Signed 2004 Draft Pick LHP Jeremy Sowers (1st Round) to a minor-league contract



Finally.



Probably the main reason for the delay was the number of college pitchers still unsigned from the top half of the first round. But with classes starting today at Vanderbilt, the Indians had to sign him or lose him. They did, for 2.475M, which is pretty much market-value for the slot. Sowers won’t pitch in the organization until next year, when he’ll debut at Kinston. Hopefully this Jeremy can live up to expectations.



Placed IF Chris Clapinski (AAA) on the Disabled List



The minor-league vet will probably miss the rest of the season. This caused a chain reaction throughout the organization, beginning with…



Promoted 3B Corey Smith to Buffalo (AAA) from Akron (AA)



Corey gets to Buffalo a year behind schedule. He has yet to put together a complete season in the minors, and he is in serious jeopardy of being jettisoned from the 40-man roster after the season. There isn’t much time left in the season, but the Bisons are going to the playoffs, so Corey is going to get an opportunity. He has raised his average (.249/.351/.422) considerably in the past month or so.



Promoted 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to Akron (AA) from Lake County (A-)



This is big jump, but Kevin should be able to handle it. The 2003 draft pick blistered the South Atlantic League with a .321/.389/.518 (33 doubles, 15 homers).