Heres another article I found on Foulke today:
CLEVELAND -- If the Indians are satisfied with what they see in Keith Foulke's knee, the free-agent reliever should be a member of the club in the next two days.
Foulke arrived in Cleveland on Tuesday to take a physical that is viewed as the final step in a one-year agreement with the Indians that is expected to include a mutual option for 2008.
If signed, Foulke would compete with Joe Borowski for the Tribe's vacant closer job.
The 34-year-old Foulke would be the fourth veteran reliever signed to one-year deal by the team this winter, joining Borowski, Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz. Of the four, only Fultz lacks closing experience.
A former World Series hero with the Red Sox, for whom he saved 32 games in the 2004 season, Foulke saw his career take a hit when he was beset by knee and arm troubles in '05. This past season, he went 3-1 with a 4.35 ERA in 44 games and lost his closer job to Jonathan Papelbon. He did, however, notch 11 consecutive scoreless appearances in September -- a stat that greatly encourages the Tribe.
Foulke made $7.5 million last year and opted out of a $5.25 player option with the Red Sox for '07. He also turned down Boston's offer of arbitration.
Foulke's agent, Dan Horwits, said last week that his client is hoping to have flexibility in 2008, making a mutual option more attractive.
If Foulke joins the Tribe, the club would have to create a spot for him on its 40-man roster. His presence would also ensure that the competition for the final bullpen spots would be even stiffer.
A pool of Rafael Betancourt, Matt Miller, Jason Davis, Fernando Cabrera, Tom Mastny, Fausto Carmona, Juan Lara, Ed Mujica and Rafael Perez would be available to fill a mere three spots, with Davis and Cabrera both out of Minor League options.
Cleveland Indians.com Heres 2 infield signings too:
CLEVELAND -- Looking for a little more depth in their middle infield, the Indians signed Luis Rivas and Keith Ginter to Minor League deals on Tuesday with invites to Spring Training camp.
The 27-year-old Rivas played all or parts of the 2000-05 seasons with the Twins. He compiled a .262 average with 30 homers and 177 RBIs along the way.
At one time, Rivas was a rising young star for Minnesota. He set a club rookie stolen base record with 31 in 2001, and he was praised for his ability to turn double plays.
But by the end of the '05 season, Rivas had fallen out of favor with the organization and was no longer the team's everyday second baseman. He was often criticized for a lack of hustle and commitment to improve.
This past season, Rivas sought out to start fresh with a new team, the Devil Rays, but he spent the entire year at Triple-A Durham, batting .218 with two homers and 28 RBIs in just 69 games. He missed significant time with a fractured right ring finger.
The 30-year-old Ginter spent 2006 with Triple-A Sacramento in the A's organization. He hit .268 with 13 homers and 68 RBIs in 114 games. He played in 51 games for the A's during the '05 season, batting .161 (22-for-137).
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Before joining the A's, Ginter saw extensive time with the Brewers in 2003 and '04. He led National League rookies in home runs with 14 in '03, and in 2004, he hit .262 with 19 homers and 60 RBIs in 113 games for Milwaukee, playing mainly at second and third base.
Neither Rivas nor Ginter is viewed as the answer to the Indians' search for a utility infielder who can back up shortstop Jhonny Peralta. The team hopes that spot will be filled internally by Hector Luna.
