like a fourth outfielder or platoon type throughout his career. He has hit .254/.350/.417 in 10 big league seasons with the Reds, Nationals, Indians and Yankees.

Kearns was one of the two free agent signing the Indians made last year and the other one (Orlando Cabrera) has already been traded. I could see the Cardinals, Angels or even the Yankees taking a chance on him.

[Tobywan]

Ah, Austin. .....Now that Matt Stairs has retired maybe he could be the new BS mascot.