Indians claim Canzler, designate Gomez for assignment
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January 2, 2013
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The Indians made a small transaction on Wednesday bringing back first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler. The Blue Jays claimed Canzler off waivers from the Indians on December 21st when they designated him for assignment to roster Mark Reynolds. The Indians returned the favor as the Blue Jays recently put him on waivers and the Indians claimed him back. To make room on the 40-man roster for Canzler the Indians designated right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez for assignment.
Canzler, played in 130 games for Triple-A Columbus in 2012 and hit .265 with 36 doubles, 22 home runs, 79 RBI and .815 OPS. In 26 games with the Indians in September he hit .269 with 3 homers, 11 RBI and .697 OPS. His return to the roster should put him in the mix along with Mike McDade and Chris McGuiness as options to fill the final bench spot on the Indians roster and see a lot of time at designated hitter.
Gomez, 24, went 5-8 with a 5.96 ERA in 20 games (17 starts) for the Indians last season. He was out of options and with the recent signing of right-hander Brett Myers he had little shot to make the opening day pitching staff. The Indians have ten days to trade, release or outright him to the minors. As a first time outright, if he clears waivers he will still be property of the Indians for the 2013 season, though he is not expected to clear waivers.
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User Comments
I would guess this move makes it unlikely we will keep another RH bat that cannot defend anywhere but a mediocre LF. I would guess that means DFA for Neal. It seems to me the most likely pitchers to be traded or DFA would be Hermann or Huff in order to add Myers. I just do not see them getting rid of Diaz until SS is decided in management's mind. It would not surprise me to see some trades of RHRPs in the immediate future. I suspect it also means they are not able to find a RH hitting LF they think they can afford. Should be good news for Carrera as 4th OF and Fedroff as depth from what I see.
I don't think that's such a crazy proposition. Could be a team lower than the Jays called on him. Toronto claimed him, which killed any deal. Of course all speculation...It's just odd they add Canzler back, when they need roster space. Makes me wonder if another trade could go down.