In an unheralded, but equally important move, the Cleveland Indians agreed to contracts with relievers Jensen Lewis and Joe Smith.
↵The Tribe have to stay smart with their low payroll, and contracts like this are quiet, but good ones. Lewis (2.97 ERA in 36 1/3 IP) will make $650,000 and Smith (3.83 ERA in 40 IP) will take home $870,000 plus bonuses.
↵A strong bullpen is critical to a team with young starters, especially when that starting rotation has so many question marks.
↵That closes the book on the Tribe’s tendered contracts, as Lewis and Smith join Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Rafael Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera.
↵Now let’s see if the Tribe can’t figure out that third base situation…