The Cleveland Indians stay busy this off season as they announced on Tuesday that they have signed starting pitcher Carl Pavano to a one-year contract. Pavano who has battled injuries that last few seasons signed for $1.5 million but could earn up to $5.3 million if he meets all of his incentives.

I like this move personally. If Pavano is healthy he will be a bargain for the Indians as he throws the ball well when he is 100% healthy. He posted a 9-8 record in 26 starts after signing a four-year, $39.95 million contract with New York in December 2004.

Pavano will look to join the rotation of Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmono. The tribe will be without Jake Westbrook until the middle of the season as he is still recovering from elbow reconstruction surgery. Aaron Laffey, Anthony Reyes, Jeremy Sowers, Scott Lewis and Zach Jackson are the other pitchers in contention for starting jobs in Cleveland in 2009.

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The Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs worked out a four player trade on Wednesday. Mark DeRosa will be coming to the Indians in exchange for Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.

DeRosa will be a free agent after the 2009 season and will be due $5.5 million next season but he is a very versatile player that can play pretty much every position besides catcher and pitcher. This is a steal for the Indians in my opinion!

GO TRIBE!

The Cleveland Indians have made a splash at the Winter Meetings out in Las Vegas! Late Wednesday night, he took part in a three team trade involving the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners. The Indians gave up their centerfield prospect in Franklin Gutierrez as he was sent to the Mariners, but in return got infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners and right-handed reliever Joe Smith from the Mets.

The trade came together because of the Mets’ interest in Putz, the Mariners’ interest in Gutierrez, the regular communication between Shapiro and his good friend Minaya and the Tribe’s recent talks with Seattle regarding Putz

Look for the team to also announce a two year deal with closer Kerry Wood possibly on Thursday and if not then on Friday. All that is left for Wood to do is pass a physical in Cleveland and then sign a two year contract that is to be worth $20 million dollars. There could be a option for a third year in the contract but as of right now that is uncertain.

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The Cleveland Indians have placed starting pitcher Jake Westbrook on the 15 day disabled list.  The move is retroactive back to April 20th.  A left intercostal strain is the cause for Westbook’s trop to the disabled list.

Aaron Laffey or Jeremy Sowers would be the most likely to be called up to take Westbook’s spot on the roster.

The Indians have also recalled outfielder Ben Francisco from Triple-A Buffalo.

Fausto Carmona and the Cleveland Indians have agreed on a four year contract that will pay Carmona $15 million per year.  The deal cold ultimately be worth $48 million dollars if Carmona hits incentives that are listed in the contract.

That’s a lot of money to throw at a young pitcher but the Indians feel he could be the “Ace” if C.C. Sabathia leaves after this season.  Hopefully Carmona will stay healthy and the move will pay off for him and the Indians.

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The Cleveland Indians have secured their setup man in Rafael Betancourt for the next two seasons after they agreed on a two year contract with a club option for 2010.  I expect the deal to be around $2 million per season which is a steal for Betancourt.

Awesome signing for the Indians, and they should feel lucky getting him for only around $2 million per season.  What do you think Indians fans?  Pretty good deal you say?

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