Indians officially sign Myers, designate Canzler
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January 4, 2013
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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.
Myers split last season between Houston and the Chicago White Sox where he pitched exclusively out of the bullpen and had a 3.31 ERA with 19 saves in 70 appearances (65.1IP, 65H, 15BB, 41K). In his 11-year Major League career he has a record of 97-93 with 40 saves and a 4.20 ERA in 377 games (249 starts). He has recorded double-digit win seasons six times and topped the 200.0-inning plateau during three campaigns. He recently eclipsed the 200.0-inning barrier with Houston in both 2010 and ‘11, going 14-8 with a 3.14 ERA (career-high 223.2IP, 212H, 78ER, 180K) in 2010.
In seven seasons Myers has exclusively been a starter he has averaged over 200 innings pitched and has remained durable over his career. He brings some leadership, energy and stability to an Indians starting rotation that was in dire need of those qualities last year. He won't be a dominating starter, but he is expected to come in and eat innings, put up quality starts, and compete every time out.
Myers is expected to slide into the third spot in the rotation behind Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez.. Zach McAllister has a leg up for the fourth spot, and the fifth and final spot will come down to Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, David Huff, Carlos Carrasco, and Scott Kazmir - though Bauer probably has a leg up over all of those candidates for the final spot.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Indians have reportedly designated first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler for assignment. Reports also say that the Yankees have claimed Canzler. The Indians reclaimed Canzler off waivers on Wednesday, but it was felt that his stay on the roster would be short and that he could be a candidate to be removed for the signings of Nick Swisher or Myers.
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User Comments
Designated for assignment/waived 3 times
On the active roster of 3 different teams
Within a span of 3 weeks.
While I agree it's not a major loss, Canzler has to feel a bit like a "yo-yo" of sorts at this point, probably wondering if he's done with the DFAs or not (there are, what, 6 more weeks left in the offseason, not to mention Spring Training).
I am guessing the Indians have a plan in place for the pitching otherwise they would not have let Gomez go. I don't think the plan involves Kluber, Huff and Kazmir to be candid since those three are likely inferior to Gomez. I think your speculation is correct about Bauer in this plan and Carrasco is sent out to control his innings. IF Carrasco is fully recovered, he can replace any of the five starters IMO.
Good coverage of the off-season moves Tony. I hope they have one more surprise in store but doubt it will be another FA. I do not see them rushing a trade but have to believe the RHRP depth can be utilized.
Also, remember, the Indians more clearly need a switch-hitting or lefty hitting 4th outfielder to complement Stubbs who they will sit against tough righties. This is why Canzler and Neal were expendable and why Carrera was kept. Carrera has more value than Canzler I am afraid because he can do so much more and is not much of a dropoff offensively. And McGuiness/McDade could factor into that DH/LF situation since one is a switch-hitter and the other a lefty.