The Indians signed reliever Jamey Wright to a minor league deal, reports MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince. Wright, 35, posted a 4.33 ERA, 6.8 K/9, and 5.0 BB/9 in 79 innings for the Royals last year, earning $1.4MM. Among those with 50+ innings, Wright's 59.1% groundball rate ranked 11th in baseball. Only one remaining free agent was better: Mike MacDougal at 62.1%.
Other Indians non-roster invitees this year include Mike Gosling, Jason Grilli, Saul Rivera, Brian Buscher, Mark Grudzielanek, Luis Rodriguez, Shelley Duncan, and Austin Kearns. Mike Redmond is the team's only big league signing.
new Ace
Ho hum… another arm for the pen.. not much upside.. a minor league depth signing..
Okay, now this one doesn’t make much sense. Unless the Indians are trying to cover the question marks in their rotation with experienced bullpen arms, which is probably exactly what they are doing.
Among those with 50+ innings, Wright’s 59.1% groundball rate ranked 11th in baseball.
Gotta like that
Have you seen the Indians infield defense? Their overall defense? It has been detrimental to every single staff member last year. It just means Wright will give up a boatload of hits.
I must point out that the Tribe’s infield defense isn’t as bad as previous years. Peralta is no longer at short, Asdrubal Cabrera might be a top 5 defensive SS, Luis Valbuena has shown promise (also has been AC’s double play partner in Venezuala), and yes, LaPorta has work to do at first. But the days of Jhonny and Belliard up the middle are long gone. Plus we have very steady defensive outfielders.
Poor Cleveland fans.
How does this guy keep getting work?
What do Mike Gosling, Saul Rivera, Brian Buscher, Mark Grudzielanek, Luis Rodriguez, and Mike Redmond have in common? They all spent time in the Minnesota Twins system.
At least the Indians didn’t sign Jaret Wright…