The Indians feel they ended a good draft on a high night Monday by signing five key players, including their first four picks.
The Indians went over their expected budget to sign their top draft choices -- including Mississippi lefty Drew Pomeranz -- but team officials were pleased with their incoming talent after Monday's signing deadline.• Draft must finally pay off for Tribe: Terry Pluto
INDIANS CHATTER
Clubhouse confidential: The word in Detroit is that the Tigers are seriously considering exercising Jhonny Peralta’s $7.25 million club option for 2011. Peralta isn’t hitting much since the Indians traded him on July 28, but manager Jim Leyland likes his steady play at third base and the presence he gives to Tigers’ battered lineup.
There have been rumors that Detroit, hounded by injuries and poor play, may trade regular third baseman Brandon Inge to a contender before the Aug. 31 trading deadline.
Change is coming: The current agreement between players and owners expires in December, 2011. One change that will almost certainly be made to the basic agreement will be altering the deadline for signing players taken in the June draft.
It’s currently at midnight on Aug. 15. It was on Monday (Aug. 16) this year because the normal deadline fell on the weekend.
“Everyone I’ve talked to would like to see it moved up,” said John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting. “We’d like to see the deadline be as soon as possible after the draft. We’d go for two weeks.
“We’re all for getting guys out and playing and starting their professional careers.”
Stat of the day: Closer Chris Perez, in his last 23 games, is 1-0 with eight saves and a 1.64 ERA (four earned runs in 22 innings).
— Paul Hoynes
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's over and the Indians are happy. They haven't always been able to say that following the final signing day of the June draft.
The Indians did just what they wanted to do in signing their top four picks -- Drew Pomeranz, LeVon Washington, Tony Wolters and Kyle Blair before Monday's midnight deadline. They added catcher Alex Lavisky from St. Edward High School.
In signing 27 of their 50 picks, Brad Grant, director of amateur scouting, said the Indians spent over $9.3 million. John Mirabelli, director of scouting, said that was probably over the budget the team set in October.
"But ownership encouraged us to be aggressive in this draft," said Mirabelli.
The Indians came to terms with Blair and Lavisky early Monday. Blair, from the University of San Diego, signed for $580,000. Lavisky, with a scholarship to Georgia Tech, signed for $1 million.
Pomeranz, Washington and Wolters didn't get done until right before the midnight deadline.
"We didn't get Pomeranz and Wolters done until about 11:55 p.m.," said Grant. "We had Washington done a little earlier."
Pomeranz, the fifth pick in the country, signed for $2.65 million. It was the largest signing bonus for a college pitcher in the draft. Pomeranz, from the University of Mississippi, will report to Class A Mahoning Valley with Blair.
They'll begin a throwing program and should be ready to pitch in games when the Arizona Instructional League season starts in mid-September.
Washington, a center fielder/leadoff hitter from Chipola Junior College, signed for $1.35 million. Wolters, just graduated from Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista, Calif., signed for $1.3 million. Washington, Wolters and Lavisky all report to the Indians' Arizona Rookie League team in Goodyear, Ariz.
Grant said Pomeranz will go to big-league camp with the Indians next spring, but will probably open the season at Class A Kinston. Look for him to follow the developmental path of Alex White, the Tribe's No.1 pick from last year. White started at Kinston this year and is currently pitching at Class AA Akron.
Another chance: Manager Manny Acta isn't looking for the next Brooks Robinson or even the next Brook Jacoby.
"What's we're trying to find out here is if these internal guys can be a stopgap at third base until someone takes over in a year or two," said Acta.
The potential seat warmers are Jayson Nix, Andy Marte and Luis Valbuena. They've been competing for the job since Jhonny Peralta was traded on July 28. Lonnie Chisenhall or Jared Goedert could be the guys who take over the job on a more permanent basis in the upcoming years.
Acta said before Tuesday's game that Nix is once again going to get a chance to be that guy based on his recent offensive output.
"He's swinging the bat the best of the three guys," said Acta.
Nix is hitting .313 (20-for-64) with three homers and eight RBI in his last 18 games. He's hitting .265 (36-for-136) with six doubles, nine homers and 17 RBI in 37 games since the Indians claimed him on waivers from the White Sox on June 24. Overall, he's hitting .238 (44-for-185) with 10 homers and 22 RBI.
Take a break: Rookie right-hander Josh Tomlin was skipped in the rotation to limit his innings. Scheduled to pitch Tuesday, he won't pitch start until Saturday in Detroit.
"I've already made 21 starts this year and they want to make sure I don't get fatigued toward the end of the season," said Tomlin.
Acta said the Indians could do the same with Justin Masterson and Jeanmar Gomez over the last six weeks of the season.
"We don't want to shut these guys down with three weeks left in the year," said Acta. "We want them to keep pitching. So this is what we're going to do."
Tomlin, who has thrown 134 2/3 innings, says he's not hurt or tired.