Rumors

Today the Cleveland Indians have announced that they have a new five-year agreement with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Cleveland for WTAM 1100 AM to remain the “Flagship Home of the Cleveland Indians” through 2017. The deal also includes WMMS 100.7 FM as they will become the “FM home of the Indians” with at least 144 simulcast broadcasts.

Today the Cleveland Indians announced that they have extended non-roster invitations to Major League spring training camp to first baseman Jesus Aguilar, right-handed pitcher Matt Langwell, right-handed pitcher Preston Guilmet, catcher Roberto Perez, and left-handed pitcher Giovanni Soto.

Last week the IBI first mentioned that the Indians have been in talks with free agent slugger Jim Thome, and according to a report today from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports he says the Indians are considering a reunion with Thome and Travis Hafner.

The Indians continue to shore up their roster with more depth signings, and today they announced that they have officially signed infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn and outfielder Ben Francisco to minor league contracts with an invite as non-roster payers to Major League spring training.

Several sources are reporting that the Indians will sign IF/OF Ryan Raburn to a minor league contract with an invite to join the big league club in spring training. Raburn certainly isn't a big fish, but he's a guy that could provide the Indians with another versatile bat, as he's played nearly every infield and outfield position over the past several seasons. Find out more about Raburn...after the jump...

Today the Indians have avoided arbitration and agreed to one year contracts with Matt Albers, Lou Marson, Justin Masterson, Chris Perez, and Joe Smith, and on Thursday night they agreed to a one year contract with Drew Stubbs. Only infielder Mike Aviles remains unsigned, and since no deal was made before today's 1pm signing deadline, the process gets a little more complex.

Late Thursday night the Indians and outfielder Drew Stubbs agreed to a $2.825 million contract for the 2013 season, and it includes up to $50,000 in performance performances. Also, a source has told the IBI that the Indians have interest in free agent Jim Thome and that a contract has been offered.

The World Baseball Classic released the provisional rosters for all 16 teams in the tournament that will be played this March. Six Indians have been named to the rosters: Mike Aviles, Asdrubal Cabrera, Chris Perez, Vinne Pestano, Carlos Santana, and Giovanni Soto. Yan Gomes was expected to be on team Brazil, but was not listed.

According to a report in a Japanese newspaper, free agent right-handed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is considering a minor league offer from the Indians as well as the Miami Marlins and New York Mets. He has been limited the last two seasons because of elbow reconstruction surgery in 2011, but may be worth a flier.

The Indians completed a trade today sending right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez to the Pirates in exchange for outfielder Quincy Latimore. Gomez had been designated for assignment last Wednesday to make room on the roster for newly acquired free agent pitcher Brett Myers.

The BWAA announced the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, and for just the eighth time in the history of the voting and first time since 1996 no one was voted into Cooperstown. Former Indians fan favorites Sandy Alomar Jr. and Kenny Lofton were on the ballot for the first time, and the news was fatal for both.

Today the Indians announced that they have officially signed free agent left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir, right-handed pitcher Jerry Gil, and left-handed pitcher Edward Paredes to minor league contracts with non-roster invitations to Major League camp this spring. Tony quickly reviews each signing...

The Cleveland Indians annual Winter Development Program kicked off today at Progressive Field. Now in its 17th year, the Winter Development Program consists of a two week long program for fourteen players in the Indians minor league system. The program mostly involves players who are expected to make their Major League debut in the upcoming season, who have recently been acquired in a trade, or are a high level prospect nearing a big league opportunity.

Free agent right-handed pitcher Brett Myers passed his physical this morning and the Indians officially announced his signing today. He has been signed to a one year $7 million deal and has a club option for 2014 that will pay him $8 million if the Indians pick it up after the season. To make room on the 40-man roster the Indians designated Russ Canzler for assignment.

On Thursday the Indians officially announced that they have signed free agent outfielder Nick Swisher to a four year $56 million deal with a vesting club option for 2017. To make room on the roster they designated outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment.

The Indians made a small transaction on Wednesday bringing back first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler and in turn designated right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez for assignment. The Blue Jays had claimed Canzler off waivers from the Indians almost two weeks ago, but the Indians returned the favor as they reclaimed him today.