Cleveland Indians re-sign catcher Luke Carlin – MLB Update
The Cleveland Indians have started their off-season trades with the re-signing of catcher Luke Carlin to a Minor League contract. This deal also includes an additional invitation from the Indians to Carlin in Major League Spring Training camp that will help
the 30-year-old to upgrade his game with extra confidence.
Indians’ management carefully observed Carlin’s game in the previous season at AAA Columbus where he played relatively good and earned some acknowledgment as he hit .213 (40-188) with 8 2B, 5HR and0 27RBIs in a total of 63 games. His catching stats also
remained consistent with 44 walks beside 45 strike-outs for a whole-season and on-base percentage of a mere .364 and he hit .278 (5-18) w/a 2B, 2HR and 8RBIs in five Triple A playoff games after July.
Coming on to his career in Minor League, he averaged with the bat a .248 (507-2042) with dazzling 105 2B, 10 3B, 27HR and 226RBIs in a total of 657 games in his last ten years since 2002. Luke has also featured in 52 Major League Baseball games from 2008-10.
The last six games he played for the Indians in the 2010 season is also the main reason why he has been given a second chance.
However, it’s the first positive news that has come out in the media from the Indians management as they are serious to rebuild their team for the next season. Seeing the current situation of re-signing Luke Carlin, many are now also thinking about Grady
Sizemore and Fausto Carmona’s fate with the Indians. No decision has been made in this regard as whether these two potential players are now required or not in the Indians’ roster for the next season.
According to the Indians’ general manager Chris Antonetti, who told the media some four days ago, “We obviously have some meaningful and significant decisions coming, the direction we go with those decisions will largely shape what needs we might have. When
Grady is healthy, he's been a very productive. With Fausto, we're constantly working with him to get more consistent with the start to his delivery, and his mentality.”
Though his comments are constructive, but no one is sure as the Indians’ management will re-sign them or exercise their million dollar options making them free agents.
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