The Indians have signed infielder David Adams to a Major League deal and added him to the 40-man roster. Outfielder Matt Carson and right-handed pitchers Tyler Cloyd and Travis Banwart were all signed to Minor League deals and will be invited to Spring Training.
Adams (26) has likely been signed to a league-minimum deal (~$500,000). He was the Yankees 3rd round pick in 2008 and put up solid hitting numbers until reaching Triple-A in 2013. FanGraphs listed Adams as the Yankees #14 prospect last offseason, Marc Hulet called him "a personal favorite," with an impressive swing that should allow him to hit for average, although power will never be a a big part of his game." He'll be given a chance to compete for a spot on the 25-man roster, he's more likely to head to Columbus once the season starts. In the event of an injury or trade, he could fill in at second or third base.
Carson is a 32-year-old right-handed hitter, he played a bit for the Indians this year, and has also appeared with the Athletics and Twins during his career. He went 7 for 11 in his limiting playing time this September, a nice stretch highlighted by a walk-off single to beat the Astros in extra innings, helping the Tribe roll to a Wild Card spot.
Cloyd is a 26-year-old starter who's been with the Phillies. He's thrown 93.1 innings in MLB over the last two years, with an unimpressive 5.98 ERA. He probably spends 2013 in Columbus, and slots in as 8th or 9th among Tribe starting pitchers, meaning we all hope nothing happens that leads to him being needed to start for the Indians.
Banwart is a 28-year-old starter who'd been in the Oakland system since 2007. He's spent the last 3.5 years in Triple-A. He posted a career-best 8.6 strikeouts per 9 innings in 2013, but he looks like organizational filler to me.
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