http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6242612

 

Indians nearing agreement with Borowski

Ken Rosenthal / FOXSports.com

Posted: 3 hours ago

 

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Indians are close to signing their third free-agent reliever of the off-season, nearing agreement with right-hander Joe Borowski, FOXSports.com has learned.

 

Borowski, 35, converted 36 of 43 save chances with the Marlins last season. He was close to signing a two-year contract with the Phillies last week, but the deal never materialized, reportedly due to concerns the team had about the pitcher's right shoulder.

Borowski underwent a physical for the Indians on Tuesday. The Indians, seeking to infuse veteran experience in their bullpen, recently signed right-hander Roberto Hernandez and left-hander Aaron Fultz.

that says it isnt official

Sucks we didnt offer arby to him

that says it isnt official

Exactly. He was also "close" to a deal with the Phillies. I think 2006 will be the highpoint of his career.

Borowski leaving won't be a huge loss.

 

Thanks Joe for a decent 2006 but you don't have nasty stuff and Nolasco will be an improvement.

There goes another closer. :banghead

Sucks we didnt offer arby to him

Why offer arbitration to someone without a lot of interested parties and who had already failed a physical?

that says it isnt official

You're correct.

 

*edits topic title*

MLB.com is saying it's a done deal this morning.

from roto:

 

Joe Borowski-R- Indians Dec. 6 - 11:44 am et

 

 

Indians signed RHP Joe Borowski, who had been with the Marlins, to a one-year, $4 million contract with an option for 2008.

Borowski immediately becomes the favorite to close for the Indians, though he may not be handed the role entering spring training. It's doubtful that he'll fare as well in the AL as the did with the Marlins last season, but he could do a decent Bob Wickman impression for the Indians. Ideally, he'll buy them enough time until Francisco Cabrera, Fausto Carmona or another young reliever can step up and claim the role.

CLEVELAND ? (AP) ? The Cleveland Indians found a front-runner for their vacant closer's job, agreeing

Wednesday to a one-year contract with free agent Joe Borowski that includes a club option for 2008.

 

The Indians also finalized their $11.5 million, three-year contract with free agent outfielder David Dellucci, who

passed his physical in Cleveland on Tuesday.

 

Borowski had 36 saves in 43 tries last season for the Florida Marlins. He was close to finalizing a two-year deal

last week with Philadelphia, but the Phillies didn't like the results of medical tests performed on his right shoulder.

 

The Indians had their doctors examine the 35-year-old Tuesday, and apparently felt Borowski was worth taking a

chance on.

 

Cleveland, which traded Bob Wickman before the July 31 deadline last season, had a major-league low 23 saves in

2006. Borowski will be the favorite going into training camp to be Cleveland's next closer.

 

General manager Mark Shapiro has also had talks with agents for Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel and Greg (my edit...shouldn't it be Eric) Gagne.

 

Last week, the Indians signed veterans Roberto Hernandez and Aaron Fultz, who are expected to fill setup roles.

 

Borowski, who has also pitched for Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs, is 17-26 with a 3.87 ERA and 80 career saves.

Since 2003, he is 78 for 95 in save opportunities.

 

The 33-year-old Dellucci is expected to platoon in left field for Cleveland. A left-handed hitter, he batted .292

with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 132 games for Philadelphia, which acquired him before opening day from Texas.

 

 

Gotta Love the Associated Press and their fact checkers

 

moved this to the mlb forum since he is no longer a marlin

Good luck and thanks for the effort, Joe. Really appreciated.

 

 

So... do we try and get Armando from SF now? :mischief2

4 mil compared to these other ridiculous contracts is completely worth the risk on a 1 year deal. Great signing by the indians

Sucks we didnt offer arby to him

Why offer arbitration to someone without a lot of interested parties and who had already failed a physical?

 

...to get the compensation pick that we would have received from Cleveland?

Can't really call it a great deal when they might be paying him that to sit on the DL at some time this year.

Happy for Joe. . He seems to be a good guy

that says it isnt official

Exactly. He was also "close" to a deal with the Phillies. I think 2006 will be the highpoint of his career.

I guess it's official now

Sucks we didnt offer arby to him

Why offer arbitration to someone without a lot of interested parties and who had already failed a physical?...to get the compensation pick that we would have received from Cleveland?Why would Borowski decline arbitration if he probably would have gotten more by accepting than by heading to Cleveland's one year deal?