obie7661
12-06-2006, 01:44 PM
TOM WITHERS
Associated Press
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Indians found a front-runner for their vacant closer's job, agreeing Wednesday to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with free agent Joe Borowski that includes a club option for 2008.
The Indians also completed their $11.5 million, three-year contract with free agent outfielder David Dellucci, who passed his physical in Cleveland on Tuesday.
Borowski had 36 saves in 43 tries last season for the Florida Marlins. He was close to finalizing a two-year deal last week with Philadelphia, but the Phillies didn't like the results of medical tests performed on his right shoulder.
The Indians had their doctors examine the 35-year-old Tuesday, and apparently felt Borowski was worth taking a chance on.
Cleveland, which traded Bob Wickman before the July 31 deadline last season, had a major league-low 23 saves in 2006. Borowski will be the favorite going into training camp to be Cleveland's next closer.
General manager Mark Shapiro has also had talks with agents for Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel and Eric Gagne.
Last week, the Indians signed veterans Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz, who are expected to fill setup roles.
Borowski, who has also pitched for Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs, is 17-26 with a 3.87 ERA and 80 career saves. Since 2003, he is 78 for 95 in save opportunities.
Het gets $4 million next year, and the Indians have a $4 million option for 2008 with a $250,000 buyout.
The 33-year-old Dellucci is expected to platoon in left field for Cleveland. A left-handed hitter, he batted .292 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 132 games for Philadelphia, which acquired him before opening day from Texas.
Associated Press
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Indians found a front-runner for their vacant closer's job, agreeing Wednesday to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with free agent Joe Borowski that includes a club option for 2008.
The Indians also completed their $11.5 million, three-year contract with free agent outfielder David Dellucci, who passed his physical in Cleveland on Tuesday.
Borowski had 36 saves in 43 tries last season for the Florida Marlins. He was close to finalizing a two-year deal last week with Philadelphia, but the Phillies didn't like the results of medical tests performed on his right shoulder.
The Indians had their doctors examine the 35-year-old Tuesday, and apparently felt Borowski was worth taking a chance on.
Cleveland, which traded Bob Wickman before the July 31 deadline last season, had a major league-low 23 saves in 2006. Borowski will be the favorite going into training camp to be Cleveland's next closer.
General manager Mark Shapiro has also had talks with agents for Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel and Eric Gagne.
Last week, the Indians signed veterans Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz, who are expected to fill setup roles.
Borowski, who has also pitched for Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs, is 17-26 with a 3.87 ERA and 80 career saves. Since 2003, he is 78 for 95 in save opportunities.
Het gets $4 million next year, and the Indians have a $4 million option for 2008 with a $250,000 buyout.
The 33-year-old Dellucci is expected to platoon in left field for Cleveland. A left-handed hitter, he batted .292 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 132 games for Philadelphia, which acquired him before opening day from Texas.