CLEVELAND (AP)—The Cleveland Indians have agreed to a minor league
contract with free agent catcher Matt Pagnozzi(notes), who played briefly with Colorado
and Pittsburgh last season.

The 29-year-old Pagnozzi spent most of last season with the Rockies’
Triple-A team at Colorado Springs. He batted .275 with three homers and 29 RBIs
in 54 games. He played in seven games for Colorado and was claimed off waivers
by the Pirates on Sept. 14. He finished the year with Pittsburgh, appearing in
five games.

Pagnozzi began his pro career in 2003 with St. Louis, which selected him in
the eighth round of the draft. He spent eight years in the Cardinals
organization, making his major league debut in 2009.

Pagnozzi is the nephew of former NL All-Star catcher Tom Pagnozzi.

Two former Major League pitchers are among the latest additions to the Cleveland Indians Player Development System for the 2012 season.

Former 20-game winner Scott Erickson and former Tribe reliever Steve Karsay will join the organization.

Erickson will be pitching coach of the Class A Carolina Mudcats, his first stint as a professional coach.

Erickson compiled a career Major League record of 142-136 with a 4.59 earned run average in 389 games over 15 big league seasons with six teams from 1990-2006. In 1991 with the world champion Minnesota Twins, he was an American League All-Star, leading the AL in wins (20) on his way to a 20-8 record with a 3.18 ERA. He finished second to Rogers Clemens in the AL Cy Young voting.

Karsay rejoins the Indians organization after spending four seasons in the Cleveland bullpen from 1998-2001, when he was 15-14 with a 3.23 ERA in 164 games. He spent 11 seasons in the big leagues from 1993-2006 with Oakland, Cleveland, Atlanta, New York (AL) and Texas and was a first round pick of the A’s in 1990. This is his first season of instruction at the professional level.

The Indians also announced that Rob Leary has joined the organization as field coordinator while Mickey Callaway moves to pitching coordinator.

Leary and Callaway join Travis Fryman (second season, infield) and Alan Zinter (first season, hitting) in coordinator roles at the top level of the Indians Player Development System.

Leary, 47, spent the last two seasons as a Major League staff assistant for the Boston Red Sox, organizing spring training workouts and assisting the coaching staff with advance scouting and pre-game and on-field preparations. He was Boston’s field coordinator for seven seasons (2003-09) and worked in the Florida Marlins system from 1995-2001. He began his 26-year career in pro baseball as a player in the Montreal Expos system in 1986. He will also oversee and instruct the organization’s catchers.

 Callaway, 36, is beginning his third season in the organization after spending the 2010 season at Class A Lake County and 2011 at Class A Kinston. He pitched professionally for 13 seasons from 1997-2009, including parts of five seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Anaheim Angels from 1999-2004.

Mike Sarbaugh returns to the Class AAA Columbus Clippers, where he has led the Clippers to consecutive Triple A and International League Championships. Ruben Niebla (pitching) and Phil Clark (hitting) round out the Columbus staff.

The Class AA Akron Aeros staff remains unchanged for 2012.

David Wallace will manage the Class A Lake County Captains with Ted Kubiak assuming the helm of the Short Season A Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Wallace managed the Scrappers in 2011 after spending the 2009 and 2010 seasons as an assistant on the Major League coaching staff. Kubiak is beginning his 19th season in the Indians organization and his 53rd season in pro baseball since 1960.

Mudcats name Edwin Rodriguez manager

Posted 22 minutes ago

Cleveland — The Cleveland Indians today named Edwin Rodriguez as Manager of the Class-A Advanced Carolina Mudcats of the Carolina League.

Rodriguez, 51, compiled a two-year managerial record of 78-85 (.479) over his two seasons as Manager of the Florida Marlins from June 23, 2010 to June 18, 2011, becoming the first Puerto Rican-born manager in Major League history. Prior to his stint as Marlins skipper he managed in the Florida Player Development System from 2005-2010, first joining the Marlins in 2004 as hitting coach for the then Double-A Mudcats.

In 2004, Rodriguez mentored future major leaguers Josh Willingham and Chip Ambres as the Mudcats finished 73-66. He then spent time as manager of the Marlins’ Gulf Coast rookie league team (2005-2006), Class-A Greensboro Grasshoppers (2007-2008) and Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs (2008-2010).

“We are excited to start both a new era in the Carolina League and new partnership with the Cleveland Indians by welcoming back Edwin Rodriguez to Zebulon,” said Carolina Mudcats owner Steve Bryant. “Edwin has had a successful career as a manager in both the Minor Leagues and Major Leagues and we look forward to working with him in 2012.”

Rodriguez spent parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres from 1982-85 before concluding his player career in 1987. He has been in the game as a player, coach, scout and manager for the last 32 seasons.

The Carolina Mudcats will play their 22nd season in Wake County and first in the Carolina League in 2012. The 70-game regular-season begins on Friday, April 6 2012 as the Mudcats host the Winston-Salem Dash.

Copyright 2011 Carolina Mudcats. All rights reserved.

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians and Manager Manny Acta have finalized the Major League Coaching Staff heading into the 2012 season.

They promoted Scott Radinsky to Pitching Coach and named Dave Miller Bullpen Coach and Tom Wiedenbauer First Base Coach.

Acta is entering his third season with the Indians as is Bench Coach Sandy Alomar Jr. Entering his second season is Hitting Coach Bruce Fields.

Miller is entering his first season as Bullpen Coach, Randinsky is entering his third season and Wiedenbauer is enterign his first season.

Randinsky, 43, recently completed his second season as Cleveland’s Major League Bullpen Coach.  The Tribe’s 11-game improvement in terms of wins from 2010 to 2011 was largely attributed to its improved pitching staff and strong bullpen.

In 2011, the Indians bullpen compiled an ERA of 3.71 (492.0IP, 457H, 203ER, .246AVG), the 5th lowest relief ERA among the fourteen American League teams.

The Indians team ERA of 4.23 was also an improvement over 2010′s total of 4.30.  Scott has been a member of the Indians organization since 2004 and appeared in 557 Major League games over an 11-year career from 1990-2001.

Miller, 45, recently concluded his tenth season as the Indians Pitching Coordinator in the Player Development System.  He has been a member of the Indians organization for the last 19 seasons since 1993.

The 2011 season ended with ten (10) homegrown pitchers on the Major League pitching staff that were developed in the Indians minor league system during Miller’s tenure as Pitching Coordinator.

The Wilmington, NC native played professionally for seven (7) seasons in the Baltimore organization after being selected by the O’s in the 1st round of the January 1986 draft.

Wiedenbauer, 52, will coach First Base and will also oversee outfield play and baserunning fundamentals. He enjoyed his first season with the organization in 2011 as Field Coordinator, organizing and overseeing all the activity within the Indians Player Development System.

He also had several stints providing instruction with the Major League club in spring training and during the regular season.

 Prior to joining the Indians, Wiedenbauer spent 35 seasons in the Houston Astros organization from 1976-2010 as a player, coach, manager, coordinator and professional scout.  He managed Manny Acta in 1989 at Class AA Columbus (GA).

WKYC-TV

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — One by one, Justin Germano’s teammates stopped by his locker in the Cleveland Indians spring training clubhouse to give him a handshake or hug. Meanwhile, Jayson Nix walked to his car in the parking lot, his head down.

It was clear to see who survived the final roster cuts Monday.

“I can breathe again,” Germano said after being called into manager Manny Acta’s office — then coming out after hearing the good news. “I worked hard and thought I was pitching well. But until you hear it, you never know.”

Germano, who didn’t allow a run in seven spring appearances, earned a bullpen spot along with fellow right-handers Frank Herrmann and Vinnie Pestano. Lou Marson is the backup catcher and nonroster veteran Adam Everett the utility infielder.

Optioned to Triple-A Columbus were infielder Luis Valbuena and right-hander Jess Todd. Catchers Luke Carlin and Paul Phillips were reassigned to Columbus, and Nix, a veteran infielder, was told he had not made the team. Also, right-hander Doug Mathis, who was reassigned last week, was granted his release when he asked for it.

“There were some difficult decisions,” first-year general manager Chris Antonetti said. “We recognize it is their careers. In Nix’s case, we’ll try to find him an opportunity with another major league team. We believe we have a good balance of young players entering the prime of their careers, along with veterans who can be a steadying influence.”

Todd missed landing a bullpen berth despite a 1.17 ERA in seven outings.

“Each guy in contention for a bullpen spot did a good job,” Antonetti said.

Pestano also had a 1.17 ERA, but struck out 11 and allowed only four hits in 7 2/3 innings, slightly better numbers than what Todd produced.

“I came to camp confident and ready,” said the 26-year-old who made his major league debut for Cleveland in September after saving 67 games the past three years in the minors.

“I’m really, really excited to be on an Opening Day roster. I think this team is going to win some games. We have young guys who can play. I haven’t been on a losing team since I was 11 years old. I want that streak to continue.”

Antonetti said a goal entering camp was to improve the defense. Marson and Everett are known for their glovework. There had been speculation Marson would go to Columbus to play every day and work on his hitting.

“We’re a better team with Lou on it,” Antonetti said.

Everett missed time with a strained left thumb, but hit .308 in 19 games this spring.

The 34-year-old was signed in December. He spent the past two seasons with Detroit and also has played for Minnesota and Houston, batting .243 with 40 homers and 282 RBI since 2001.

Antonetti still must fit all the players onto the 25-man roster. Everett and Germano, along with starting third baseman Jack Hannahan and reserve outfielder Travis Buck all came to camp on minor-league deals.

Infielder Jason Donald (sore left hand), right-hander Joe Smith (abdominal strain) and outfielders Trevor Crowe (rotator cuff) and Grady Sizemore will open the season on the disabled list. Sizemore is making good progress from microfracture surgery on his left knee in June. Crowe is scheduled for a surgical consultation Wednesday in New York with Dr. David Altchek.

Antonetti said all the paperwork should be finished Thursday, one day before the Indians open at home against the AL Central rival Chicago White Sox.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Jensen Lewis’ poor spring has cost him his job in the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen.

The veteran right-hander cleared waivers Tuesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus.

“Jensen has had some success in the past,” manager Manny Acta said, “and we want him to go down and get back on track.”

The Indians tried that four times a year ago when the 26-year-old still had a minor-league option remaining. Now, he is off Cleveland’s 40-man roster, which will have to be tweaked if Lewis is called up.

“It’s about results,” Acta said. “When we had a sitdown (talk) with each player before camp, we explained what was expected.”

Lewis’ recent bad stretch was not on the list. He has given up 13 hits and nine earned runs in only 5 2-3 innings, with a 14.29 ERA.

On March 15, vs. Milwaukee, he entered with a 6-1 lead, two outs and two runners on base. He gave up a pair of three-run homers to trail 7-6 before recording an out. On Saturday, against the Los Angeles Angels, he picked up two quick outs to start an inning, but could not protect a 7-4 lead, allowing three runs before another reliever concluded the inning.

Acta said Lewis, essentially a fastball-changeup pitcher, has not had a drop in velocity, but the manager is more concerned with an overall lack of command.

“His velocity is a little bit down,” Acta said. “Doug Jones saved a zillion games for Cleveland and other teams without velocity. Jamie Moyer had success for a long time. At the Major League level, velocity is not the only thing. He has to control his pitches.”

Lewis was a key part of Cleveland’s bullpen as a rookie in 2007, compiling a 2.15 ERA. He has bounced between Cleveland and Triple-A for four seasons. He has a 7-11 record with 14 saves and a 3.68 ERA. Continued…

With Lewis sent down and veteran right-hander Joe Smith likely unable to start the season as he recovers from an abdominal strain, the Indians now have three bullpen openings.

Chris Perez is the closer. And Acta said the prime setup role will be shared by left-handers Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp, along with right-hander Chad Durbin, signed early this month as a free agent from Philadelphia.

That leaves all right-handers competing for the final three spots. Justin Germano has yet to allow a run over six outings, rookie Vinnie Pestano has a 1.59 ERA and eight strikeouts in 5 2-3 innings and second-year man Frank Herrmann has a 2.35 ERA in seven appearances.

Jess Todd, up and down from Columbus a year ago, has a 1.59 ERA, and non-roster free agent Doug Mathis is 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in seven outings. Both have more walks than strikeouts, however, and Acta has continually stressed that he wants relievers to come in and throw strikes.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Jensen Lewis’ poor spring has cost him his job in the Cleveland Indians’ bullpen.

The veteran right-hander cleared waivers Tuesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Columbus.

“Jensen has had some success in the past,” manager Manny Acta said, “and we want him to go down and get back on track.”

The Indians tried that four times a year ago when the 26-year-old still had a minor-league option remaining. Now, he is off Cleveland’s 40-man roster, which will have to be tweaked if Lewis is called up.

“It’s about results,” Acta said. “When we had a sitdown (talk) with each player before camp, we explained what was expected.”

Lewis’ recent bad stretch was not on the list. He has given up 13 hits and nine earned runs in only 5 2-3 innings, with a 14.29 ERA.

On March 15, vs. Milwaukee, he entered with a 6-1 lead, two outs and two runners on base. He gave up a pair of three-run homers to trail 7-6 before recording an out. On Saturday, against the Los Angeles Angels, he picked up two quick outs to start an inning, but could not protect a 7-4 lead, allowing three runs before another reliever concluded the inning.

Acta said Lewis, essentially a fastball-changeup pitcher, has not had a drop in velocity, but the manager is more concerned with an overall lack of command.

“His velocity is a little bit down,” Acta said. “Doug Jones saved a zillion games for Cleveland and other teams without velocity. Jamie Moyer had success for a long time. At the Major League level, velocity is not the only thing. He has to control his pitches.”

Lewis was a key part of Cleveland’s bullpen as a rookie in 2007, compiling a 2.15 ERA. He has bounced between Cleveland and Triple-A for four seasons. He has a 7-11 record with 14 saves and a 3.68 ERA.

With Lewis sent down and veteran right-hander Joe Smith likely unable to start the season as he recovers from an abdominal strain, the Indians now have three bullpen openings.

Chris Perez is the closer. And Acta said the prime setup role will be shared by left-handers Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp, along with right-hander Chad Durbin, signed early this month as a free agent from Philadelphia.

That leaves all right-handers competing for the final three spots. Justin Germano has yet to allow a run over six outings, rookie Vinnie Pestano has a 1.59 ERA and eight strikeouts in 5 2-3 innings and second-year man Frank Herrmann has a 2.35 ERA in seven appearances.

Jess Todd, up and down from Columbus a year ago, has a 1.59 ERA, and non-roster free agent Doug Mathis is 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in seven outings. Both have more walks than strikeouts, however, and Acta has continually stressed that he wants relievers to come in and throw strikes.