AL Central Nine Biggest Offseason Acquisitions #9 By Dane Moore

January has come to a close and yes a few big names still remain free agents but it is only 17 days until pitchers and catchers begin reporting to Spring Training. This list will include the nine biggest free agent players acquired this offseason by American League Central teams. The list commences with the grizzled and often naked Mike Redmond.

9. Mike Redmond C- Cleveland Indians

Okay Mike Redmond is not one of the nine biggest offseason acquisitions of the 2010 offseason. But I decided to include at least one player from each team in the division and well Red Dawg was the only major league contract tendered by the Indians this offseason. Redmond was signed as a backup but no other catcher on Cleveland’s 40-man roster has more than 17 career hits.

Redmond signed a one-year $850,000 guaranteed deal with a possible $50,000 bonus relative to games played.

No Mike Redmond will not save Cleveland this year, and yes the Indians will again be pathetic this year. The starting rotation clearly lacks an ace and outside of Masterson no pitcher has potential to fulfill that role down the road. Also it is not only the catchers position that is young for Cleveland. The Indians opening day roster will not be starting a position player over the age of 27 including 22 year-old left-fielder Michael Brantley. The Redmond signing gives the Indians a needed veteran who is a career .289 hitter. But before dreaming of contention the Indians need to significantly mature.