Rumors

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.

The Cleveland Indians ended 2012 with a flurry of moves that culminated with the signing of outfielder Nick Swisher. It looks like 2013 is beginning in much the same way, as the Tribe signed right-handed pitcher Brett Myers to a one year deal, with a club option for a second year.

The pending purchase of SportsTime Ohio by Fox Sports Ohio became official Friday as it was announced that FOX has purchased the Cleveland sports network for an estimated $230 million. FOX will now have the broadcast rights to Cleveland Indians games for the next 10 seasons, which is estimated to be worth around $400 million.

With Christmas two days away, talk about putting a little something big in the stockings of Indians fans. The Cleveland Indians and free agent outfielder Nick Swisher have reportedly agreed to terms on a four year $56 million option. The contract also includes a vesting club option for 2017 for $14 million, which could bring the total contract to five years $70 million. Details after the jump...

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have reached an agreement with free agent left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir on a minor league contract with an invite to Major League spring training. He is expected to compete for a spot in the Indians rotation, but will probably be a depth option that opens the season in the minors.

The Cleveland Indians today announced they have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Joe Martinez and catcher Brian Jeroloman to minor league contracts with non-roster invitations to Major League camp. Martinez returns to the Indians after pitching for Triple-A Columbus in 2011 and Jeroloman will provide much needed upper level catching depth.

Today the Indians officially announced the signing of first baseman Mark Reynolds to a one year contract. The deal is for a reported $6 million and includes an additional $1.5 million in incentives. To make room on the 40-man roster the Indians designated first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler for assignment.

As you read this, outfielder Nick Swisher is on a plane out of Cleveland. The free agent outfielder was in town today and visited Indians facilities as the team continues to pursue his services. A standing offer is apparently on the table for Swisher, so these next few days could become quite interesting.