3-15-2012 Optioned LHP Scott Barnes, OF Nick Weglarz, and OF Thomas Neal to Columbus (AAA)

Optioned RHP Danny Salazar to Carolina (A+)

Purchased RHP Kelvin de la Cruz from the Texas Rangers

Placed RHP Carlos Carrasco on the 60-Day Disabled List (right elbow)

3-16-2012: Optioned RHP Kelvin de la Cruz to Akron (AA)

The Indians reacquired Kelvin de la Cruz from the Rangers less than a month after they dealt him to Texas. In both deals, cash changed hands. The series of transactions worked out great for the Indians, as they were able to bring De la Cruz back as soon as the 60-day Disabled List was available. I don't think I remember a case in which a player was traded back so quickly to the club that dealt him in the first place; you hate to say that this was planned from the beginning, but at the very least you would imagine that the Indians, when they traded him, wanted the first crack at bringing him back if the Rangers were going try to outright him.

Otherwise, these are normal Spring Training cuts. I think Scott Barnes will pitch with the Indians at some point this season, but he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster. The other guys probably won't sniff the majors this season unless there's some major attrition in the outfield.