CLEVELAND, Ohio – Outfielder Eddie Rosario is just a few steps away from joining the Indians.
The free agent outfielder came to Cleveland from Puerto Rico on Wednesday. He’ll take his physical on Thursday. If he passes, his one-year $ 8 million deal with the Indians will be official.
Rosario is no stranger to Cleveland, his weather, and the roster he might join. He spent his first six years in the major leagues, playing for the Twins in Minneapolis, another cold weather city. In the past five years, the Indians have won three AL Central titles, while the Twins have won the last two.
The Indians needed strength, stability and experience in the field and Rosario provides them. In last season’s 60-game sprint, Rosario scored 13 homers and 42 RBI .257. The 13 homers were two more than the overall win of the nine outfielders who played for the Indians last year.
For the past three full seasons (2017 to 2019), Rosario has hit 27, 24 and 32 homers.
Friday was a good day for the Indians. Second baseman, Cesar Hernandez, was in good shape to make his one-year $ 5 million deal official. Then came the word of the Indian agreement with Rosario.
Commenting on Hernandez’s re-signing, manager Terry Francona said, “Wherever he scores he’s a solid professional. Everyone loves him. He is calm, goes about his business, catches everything. We were thrilled to get it back. “
Hernandez played for the Indians last year before becoming a free agent. He hit .283 (66-for-233), led the AL by 20 doubles, and won a gold glove for his defense. He scored 20 runs and drove in 35.
It appears that spring training will start on time after the MLBPA rejected the MLB’s proposal to postpone spring training and the regular season to March 22nd and April 29th, respectively. MLB wanted the delay because of concerns about the coronavirus, which is rife in Arizona and Florida.
The camps are expected to open around February 17th.
“The only thing we wanted to tell the players is to be ready to make adjustments,” said Francona. “I was fine when we started late. I’m fine if we start on time. I will do whatever. I wish the players and MLB could work together a little more, but it hasn’t been for a long time. “
Francona believes this will be a challenging spring for MLB.
“I think spring training will be difficult,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge. There are many more challenges than last season or spring training 2.0. People who live in hotels. Where shall we eat? Where can you eat It’s getting interesting. “
The American Indian training facility in Goodyear, Arizona is only open to players and staff. The Indians still don’t know how many players and staff they can have in the facility at the same time after the camp opens. Fans are not allowed to participate in the exercises.
The organization recently sent an email to Indian Spring Training season ticket holders stating that they have limited plans to attend Cactus League games at the Goodyear Ballpark. The season is slated to open against the Reds on February 27th.
A variety of Cleveland Indians face masks are available online today. (Fanatics.com)
New Indian face masks for sale: Here, you can purchase Cleveland Indian-themed face covers for protection against coronavirus, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds are donated to charity.
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