Winter Ball Stats: Final

Here are the final stats for all the Cleveland Indians players who played in fall/winter ball in 2010.

Batters	LGE	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG
Abraham, Adam	AFL	10	36	7	8	1	1	0	3	9	8	.222	.378	.306
Apodaca, Juan	VWL	24	69	6	16	4	0	0	11	4	18	.232	.274	.290
Cabrera, Asdrubal	VWL	27	103	21	26	4	0	1	16	15	16	.252	.350	.320
Carlin, Luke	DWL	13	23	1	1	0	0	0	0	8	7	.043	.290	.043
Carrera, Ezequiel	VWL	41	142	26	37	7	0	0	12	20	17	.261	.371	.310
Diaz, Juan	DWL	5	9	1	2	1	0	0	2	1	3	.222	.300	.333
Goedert, Jared	VWL	14	45	7	15	5	0	0	4	11	11	.333	.474	.444
Head, Jerad	PWL	39	142	22	36	9	1	4	22	15	24	.254	.365	.415
Kipnis, Jason	AFL	19	78	13	23	11	3	3	19	5	9	.295	.337	.628
McBride, Matt	DWL	28	110	18	31	6	0	8	26	10	19	.282	.344	.555
Nix, Jayson	PWL	15	53	4	8	1	1	0	7	2	17	.151	.207	.208
Perez, Roberto	PWL	15	28	7	9	0	1	0	0	9	6	.321	.486	.393
Perez, Roberto	AFL	11	44	3	7	2	0	0	5	3	11	.159	.213	.205
Perez, Roberto	TOT	26	72	10	16	2	1	0	5	12	17	.222	.333	.278
Phelps, Cord	AFL	19	79	16	29	4	1	3	10	16	14	.367	.474	.557
Reyes, Argenis	DWL	43	123	15	34	7	2	0	16	10	21	.276	.333	.366
Sanchez, Karexon	VWL	5	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	.000	.000	.000
Valbuena, Luis	VWL	53	167	20	38	9	0	4	22	36	26	.228	.363	.353
Weglarz, Nick	VWL	4	12	2	3	0	0	0	2	4	3	.250	.471	.250

Pitchers	LGE	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA	GO/AO	WHIP	AVG
Aguilar, Omar	PWL	2	0	2.1	6	3	3	0	2	1	11.57	1.00	3.43	.500
Barnes, Scott	AFL	7	7	24.2	23	10	10	0	7	28	3.65	1.21	1.22	.250
Berger, Eric	AFL	9	0	11.0	7	3	1	0	8	12	0.82	0.62	1.36	.171
Carmona, Fausto	DWL	1	0	1.1	5	5	4	0	1	1	27.00	2.00	3.75	.500
Judy, Josh	DWL	12	0	12.0	11	3	2	0	0	9	1.50	1.36	0.92	.244
Lee, Chen	AFL	6	0	6.0	7	7	6	1	3	7	9.00	0.83	1.67	.280
Pino, Yohan	VWL	6	0	10.1	12	3	3	0	4	9	2.61	0.38	1.55	.286
Price, Bryan	AFL	9	0	11.2	13	10	7	0	6	3	5.40	1.38	1.63	.277
Soto, Giovanni	PWL	4	0	4.0	0	0	0	0	2	3	0.00	1.33	0.50	.000
Soto, Giovanni	PWL	2	0	2.2	2	0	0	0	1	1	0.00	5.00	1.13	.250
Soto, Giovanni	TOT	8	0	9.1	4	0	0	0	4	5	0.00	2.80	0.86	.154
Turek, Travis	AFL	7	0	8.1	10	6	5	1	3	3	5.40	0.83	1.56	.294

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Around the Farm: December 30

(Photo: MLB)

Here is a quick recap of how the players in the Cleveland Indians' system did in fall/winter league action on Thursday December 30th:

• Asdrubal Cabrera - DH, Leones del Caracas: 0-for-2. Cabrera had a rough end to his campaign out in Venezuela as he went hitless in 6 of his last 7 games. He finished just 2-for-24 at the plate in those final 7 games. Even with the poor finish he was still able to get over 100 valuable at bats to make up for some lost time in the 2010 season.
• Jerad Head - RF, Gigantes de Carolina: 0-for-3, BB, K. Head's second game after a week long layoff was no better than his first game back as he was hitless once again. He finished the Puerto Rico regular season just 2-for-18 in his last 5 games.

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2010 Columbus Clippers Transactions

(Photo: Columbus Clippers)

Finishing up with the year end transactions, here are the transactions from the Triple-A Columbus Clippers in 2010. As always, the transactions links will be housed on the right side of the page under the "resource" section.

April 8

LF Jordan Brown placed on 7-day DL retroactive to April 5
SS Niuman Romero placed on 7-day DL retroactive to April 5
RHP Adam Miller placed on 7-day DL

April 13

RHP Yohan Pino transferred to Mahoning Valley Scrappers
LHP Jeremy Sowers transferred from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

April 16

1B Russell Branyan recalled from Major League Rehab assignment
LHP Jeremy Sowers transferred to Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Yohan Pino transferred from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

April 19

OF Michael Brantley optioned from Cleveland Indians

April 20

OF Michael Brantley added to active roster
OF Brian Horwitz released

April 28

LHP Jeremy Sowers transferred from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
LHP Scott Lewis placed on 7-day DL

April 29

LF Jordan Brown activated from 7-day DL
C Damaso Espino assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

April 30

RHP Hector Ambriz recalled from Major League rehab Assignment
IF Niuman Romero traded to Boston Red Sox organization

May 1

RHP Joe Smith optioned from Cleveland Indians
RHP Steven Wright optioned to Akron Aeros

May 4

SS Brian Bixler placed on 7-day DL
OF Jerad Head assigned from Akron Aeros disabled list

May 7

RHP Jensen Lewis optioned from Cleveland Indians

May 8

RHP Jensen Lewis added to active roster
RHP Carlton Smith assigned to Akron Aeros

May 11

RHP Josh Judy assigned to Akron Aeros from 7-day DL

May 13

RHP Hector Rondon placed on 7-day DL
IF Brian Bixler activated from 7-day DL

May 14

LHP Scott Lewis released from 7-day DL
OF Jordan Brown placed on 7-day DL retroactive to 5/12
RHP Vinnie Pestano assigned from Akron Aeros

May 15

OF Trevor Crowe recalled to Cleveland Indians

May 17

RHP Saul Rivera traded to Arizona Diamondbacks for cash
RHP Josh Judy assigned from Akron Aeros

May 18

IF Jason Donald recalled to Cleveland Indians
IF Josh Rodriguez assigned from Akron Aeros
LHP Mike Gosling retired

May 19

IF Shelley Duncan recalled to Cleveland Indians

May 20

RHP Justin Germano assigned from Akron Aeros

May 22

OF Nick Weglarz assigned from Akron Aeros
IF Josh Phelps signed as Minor League Free Agent
OF Jerad Head assigned to Akron Aeros

May 23

LF Jordan Brown activated from 7-day DL

May 30

RHP Jensen Lewis recalled to Cleveland Indians
LHP Aaron Laffey optioned from Cleveland Indians

May 31

RHP Francisco Jimenez assigned from Lake County Captains

June 2

RHP Francisco Jimenez assigned to Lake County Captains
LHP Aaron Laffey added to active roster

June 4

IF Jared Goedert assigned from Akron Aeros
RHP Frank Herrmann called up to Cleveland Indians
IF Josh Phelps released

June 7

OF Matt LaPorta optioned from Cleveland Indians

June 8

IF Anderson Hernandez called up to Cleveland Indians

June 9

2B Cord Phelps assigned from Akron Aeros

June 11

C Carlos Santana recalled to Cleveland Indians
C Lou Marson optioned from Cleveland Indians

June 12

RHP Carlton Smith assigned from Akron Aeros
IF Brian Buscher assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

June 21

LHP David Huff optioned from Cleveland Indians

June 22

LHP David Huff added to active roster
RHP Joe Smith recalled to Cleveland Indians

June 24

RHP Jensen Lewis optioned from Cleveland Indians
IF Luis Valbuena optioned from Cleveland Indians
LHP Aaron Laffey recalled to Cleveland Indians

June 26

RHP Jensen Lewis added to active roster
IF Luis Valbuena added to active roster
IF Josh Rodriguez assigned to Akron Aeros

June 27

OF Matt LaPorta recalled to Cleveland Indians

June 28

IF Josh Rodriguez assigned from Akron Aeros
OF Ezequiel Carrera optioned from Cleveland Indians (not on active roster)

June 29

IF Brian Buscher released (was on MV roster as paper move)

July 4

OF Michael Brantley recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Bryce Stowell assigned from Akron Aeros

July 10

UT Chris Gimenez called up to Cleveland Indians
C Wyatt Toregas assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

July 12

IF Brian Bixler traded to Pittsburgh Pirates for PTBNL

July 15

IF Ezequiel Carrera activated

July 17

RHP Jensen Lewis recalled to Cleveland Indians

July 18

RHP Jeanmar Gomez recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Zach Putnam assigned from Akron Aeros
IF Justin Toole assigned from Kinston Indians

July 19

RHP Jeanmar Gomez optioned from Cleveland Indians
RHP Jess Todd recalled to Cleveland Indians

July 21

RHP Jensen Lewis optioned from Cleveland Indians (not yet on active roster)

July 22

RHP Yohan Pino placed on 7-day DL retroactive to July 20
RHP Shane Lindsay assigned from Akron Aeros

July 23

IF Justin Toole assigned to Kinston Indians
RHP Jensen Lewis added to active roster

July 27

RHP Josh Tomlin called up to Cleveland Indians
IF Wes Hodges designated for assignment
OF Michael Brantley optioned from Cleveland Indians (not yet on active roster)
IF Kyle Smith assigned from Lake County Captains
LHP Eric Berger assigned from Akron Aeros

July 28

IF Luis Valbuena recalled to Cleveland Indians
OF Michael Brantley added to active roster

July 29

OF/IF Matt McBride assigned from Akron Aeros
IF Ezequiel Carrera placed on 7-day DL

July 30

RHP Jensen Lewis recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Justin Germano called up to Cleveland Indians
RHP Jess Todd optioned from Cleveland Indians (not yet on active roster)
RHP Yohan Pino activated from 7-day DL

July 31

OF Jordan Brown recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Marty Popham assigned from Kinston Indians
OF Jerad Head assigned from Akron Aeros

August 1

RHP Jeanmar Gomez recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Jess Todd added to active roster

August 3

LHP David Huff recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Paolo Espino assigned from Akron Aeros
C Lou Marson recalled to Cleveland Indians
C Richard Martinez assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Marty Popham assigned to Kinston Indians

August 4

C Wyatt Toregas placed on 7-day DL
C Dwight Childs assigned from Lake County Captains
IF Kyle Smith assigned to Lake County Captains
C Dwight Childs assigned to Columbus Clippers

August 5

OF Ezequiel Carrera activated from 7-day DL
IF Wes Hodges claimed off waivers from Colorado Rockies
IF Argenis Reyes traded from Pawtucket Red Sox for cash
C Damaso Espino assigned from Akron Aeros
OF Nick Weglarz placed on 7-day DL

August 6

IF Wes Hodges added to active roster
OF Michael Brantley recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Jensen Lewis optioned from Cleveland Indians
IF Drew Sutton claimed on waivers from Cincinatti Reds
RHP Shane Lindsay placed on 7-day DL

August 10

C Luke Carlin traded from Indianapolis Indians for PTBNL (not yet on active roster)

August 11

RHP Jess Todd recalled to Cleveland Indians
LHP David Huff optioned from Cleveland Indians (not yet on active roster)
C Luke Carlin added to active roster

August 13

C Richard Martinez assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers
LHP David Huff added to active roster

August 14

RHP Jess Todd optioned from Cleveland Indians
LHP Jeremy Sowers placed on 7-day DL

August 15

OF Jordan Brown optioned from Cleveland Indians (not yet on active roster)

August 17

OF Jerad Head assigned to Akron Aeros
OF Jordan Brown added to active roster

August 18

RHP Shane Lindsay activated from 7-day DL
RHP Jess Todd placed on 7-day DL

August 20

OF Jerad Head assigned from Akron Aeros (never placed on active roster)
RHP Zach McAllister traded from Scranton-Wilkes Barre Yankees (Kearns PTBNL - placed on reserve list)

August 21

OF Jerad Head assigned to Akron Aeros from Inactive List

August 22

RHP Saul Rivera signed as Minor League Free Agent
RHP Bryce Stowell placed on 7-day DL
LHP Eric Berger assigned to Akron Aeros

August 24

RHP Zach McAllister added to active roster
RHP Aaron Laffey received on Major League Rehab Assignment

August 27

RHP Shane Lindsay placed on 7-day DL retroactive to August 25
RHP Jess Todd activated from 7-day DL

August 31

RHP Corey Kluber assigned from Akron Aeros (not yet on active roster)
RHP Shane Lindsay assigned to Akron Aeros from 7-day DL
LHP Aaron Laffey optioned from Cleveland Indians 15-day DL (not yet on active roster)

September 1

RHP Carlos Carrasco recalled to Cleveland Indians
RHP Jensen Lewis recalled to Cleveland Indians
IF Jordan Brown recalled to Cleveland Indians
LHP Aaron Laffey added to active roster
RHP Corey Kluber added to active roster

September 3

OF Jerad Head assigned from Akron Aeros Inactive List

September 14 (prior to League Championship Series)

UT Drew Sutton recalled to Cleveland Indians
IF Jason Kipnis assigned from Akron Aeros

September 17

OF Chad Huffman claimed off waivers from New York Yankees (not added to active roster)

September 18 (prior to AAA National Championship Game)

LHP Aaron Laffey recalled to Cleveland Indians

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Around the Farm: December 29

While the Dominican Winter League, Puerto Rico Winter League, and Venezuelan Winter League were all in action on Wednesday December 29th, no Cleveland Indians players were in action. The regular season for Puerto Rico and Venezuela wraps up today, December 30th, and along with that the Around the Farm daily updates until the 2011 regular season.

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2010 Akron Aeros Transactions

(Photo: Akron Aeros)

Continuing on with the year end transactions, here are the transactions from the Double-A Akron Aeros in 2010. As always, the transactions links will be housed on the right side of the page under the "resource" section.

April 8

LHP Eric Berger placed on 7-day DL

April 16

1B Russell Branyan received on Major League Rehab assignment

April 19

1B Russell Branyan recalled from Major League Rehab assignment

April 20

OF Jeard Head transferred to 7-day DL from Columbus Clippers 7-day DL

April 21

RHP Justin Germano assigned from Extended Spring Training
RHP Bryan Price placed on 7-day DL

April 26

LHP Eric Berger assigned from Extended Spring Training
RHP Connor Graham placed on 7-day DL

May 1

C Miguel Perez assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
C Alex Castillo assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 2

RHP Steven Wright received from Columbus Clippers
RHP Erik Stiller placed on 7-day DL

May 3

RHP Kerry Wood received on Major League Rehab assignment

May 4

C Damaso Espino assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
C Miguel Perez assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 7

RHP Kerry Wood recalled from Major League Rehab assignment
RHP Bryan Price activated from 7-day DL
RHP Brian Grening assigned to Kinston Indians

May 8

RHP Carlton Smith assigned from Columbus Clippers
LHP Ryan Edell released

May 10

LHP Kelvin De La Cruz added to active roster
C Miguel Perez assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Zach Putnam assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers
C Wyatt Toregas assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 11

RHP Josh Judy assigned from Columbus Clippers 7-day DL
RHP Neil Wagner traded to Oakland Athletics for cash
RHP Erik Stiller released from 7-day DL

May 14

RHP Vinnie Pestano assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Zach Putnam assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 17

RHP Josh Judy assigned to Columbus Clippers

May 18

IF Josh Rodriguez assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Connor Graham activated from 7-day DL
IF Cristo Arnal assigned from Kinston Indians

May 20

RHP Justin Germano assigned from Columbus Clippers
RHP Bryce Stowell assigned from Kinston Indians

May 21

IF Lonnie Chisenhall placed on 7-day DL
RHP Alex White assigned from Kinston Indians

May 22

OF Nick Weglarz assigned to Columbus Clippers
OF Jerad Head assigned from Columbus Clippers

May 28

IF Lonnie Chisenhall activated from 7-day DL
RHP Scott Barnes assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 29

LHP Nick Hagadone assigned from Kinston Indians

June 1

LHP Nick Hagadone added to active roster
RHP Zach Putnam placed on 7-day DL retroactive to May 29

June 2

RHP Carlton Smith placed on 7-day DL retroactive to May 31
LHP Scott Barnes assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

June 4

IF Jared Goedert assigned to Columbus Clippers
IF Adam Davis assigned from Kinston Indians

June 9

2B Cord Phelps assigned to Columbus Clippers

June 10

IF Jason Kipnis assigned from Kinston Indians

June 11

IF Beau Mills placed on 7-day DL retroactive to June 10
RHP Carlton Smith activated from 7-day DL

June 12

RHP Carlton Smith assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Shane Lindsay assigned from Kinston Indians Reserve List

June 14

OF Jordan Henry assigned from Kinston Indians
IF Adam Davis assigned to Kinston Indians

June 23

LHP Eric Berger placed on 7-day DL
RHP Zach Putnam activated from 7-day DL

June 24

RHP Shane Lindsay designated for assignment by Cleveland Indians

June 26

IF Josh Rodriguez assigned from Columbus Clippers

June 28

IF Josh Rodriguez assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Shane Lindsay outrighted from Cleveland Indians

June 29

RHP Nick Hagadone assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Marty Popham assigned from Kinston Indians
IF Beau Mills activated from 7-day DL

June 30

RHP Marty Popham assigned to Kinston Indians
RHP Shane Lindsay added to active roster

July 2

IF Carlos Rivero placed on 7-day DL retroactive to June 30
LHP Eric Berger activated from 7-day DL

July 4

RHP Bryce Stowell assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Nick Hagadone assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

July 7

RHP Nick Hagadone placed on 7-day DL retroactive to July 5
IF Carlos Rivero activated from 7-day DL

July 14

IF Asdrubal Cabrera received on Major League Rehab assignment

July 17

RHP Rob Bryson assigned from Kinston Indians (not yet on active roster)

July 18

RHP Zach Putnam assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Rob Bryson added to active roster

July 19

OF Shin-Soo Choo received on Major League Rehab assignment

July 20

IF Asdrubal Cabrera recalled from Major League Rehab assignment

July 22

RHP Shane Lindsay assigned to Columbus Clippers
LHP Nick Hagadone activated from 7-day DL

July 23

OF Shin-Soo Choo recalled from Major League Rehab assignment

July 27

LHP Eric Berger assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Anthony Reyes received on Major League Rehab assignment

July 29

OF/IF Matt McBride assigned to Columbus Clippers
OF Lucas Montero assigned from Kinston Indians
RHP Kerry Wood received on Major League Rehab assignment

July 31

RHP Kerry Wood recalled from Major League Rehab assignment
OF Jerad Head assigned to Columbus Clippers
IF Justin Toole assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Corey Kluber assigned from Cleveland Indians (Westbrook trade - not yet on active roster)

August 3

RHP Paolo Espino assigned to Columbus Clippers
LHP Matt Packer assigned from Lake County Captains

August 4

RHP Corey Kluber added to active roster

August 5

C Damaso Espino assigned to Columbus Clippers
C Juan Apodaca traded from Pawtucket Red Sox for cash

August 6

LHP T.J. McFarland assigned from Kinston Indians

August 11

RHP Anthony Reyes received on Major League Rehab assignment
RHP C.C. Lee activated from 7-day DL
LHP T.J. McFarland assigned to Kinston Indians

August 16

IF Justin Toole assigned to Kinston Indians

August 17

OF Jerad Head assigned from Columbus Clippers

August 20

OF Jerad Head assigned to Columbus Clippers

August 21

OF Jerad Head assigned from Columbus Clippers Inactive List
RHP Aaron Laffey received on Major League Rehab Assignment

August 22

LHP Eric Berger assigned from Columbus Clippers
OF Lucas Montero placed on 7-day DL retroactive to August 20

August 24

RHP Aaron Laffey recalled from Major League Rehab Assignment

August 27

LHP Kelvin De La Cruz placed on 7-day DL
IF Carlos Rivero placed on 7-day DL
OF Lucas Montero activated from 7-day DL
IF Dan DeGeorge assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

August 31

RHP Corey Kluber assigned to Columbus Clippers
RHP Shane Lindsay assigned from Columbus Clippers 7-day DL

September 1

RHP Alex White placed on Inactive List
RHP Brian Grening assigned from Kinston Indians
IF Ron Rivas assigned from Kinston Indians
OF Jerad Head placed on Inactive List

September 2

RHP Brian Grening assigned to Kinston Indians

September 3

OF Jerad Head assigned to Columbus Clippers from Inactive List
OF Trent Baker assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

September 6

RHP Alex Kaminsky assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
IF Cristo Arnal placed on 7-day DL

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Around the Farm: December 28

(Photo: MiLB)

Here is a quick recap of how the players in the Cleveland Indians' system did in fall/winter league action on Tuesday December 28th:

• Jerad Head - RF, Gigantes de Carolina: 1-for-5, BB, 2 K. Head was back in action in Puerto Rico on Tuesday night after a week's absence from the lineup. He showed some rust at the plate going 0-for-4 in the first game of the doubleheader, but came back in the second game and went 1-for-1 with a walk.
• Jayson Nix - 3B, Senadores de San Juan: 1-for-4, R, RBI, K. Nix continues to do not much of anything offensively out in Venezuela, and in 53 at bats had now walked just 2 times and has 17 strikeouts.
• Asdrubal Cabrera - SS, Leones del Caracas: 0-for-3, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB, K. Cabrera did not get a hit, but he walked twice and scored a trio of runs which helped his Caracas team run away with a win and score 18 runs. Due to the blowout win, he was subbed late in the game.

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Sanchez Needs More Consistency in ‘11

Sanchez aims for a more consistent season

in 2011. (Photo: Tony Lastoria)

A lot of players struggle with maintaining consistency throughout a pro baseball season.

Some players will go through stretches in a season where they seemingly can’t buy a hit and their approach at the plate is awful. Some are streaky where they will immediately follow a hot streak with a severe cold streak and continue that up and down performance the entire season. Others will have a good or bad first half of the season only to follow it up with a performance in the second half that is the exact opposite of how they performed in the first half.

For infielder Karexon Sanchez, 23, he has shown over the years to be a solid performer who often has one long stretch of poor performance which takes away from his season and makes it just a solid year rather than a really good one.

In 2008 at Low-A Lake County, Sanchez hit .322/.374/.483 in April (87 at bats) only to follow that up with a poor May where he hit .159/.237/.224 (107 at bats). The poor May wrecked what otherwise was a very solid season for him as he did not hit below .250, an on-base percentage below .333, or a slugging percentage below .405 in any other month. He finished the season hitting .246/.323/.411 with 12 HR, 60 RBI, and a 38-118 walk to strikeout ratio.

Sanchez repeated at Low-A Lake County in 2009, and one again he got off to a great start hitting .280/.383/.458 in April and May (168 at bats), but struggled in June (.182/.311/.261) and July (.190/.313/.310) which saw his batting line plummet to .232/.347/.371 by the end of July. He finished the season hitting .234/.350/.375 with 11 HR, 57 RBI and a 70-136 walk to strikeout ratio.

Last season Sanchez moved up to High-A Kinston, and again his penchant for long cold spells hurt what otherwise was a good season for him. This time he had a good first half of the season hitting .280/.418/.427 at the All Star break in mid-June, but then he followed that up by hitting just .237/.341/.361 after the All Star break. He finished the season hitting .257/.378/.392 with 10 HR, 51 RBI and a 75-114 walk to strikeout ratio.

Sanchez’s struggles with maintaining a more consistent level of performance is something he and the Indians are both aware of and have continued to work on.

"I feel like I was more consistent [last year] than the two previous seasons,” Sanchez said in a recent interview with the IPI through interpreter Kinston hitting coach Rouglas Odor. “I have been working on that part of my game, to be more consistent with hitting. Offensively I feel like the difference is I go out there to look for one pitch, and if I get it I am going to put a good swing on it. I am trying to do damage not just early in the count but the entire at bat and have a good at bat."

While the progress has been slow, Sanchez has shown more consistency with his approach and confidence which have helped him maintain better overall numbers by the end of the season. The big key for him last season was that he did not change his approach at the plate even when things got bad in the second half of the season, which was different than the previous two seasons when he would often change his approach and try different things to try and get himself out of a prolonged slump.

Sanchez’s continued development at the plate of being a more patient hitter and working counts every at bat helped last season as even though the hits were not falling at times he was still getting on base at a very good clip. In the end, he has shown big strides with his plate discipline since the 2008 season as he doubled his walk output last season. His 75 walks at Kinston last year ranked 2nd in the Carolina League and his .378 on-base percentage ranked 5th in the league.

As a defender, Sanchez continues to show a lot of versatility. He has experience playing every position on the field except catcher. In his career he has logged 270 games at second base, 84 games at third base, 53 games at shortstop, 33 games in the outfield, and 19 games at first base. That versatility makes him valuable to the organization, and it could lead to him maybe one day being a utility option in the upper levels of the farm system, possibly even in the big leagues.

"The organization has been preaching to me that the more positions I play the more value I am going to have, so I understand that,” Sanchez said. "I feel very comfortable playing anywhere. I feel like I need to improve playing shortstop because I need the most work there, especially on angles to the left and right."

Sanchez played a little winter ball this offseason for his home country in Venezuela, playing about a week back in November where in five games he went hitless in six at bats. He is currently working out and getting ready for spring training where it appears he will start the 2011 season at Double-A Akron.

"My development is not where it needs to be yet, but I feel like I still have a lot of room to improve,” Sanchez said.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI.  His latest book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on his site for a special year end closeout sale of $10.00 (including shipping and handling stateside).

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Around the Farm: December 27

(Photo: MiLB)

Here is a quick recap of how the players in the Cleveland Indians' system did in fall/winter league action on Monday December 27th:

• Yohan Pino - RP, Tigres de Aragua: 2.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. What an ugly pitching line for Pino, though he never yielded a run. He came on to start the 6th inning and gave up two hits and a walk to load the bases but worked his way out of the inning without allowing a run. He allowed a single in the 7th, and then in the 8th allowed two of the first three hitters to reach on singles before being lifted. None of the runners left on base scored, so while Pino never allowed a run that's how he managed to allow 6 baserunners in 2.1 innings and not get dinged.
• Luis Valbuena - DH, Cardenales de Lara: 1-for-1, RBI, 2 BB, CS. Not to beat a dead horse, but Valbuena has arguably had the most impressive winter season of any player in the Indians organization. He's only hitting .228, but thanks to an outstanding 36-26 walk to strikeout ratio he has a very healthy .363 on-base percentage.
• Jayson Nix - 3B, Senadores de San Juan: 0-for-3, 2 K. Nix with another errorless game...good! Nix with another sucky offensive performance in Puerto Rico....bad! Now just 7-for-49 at the plate in 13 games and a horrific 2-16 walk to strikeout ratio.
• Asdrubal Cabrera - SS, Leones del Caracas: 0-for-5. Cabrera with two straight 0-for-5 nights at the plate, and now just 2-for-19 in his last five games.
• Juan Apodaca - C, Aguilas del Zulia: 0-for-4, 2 K. Apodaca gets a rare opportunity to start on back-to-back nights, a clear sign the end of the winter season is near.

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2010 Kinston Indians Transactions

(Photo: Kinston Indians)

Continuing on with the year end transactions, here are the transactions from the High-A Kinston Indians in 2010. As always, the transactions links will be housed on the right side of the page under the "resource" section.

April 14

LHP T.J. McFarland assigned
RHP Alexander Perez placed on 7-day DL

April 18

3B Adam Davis assigned from Extended Spring Training
CF Jordan Henry placed on 7-day DL

April 21

RHP Brett Brach assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Santo Frias placed on 7-day DL

April 29

RHP Alexander Perez activated from 7-day DL
LHP T.J. House assigned to Lake County Captains

April 30

LHP T.J. House assigned from Lake County Captains
RHP Brett Brach assigned to Extended Spring Training

May 3

CF Jordan Henry activated from 7-day DL
3B Adam Davis placed on 7-day DL

May 8

RHP Brian Grening added to active roster
RHP Joseph Gardner assigned from Lake County Captains
LHP Kelvin De La Cruz assigned to Akron Aeros
C Dwight Childs assigned to Extended Spring Training from 7-day DL
RHP Alexander Perez placed on 7-day DL

May 10

LHP Chris Jones assigned from Lake County Captains
RHP Steve Smith released

May 11

RHP Rob Bryson added to active roster
RHP Joey Mahalic placed on 7-day DL

May 17

IF Adam Davis activated from 7-day DL
IF Roman Pena placed on 7-day DL

May 18

IF Cristo Arnal assigned to Akron Aeros
C Alex Castillo assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 20

RHP Bryce Stowell assigned to Akron Aeros
OF Donnie Webb placed on 7-day DL
RHP Joey Mahalic activated from 7-day DL
OF Chris Kersten assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

May 21

RHP Alex White assigned to Akron Aeros
RHP Cory Burns assigned from Lake County Captains
DH Nate Recknagel placed on 7-day DL

May 22

RHP Marty Popham assigned from Lake County Captains

May 29

LHP Nick Hagadone assigned to Akron Aeros

June 1

RHP Shane Lindsay claimed off waivers from New York Yankees (placed on Reserve List)

June 4

IF Adam Davis assigned to Akron Aeros
OF Trent Baker assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
OF Tim Palincsar assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

June 10

IF Jason Kipnis assigned to Akron Aeros

June 12

RHP Shane Lindsay assigned to Akron Aeros from Reserve List

June 14

OF Jordan Henry assigned to Akron Aeros
IF Adam Davis assigned from Akron Aeros

June 17

IF Justin Toole assigned from Arizona League Indians

June 18

OF Adam Davis traded to Pittsburgh Pirates for cash

June 24

RHP Austin Adams assigned from Lake County Captains
OF Bo Greenwell assigned from Lake County Captains
OF Trent Baker assigned to Lake County Captains

June 27

IF Juan Diaz traded from High Desert Mavericks (part of Branyan trade)

June 28

IF Juan Diaz added to active roster
RHP Rob Bryson placed on 7-day DL

June 29

RHP Marty Popham assigned to Akron Aeros

June 30

RHP Marty Popham assigned from Akron Aeros

July 3

IF Jeremie Tice assigned from Lake County Captains
C Chun Chen assigned from Lake County Captains
IF Chris Kersten assigned to Lake County Captains
OF Tim Palincsar assigned to Lake County Captains

July 7

IF Nate Recknagel activated from 7-day DL
C Richard Martinez placed on 7-day DL

July 9

OF Abner Abreu placed on 7-day DL
OF Donnie Webb activated from 7-day DL

July 12

C Alex Castillo placed on 7-day DL
RHP Rob Bryson activated from 7-day DL
RHP Tyler Sturdevant assigned from Lake County Captains
RHP Joey Mahalic assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers

July 17

RHP Joey Mahalic assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers
RHP Rob Bryson assigned to Akron Aeros

July 18

IF Justin Toole assigned to Columbus Clippers

July 22

OF Abner Abreu activated from 7-day DL

July 23

IF Justin Toole assigned from Columbus Clippers (likely not on active roster yet)

July 24

RHP Jason Knapp assigned to Arizona League Indians from 7-day DL

July 25

C Richard Martinez assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers from 7-day DL
IF Justin Toole assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers from Inactive List

July 29

OF Lucas Montero assigned to Akron Aeros

July 31

RHP Marty Popham assigned to Columbus Clippers

August 2

C Alex Castillo activated from 7-day DL

August 3

RHP Marty Popham assigned from Columbus Clippers

August 6

LHP T.J. McFarland assigned to Akron Aeros

August 11

LHP T.J. McFarland assigned from Akron Aeros

August 16

IF Justin Toole assigned from Akron Aeros
IF Nate Recknagel placed on 7-day DL

September 1

RHP Brian Grening assigned to Akron Aeros
IF Ron Rivas assigned to Akron Aeros
OF Carlos Moncrief assigned from Mahoning Valley Scrappers

September 2

RHP Brian Grening assigned from Akron Aeros

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Around the Farm: December 26

(Photo: MiLB)

Here is a quick recap of how the players in the Cleveland Indians' system did in fall/winter league action on Sunday December 26th:

• Jayson Nix - 3B, Senadores de San Juan: 0-for-4, 2K. After a two day holiday layoff, Nix was back at it with another rough night at the plate going hitless and striking out in half of his at bats. He is now hitting just .152 in 13 games out in Puerto Rico and has an awful 2-14 walk to strikeout ratio in 46 at bats.
• Roberto Perez - C, Indios de Mayaguez: 1-for-3, R. Perez continues to hit well out in Puerto Rico by holding his own not only hitting (.323) in limited playing time, but also with his approach ( 9 BB, 6 K).
• Luis Valbuena - DH, Cardenales de Lara: 1-for-4, 2B, K. Still only hitting .223 in 52 games out in Venezuela, but has that nice 34-26 walk to strikeout ratio, has 13 extra base hits, and has 5 stolen bases.
• Juan Apodaca - C, Aguilas del Zulia: 1-for-4, RBI. Apodaca gets his weekly start, quite possibly his last this winter.

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Tribe Happenings: Indians take a look at Colon



Could Colon be on his way back to the

Indians? (Photo: AP)

 Some news, notes and thoughts from my Tribe notebook…

Will Colon look lead to signing?

The Indians have been very open the entire offseason of letting it be known they want to sign a veteran starter to add to their starting rotation mix. The pickings in free agency are slim not only because the availability of quality starting pitching is scarce, but also because the Indians are shopping with an extremely limited budget this offseason.

The Indians are looking for potential one year fits to help eat innings over the course of the season and ease the burden on what will be a very young and inexperienced pitching staff in 2011. Few options on the free agent market appear to be a fit, but of late the Indians have been connected to right-hander Bartolo Colon.

Colon, 37, pitched for the Indians for six seasons from 1997-2002 going 75-45 with a 3.92 ERA in 162 appearances. Over a nine year span from 1998-2005 he averaged over 200 innings pitched in a season and won 14 or more games eight times. Injuries and weight issues derailed his career in 2006, and after a couple rough years with his last two teams the Boston Red Sox in 2008 and Chicago White Sox in 2009 he was seemingly out of the game for good after no one signed him last offseason.

But apparently Colon is trying to make a comeback.

Colon is currently pitching out in the Dominican Winter League and in six starts there is 2-1 with a 1.76 ERA, and in 35.1 innings has allowed 33 hits, six walks, and has 27 strikeouts. According to league sources, he looks motivated and is in much better shape after losing close to 40 pounds. His fastball is at 90-94 MPH and showing good movement, and he is getting lots of groundballs and showing good strikeout ability.

It should be noted that the Indians scouting of Colon hardly means a signing is imminent. They as well as every other team scout every player at every level all year long. They like other teams have a scouting presence in the offseason winter leagues and are looking for potential fits for their club. Obviously they will scout certain players more heavily than others, but just because the Indians are reportedly scouting a guy don't mistake that as being "interest" in a guy.

If Colon impresses the Indians or another team enough to sign him, expect it to only be to a minor league deal.

Kearns re-signed

On Monday the Indians signed free agent outfielder Austin Kearns to a one year deal for $1.3 million. It is the first guaranteed major league contract the Indians have handed out this offseason, and may be the last.

Kearns, 30, returns to the Indians after spending a majority of the 2010 season with the club. He hit .272 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 84 games with the Indians last season before being traded to the New York Yankees on July 30th in exchange for right-handed pitcher Zach McAllister. In 36 games with the Yankees he hit .235 with two home runs and seven RBI.

Kearns' signing fills a need for the club in the outfield where they needed a right-handed bat to offset their all left-handed hitting starting outfield of Shin-Soo Choo, Grady Sizemore, and Michael Brantley. Last season with the Indians he made 63 starts in left field, 12 in right field and four in centerfield after making the club out of spring training as a non-roster invitee, so he will likely fill their fourth outfielder role and be used primarily against left-handed pitching. He also adds insurance as a stop gap starter in the event Grady Sizemore has a setback and is not ready to play at the start of the season.

To make room on the roster for Kearns the Indians outrighted right-handed pitcher Justin Germano to Triple-A Columbus. He has the option to accept the assignment or elect free agency, and as of this writing has not made a decision.

Indians sign Japanese hurler

Last weekend the Indians signed free agent Japanese right-handed pitcher Toru Murata to a minor league deal. He will not report to big league spring training, and instead should report to early minor league camp in late February.

Murata, 25, is a former number one pick of the Yomiuri Giants in 2007, but was recently released on December 2nd. He never made it to Japan's version of the major leagues, and instead spent three seasons in the minors where he went 2-10 with a 4.56 ERA in 43 appearances. He pitched a total of 96.2 innings and allowed 115 hits, 7 home runs, 42 walks, and had 64 strikeouts.

The Indians and other clubs got a look at Murata last fall when he pitched in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) in 2009. Pitching for Scottsdale he went 1-2 with a 5.73 ERA in nine games, and in 11.0 innings allowed ten hits, three homers, three walks, and had eight strikeouts.

"He is a high profile prospect who pitched in the AFL and showed ability to get future major league hitters out," Indians Director of Scouting John Mirabelli said. "He is still only 25 with upside and we feel our Player Development people can help him get back on track."

Murata is not a big pitcher as he only stands in at 6'0" and is 176 pounds. He throws a low 90s fastball with movement that has touched 92 MPH, and complements it with a slider, curveball, and changeup.

It is not known exactly what level Murata will be placed at to start the season, but it looks like he should open the 2011 season at Double-A Akron due to his age and three years of experience as a professional already under his belt; however, the Indians may initially opt to break him in slowly by having start at High-A Kinston but quickly move him up to Akron by May or June.

Indians earn a Buck

The Indians made another signing on Tuesday when they inked free agent outfielder Travis Buck to a minor league deal with an invite to big league spring training,

Buck, 27, missed a lot of games last season due to injuries and only played in 14 games at the big league level with Oakland hitting .167 with one home run, two RBI, and a .541 OPS. He also played for Triple-A Sacramento, but played just 32 games there hitting .298 with three homers, 17 RBI, and a .827 OPS.

When he is healthy Buck has proven to be a solid left-handed hitter as in his four year career with Oakland covering 170 games he hit .250 with 18 homers, 71 RBI, and had a .755 OPS. The problem has been keeping him healthy as he has had elbow surgery as well as shin splints, post-concussion syndrome, and shoulder and oblique injuries in the past few seasons.

Buck has little if any chance to make the big league club out of spring training. There is not even a guarantee that he goes to Triple-A Columbus when you consider all of the internal outfield options at the Indians' disposal, though it appears that if he is healthy the Indians will find a spot for him somewhere. If he makes the big league roster, he will make $625,000.

Minor signs

Several former Tribe minor leaguers inked deals with new teams this past week.

Outfielder Brian Barton has signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Last year he played independent ball in the Atlantic League and hit .346 with 19 homers and 18 stolen bases. The Indians lost him in the 2007 Rule 5 Draft when he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals and they kept him on their 25-man roster the entire 2008 season.

First baseman Michael Aubrey signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. Last year in 102 games at Triple-A Norfolk (Orioles) he hit .235 with 22 homers, 68 RBI, and had a .805 OPS. He was a first round pick of the Indians in 2003 who has battled numerous injuries in his career and was traded to Baltimore in June of 2009 for cash.

Catcher Damaso Espino has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last year in 85 combined games between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus he hit .250 with two homers, 31 RBI and had a .613 OPS. The Indians had acquired him back in June of 2008 for cash from the Kansas City Royals.

Winter ball update

The end of the winter ball season is quickly approaching as the Venezuelan Winter League and Puerto Rico Winter League wrap up regular season play next week. A few Indians are still playing, such as shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, third baseman Jayson Nix, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera, and infielder Luis Valbuena.

Last weekend Nix returned from a ten game absence after being hit in the head with a pitch. He is holding his own defensively out in Puerto Rico, but in 12 games played is just 7-for-42 (.167) at the plate.

Cabrera is playing shortstop everyday out in Venezuela to make up for some lost at bats during the 2010 season, and is hitting .280 with one homer, 15 RBI, and a .650 OPS in 24 games.

Valbuena has been a staple in the lineup for his team in Venezuela and has primarily played second base, and is hitting .222 with four homers, 21 RBI, and a .701 OPS in 51 games.

Carrera has been in and out of the lineup of late for his team in Venezuela, and in 41 games is hitting .261 with no homers, 12 RBI and a .681 OPS.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI.  His latest book the 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is also available for purchase on his site for a special year end closeout sale of $10.00 (including shipping and handling stateside).

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

I just want to take a quick moment today to wish every one from the fans, to the players, to the families of the players, to the Indians coaches and front office personnel a very Merry Chistmas and Happy Holidays.

Thanks for reading and for all of the support. Whether you agree or disagree with anything I write, or you like or dislike anything about the organization, the bottom line is you read this site and follow your team because you are Indians fans. This site would not be possible without the dedicated support of all of you as well as the all the assistance the Indians provide over the course of the year.

So with that I give a big thank you and hope you have a great Holiday season.

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Winter Ball Stats: Week 10

Here are the updated stats for all the Cleveland Indians players who are playing in fall/winter ball. Stats are updated as of 12/24/2010.

Batters	LGE	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG
Abraham, Adam	AFL	10	36	7	8	1	1	0	3	9	8	.222	.378	.306
Apodaca, Juan	VWL	22	61	6	15	4	0	0	10	4	16	.246	.292	.311
Cabrera, Asdrubal	VWL	24	93	18	26	4	0	1	15	13	15	.280	.370	.355
Carlin, Luke	DWL	13	23	1	1	0	0	0	0	8	7	.043	.290	.043
Carrera, Ezequiel	VWL	41	142	26	37	7	0	0	12	20	17	.261	.371	.310
Diaz, Juan	DWL	5	9	1	2	1	0	0	2	1	3	.222	.300	.333
Goedert, Jared	VWL	14	45	7	15	5	0	0	4	11	11	.333	.474	.444
Head, Jerad	PWL	36	134	22	35	9	1	4	22	13	21	.261	.365	.433
Kipnis, Jason	AFL	19	78	13	23	11	3	3	19	5	9	.295	.337	.628
McBride, Matt	DWL	28	110	18	31	6	0	8	26	10	19	.282	.344	.555
Nix, Jayson	PWL	12	42	3	7	1	1	0	6	2	12	.167	.239	.238
Perez, Roberto	PWL	15	28	7	9	0	1	0	0	9	6	.321	.486	.393
Perez, Roberto	AFL	11	44	3	7	2	0	0	5	3	11	.159	.213	.205
Perez, Roberto	TOT	26	72	10	16	2	1	0	5	12	17	.222	.333	.278
Phelps, Cord	AFL	19	79	16	29	4	1	3	10	16	14	.367	.474	.557
Reyes, Argenis	DWL	43	123	15	34	7	2	0	16	10	21	.276	.333	.366
Sanchez, Karexon	VWL	5	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	.000	.000	.000
Valbuena, Luis	VWL	51	162	20	36	8	0	4	21	34	25	.222	.355	.346
Weglarz, Nick	VWL	4	12	2	3	0	0	0	2	4	3	.250	.471	.250

Pitchers	LGE	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	ERA	GO/AO	WHIP	AVG
Aguilar, Omar	PWL	2	0	2.1	6	3	3	0	2	1	11.57	1.00	3.43	.500
Barnes, Scott	AFL	7	7	24.2	23	10	10	0	7	28	3.65	1.21	1.22	.250
Berger, Eric	AFL	9	0	11.0	7	3	1	0	8	12	0.82	0.62	1.36	.171
Carmona, Fausto	DWL	1	0	1.1	5	5	4	0	1	1	27.00	2.00	3.75	.500
Judy, Josh	DWL	12	0	12.0	11	3	2	0	0	9	1.50	1.36	0.92	.244
Lee, Chen	AFL	6	0	6.0	7	7	6	1	3	7	9.00	0.83	1.67	.280
Pino, Yohan	VWL	5	0	8.0	7	3	3	0	3	6	3.38	0.29	1.25	.233
Price, Bryan	AFL	9	0	11.2	13	10	7	0	6	3	5.40	1.38	1.63	.277
Soto, Giovanni	PWL	4	0	4.0	0	0	0	0	2	3	0.00	1.33	0.50	.000
Soto, Giovanni	PWL	2	0	2.2	2	0	0	0	1	1	0.00	5.00	1.13	.250
Soto, Giovanni	TOT	8	0	9.1	4	0	0	0	4	5	0.00	2.80	0.86	.154
Turek, Travis	AFL	7	0	8.1	10	6	5	1	3	3	5.40	0.83	1.56	.294

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