Transactions: Fifth Business

9-14-2010

Recalled IF Drew Sutton from Columbus (AAA)

Thanks to Jason Donald's injured finger, the Indians needed another infielder who could play shortstop to end the season with, so they went with Sutton, who they claimed off waivers from the Reds in August. Sutton is 27, and has been stuck in AAA the past two season even though his offensive numbers look pretty good for a middle infielder. Sutton was originally a 15-round pick of the Houston Astros, and he's very slowly worked his way up the minor-league ladder. He was dealt to the Reds in 2009 in the blockbuster Jeff Keppinger deal. I don't think he has much of a chance sticking on the roster through the winter because the competition at second and short, but the Indians liked him enough to claim him, so I'd guess they'll either outright or non-tender him and try to bring him back as an NRI.

9-17-2010

Claimed 1B/OF Chad Huffman off waivers from the New York Yankees; Optioned him to Columbus (AAA)

Huffman had a cup of coffee with the Yankees, and was DFAd after getting into 9 games. Huffman is 25, can hit for power, can take a walk, and play the outfielder tolerably well. The Indians really need more corner outfielders, especially with Grady Sizemore coming off major knee surgery. Huffman probably isn't the answer, but he'll be competition for Jordan Brown in Spring Training. For what? I don't know.

9-18-2010

Recalled LHP Aaron Laffey from Columbus (AAA)

Laffey's fallen quite a bit in just a season. He's made three short appearances out the bullpen since his recall, which tells me that he's a full-time reliever now. He only started four games in Columbus, so he's only thrown 84.2 innings, plenty for a reliever, but way too low for a pitcher a club is looking to have start next season.

9-23-2010

Placed RHP Hector Ambriz on the 60-Day Disabled List (elbow)

Transferred C Carlos Santana from the 15-Day Disabled List to the 60-Day Disabled List (knee)

Purchased the Contract of C Luke Carlin and Recalled him from Columbus (AAA)

Purchased the Contract of RHP Vinnie Pestano and Recalled him from Columbus (AAA)

The good news (if any) of Ambriz's pending Tommy John surgery is that what we saw this season, particularly, towards the end, wasn't a healthy pitcher. The Indians, having now satisfied the requirements that go along with the Rule 5 pick, can stash him on the 60-Day Disabled List in 2011 and hopefully will reap some rewards in 2012.

Vinnie Pestano has had a really good season in relief with Akron and Columbus. He struck out 59 in 46.1 innings with the Clippers this season, and is set for a shot at making the club next spring.