March 23, 200422 yr For those hoping that Urbina will be available May 1: Cleveland has interest in Urbina wire reports Posted March 23 2004 WINTER HAVEN ? The Cleveland Indians are meeting with free-agent reliever Ugueth Urbina, four days after losing closer Bob Wickman for at least half the season. Urbina, who helped the Marlins win the World Series last season, took a physical for the Indians on Monday. "We are not at the stage where we are discussing terms, nor are we anywhere close to it," Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said. The 30-year-old Urbina was 3-4 with a 2.81 ERA last season and converted 32 of 38 save opportunities for Texas and Florida. He saved four games for the Marlins during the postseason. Pittsburgh and Minnesota reportedly made offers that did not approach what Urbina was hoping to be paid. He earned $4.5 million last year. Peter Greenberg, the pitcher's agent, did not return a telephone message. Wickman, recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, has a sprained right elbow and will not pitch again until at least after the All-Star break. Right-handed setup man David Riske is expected to be given an opportunity to replace Wickman. On the field, Jason Stanford moved a step closer to earning a spot in the Indians' starting rotation, allowing one run over three innings during an 11-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The 27-year-old left-hander has allowed two runs over seven innings in his last two starts. "I thought Jason had good stuff," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "His pitch count got up there, or we would have let him go longer. I'm concentrating on the progress I'm seeing from him." Stanford is one of five contenders for two spots in the rotation. The others are Jake Westbrook, Chad Durbin, Jason Bere and Jeff D'Amico. Sun-Sentinel Article
March 23, 200422 yr If he's willing to take $3 million or more and signs in Cleveland then he should do it. The chances of him signing with the Fish after May 1 is too "iffy" to count on when our bullpen is a shambles. We need to do something about our problems now and not wait on UU. The good news is he'll be in the American League where he won't do us any damage.
March 23, 200422 yr If he's willing to take $3 million or more and signs in Cleveland then he should do it. The chances of him signing with the Fish after May 1 is too "iffy" to count on when our bullpen is a shambles. We need to do something about our problems now and not wait on UU. The good news is he'll be in the American League where he won't do us any damage. i agree. shouldnt this be under MLB ?
March 23, 200422 yr man i hope he doesnt take any of those offers...i really want this guy back ...him in the 8th and benitez in the 9th makes 7 inning games....
March 23, 200422 yr I hope he doesn't go with Cleveland only because I want him for us. Regardless, he wont be doing too much there as there arent that many save opporunities to begin with.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.