Purchased the Contract of LHRP Scott Sauerbeck
The Indians picked up Sauerbeck earlier this season; he had major shoulder surgery in the winter after no team showed any interest in him. According to this article, Sauerbeck pitched with a torn labrum most of the 2003 season, and injured his rotator cuff after being traded to Boston in July. Given the other left-handed options (or lack of thereof) the Indians have in the bullpen, Sauerbeck looks like a nice low-risk gamble. In 2002, the season before his shoulder injury, Sauerbeck struck out 70 batters in 62.2 innings pitched. He’s tougher against left-handed hitters (.201 BAA) than right-handers (.268 BAA), but I think using him strictly as a LOOGY wouldn’t be using him efficiently. Unfortunately, if he’s the only left-hander in the bullpen next season, Eric Wedge may try to shoehorn him into that role. I don’t really like when managers do that; Mike Sciossia found out about that the hard way when he brought in Jarrod Washburn (removing Francisco Rodriguez) to face David Ortiz in this year’s ALDS. If a guy has good stuff, it shouldn’t really matter who he’s facing, barring a really uneven platoon split.
Reinstated RHP Joe Dawley from the 60-day Disabled List; Outrighted him to Buffalo (AAA)
Dawley made two starts for the Indians when the back end of the rotation was a revolving door. He injured his elbow after two starts, although it doesn’t look like he’s going to have Tommy John surgery. He can become a minor-league free agent shortly, and should be in someone’s camp next spring.
Re-signed RHP Kenny Rayborn to a minor-league contract (2005)
Rayborn should spend most of 2005 in Buffalo; he’s put up decent numbers in AAA, but his strikeout (4.73) and hit (8.88) ratios don’t predict major-league success. He’ll be 30 in November.
Released RHP Evan Thomas from Buffalo (AAA)