Indians ink Michael Bourn and some reclaimation projects..

In somewhat of a surprise signing,the Cleveland Indians added speedy center fielder Michael Bourn to the top of their lineup by signing the former Brave to a four year contract worth 48 million dollars.

Bourn had been having trouble finding a team despite his skills due to the new agreement for compensation as teams outside of the top ten would have surrendered their first pick in the amateur draft.
The Indians sent Atlanta a third rounder as their pick is in the top ten,so it is protected and the Wahoo's second rounder was shipped to the Yankees for the signing of Nick Swisher.

Bourn slots right into center field as the leadoff batter and will likely keep Michael Brantley in left field for the time being.
Bourn hit around his career average last season (low .270's) and stole 42 bases with the Braves.
Add to that,his plus defensive ability in the outfield and Bourn brings some zip to a team in need of it.

That said,this is not a perfect deal.
Bourn does strike out a lot (155 times last season) and I am a little concerned about a four year contract for a player that relies so much on speed as the major part of his game at thirty years of age.
However,this is Cleveland and teams in this market often times have to overpay in either money or years,so while not ideal,it is understandable for the Indians to go the extra mile to reel Bourn in.

I have often been critical of the Indians for their discount shopping,but apparently the team is pouring some of the profits of the Sports Time Ohio sale into the team,so one cannot complain about that.
Discount shopping is not all bad as I have a sneaky suspicion that Cleveland just might get some mileage of Daisuke Matsuzaka this season,assuming he stays healthy.

Matsuzaka might be set for the second year bounce from the Tommy John surgery and if he has anything left,Terry Francona might be able to get it out of him with the familiarity with his background.
The former Seibu Lions star was pounded last season in eleven starts in Boston finishing with an ERA above eight,but one intriguing stat makes me ponder-41 strikeouts in 45 innings.
That tells me that the stuff is still there and with a full spring,Francona and new surroundings that Matsuzaka just might surprise some people....

I am not as hopeful on the addition of Jason Giambi to a minor league contract.
The 42 year old Giambi hit just one homer last season in Colorado,which tells me that this goose is likely cooked.
I would be surprised if Giambi makes the team,but I suppose he is worth a look at least.

The Indians have added some names to the team over this off season,let's see if they improved their team with those names.....