Indians ink closer Chris Perez to one-year deal

(CLEVELAND) -- The pattern of players avoiding arbitration is continuing for the Cleveland Indians.

Just one day after Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera signed a one-year $2.025 million deal helping avoid arbitration, Tribe closer Chris Perez did the same. Although Perez' new contract has not been released yet, it is expected to be more than the $423,800 that he made last year.

Perez, 25, finished last season with 23 saves and an ERA of 1.71. The former St. Louis Cardinals right-hander began the season as the Indians closer after Kerry Wood was injured near the end of spring training. Once Wood returned Perez continued his original role as set-up man until the Tribe's full-time closer was dealt to the New York Yankees on July 31.

Perez appeared in 63 games for the Indians in 2010 and recorded 61 strikeouts.

Two Indians remain in arbitration: relief pitcher Rafael Perez and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. If they don't settle, they will exchange proposed arbitration figures with the team on Tuesday. Choo is the only player expected to receive consideration for a multiyear deal.



(WTAM.com)