Cleveland set out this off-season to acquire a couple of innings eaters to fill out their rotation and allow them to test a few of their rookie pitchers in the remaining spots. In the last two weeks they've found two pitchers to fit that bill, signing RHP Jason Bere to a one-year, $1M contract and LHP Brian Anderson to a one-year deal for an undisclosed amount.

Bere has struggled with injury problems throughout his career. However, last season he was bothered by knee and groin injuries, while he appears to have moved past the elbow trouble that bothered him in the late 90's. Consequently, the 31-year-old has a decent shot at remaining healthy in 2003.

Most of Bere's numbers took hits last season, as he attempted to pitch through his injury, but his control actually improved. Additionally prior to this past season, his K/9 had been on the rise. If when healthy he can combine his elevated strikeout rates and improved control, Bere could provide the Indians with more than they expect of him as rotation filler, though the long ball could still give him some trouble. Given the salary at which they were able to sign him, Bere could also make nice trade bait at the deadline if they're interested in bringing up another of their young starters and Bere has accumulated some value over the first half of the season.

While both pitchers have played for the Indians in the past, Anderson's roots go back a bit further. After the then California Angels drafted him out of Wright State University with the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the 1993 draft, they traded the Ohio native to Cleveland for RHP Pep Harris and RHP Jason Grimsley prior to the 1996 season. Anderson might never have left the Indians, if Arizona had not selected him in the expansion draft. Reportedly, the 30-year-old's interest in returning allowed the two sides to agree on a contract within the Indians' budget.

However, I think Cleveland should have waited until after all of the non-tenders were announced, as I think there are better pitchers on the market, likely for a similar cost to what they'll be paying Anderson. Anderson nicely controls his walks, but his strikeouts are inconsistent, and he suffers from serious homer problems.

In addition to the two pitchers, the Indians also signed OF-L Karim Garcia, who was arbitration eligible, to a one-year, $900,000 deal. Garcia displayed his power skills in the second half of last season, racking up 16 HR in less than 200 AB. However, the 27-year-old has serious plate discipline problems that could cause his average to drop severely in 2003 and also might affect his power. Nevertheless, I expect him to play almost full time between the outfield and DH.

Cleveland also continues to sign players to minor league deals. Their most recent acquisitions include 3B-R Casey Blake, C-R A.J. Hinch, OF-S Chris Magruder, C-R Dusty Wathan, and RHP Mike Thurman.

Blake spent most of last season at AAA in the Twins organization with a short stint in Minnesota. The 29-year-old's plate discipline shows some promise, and he possesses solid power and speed skills. With 3B-R Travis Fryman's retirement, Blake should receive an opportunity to compete for the starting third base job and could provide the Indians with surprising production.

The 28-year-old Hinch appears to be the favorite to play back-up to C-S Josh Bard for most of the season. After second and third round selections by the White Sox and Twins in the 1992 and 1995, Hinch signed with Oakland when the A's drafted him out of Stanford in the third round of the 1996 draft, and he came to Kansas City as a part of the three-way trade for OF-L Johnny Damon. As a back-up catcher, Hinch offers a little power, though he needs to improve his plate discipline to really provide much offense. However, the Indians reportedly like his game calling skills. He's another player for which Cleveland likely will be able to pick up something in trade mid-way through the season. If C-S Victor Martinez is ready to start, then Bard will move to a back-up role; if not, the Indians can promote either C-R Tim Laker or Wathan. Wathan has the typically limited offensive skills of a AAAA catcher, but he could manage a reserve role for a few months.

Cleveland non-tendered Magruder before re-signing him to a minor league deal. Magruder has displayed strong plate discipline skills throughout his minor league career and also possesses minimal power potential. The 25-year-old will receive a chance to earn a roster spot in Spring Training, but the Indians may not rush to put him back on the 40-man.

Just in case Cleveland doesn't want to bring up one of their prospects, they've added Thurman to the ranks of their AAA starters. Montreal drafted Thurman out of Oregon State with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 1994 draft. After signing with New York as a free agent in 2002, he spent most of last season in the Yankee's minors. He still shows promise as a starter, but as his dominance isn't always there the Indians might want to move him to the pen, where he could develop into a strong setup man.