Chris Perez News

Although the Indians certainly weren't unhappy with the closing efforts of Kerry Wood in 2008, the club's efforts to rebuild the organization with prospects and a low payroll make Wood's big contract a target for trade discussions.

The midseason non-waiver Trade Deadline is always an exciting time for baseball fans as they watch closely to see what their favorite Major League club does, be it acquire a big-name player or trade one away, often for a handful of top Minor League prospects.

We are on the brink of the Thanksgiving break. And given that we are socially instructed and morally obligated to give thanks this time of year, I can think of no better time to say thank you to all those who help keep things fresh and interesting around these parts, even when the Indians are having a tough time of it.

Last week, Manny Acta, Bobby Valentine and Torey Lovullo told the Indians how they'd construct, handle and fix the Indians' bullpen if they were named manager.

Cards' options at third will start with Freese GM Mozeliak says he will get shot to play every day.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and right-hander Chris Perez underwent surgery Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic Sports Center.

Brantley, expected to rejoin the Indians lineup tonight against the Chicago White Sox after missing three games with a sore right ankle, is hitting .323 in 23 games after getting promoted from Class AAA Columbus on Sept.

Don't look now, but Jose Veras might just be pitching his way into the Indians' bullpen plans for 2010.

It's not supposed to be this easy, and rookie Michael Brantley knows it. Chuck Crow The Plain Dealer Michael Brantley is hitting .323 in 23 games with the Indians this season.

Go get it, Agent M. In a turn of events that was unfathomable just a week ago, the Indians have won two in a row.

He's batting .288 with 10 doubles, five homers and 14 RBI since his second recall on Aug.

In losing nine of nine of 13, the Tigers let a season-high, seven-game lead on Sept.

THT Awards by John Barten September 22, 2009 Welcome to the awards. For award definitions and background on the column itself, please consult the Primer.

For those feeling a strange sense of nostalgia for those tortured, troubled times when no lead was safe in the hands of the Indians' bullpen, behold what transpired Monday night.

Seeing Detroit's comeback win against Toronto on the out-of-town scoreboard, the Twins knew they needed a win of their own to keep pace with the first-place Tigers.

Left-handers continue to hit Perez hard. They're batting .405 against him with two homers, 11 walks and nine strikeouts.

Some day, Chris Perez may develop into an All-Star caliber closer....but not this day.

The Indians over the weekend looked like a bad club in a hurry to end a bad season.

"Flo" from Progressive threw out the first pitch. Justin Masterson pitched in and out of trouble all night, inducing two double plays when his back was against the wall Despite his four walks, Masterson held the Royals to just one run over 6. Zack Greinke was his usual magical self through seven innings but Trey Hillman pulled him at just 102 ...

Left-handers are batting .405 against Rafael Perez. Just like Fausto Carmona, the trials and tribulations of left-hander Rafael Perez have befuddled the Indians this season.