The Indians went into the offseason with a list handful of priorities they hoped to address. Club officials didn't expect to fill all their needs, but they hoped to fill as many as possible.
With the start of spring training about a month away, the Indians believe they have filled three key holes in their roster -- most recently with the signing of free agent pitcher Carl Pavano, who gives the club a veteran arm in the middle of their starting rotation. Before Pavano, the Indians signed free agent closer Kerry Wood and traded for reliever Joe Smith and infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa, who will be the club's third baseman this season.
Following the signing of Pavano, general manager Mark Shapiro said the Indians probably were done with any major offseason moves. Shapiro said the Indians would not officially close up shop for the offseason but that any other moves the club makes would likely be minor.
The additions of Pavano, Wood, Smith, and DeRosa will add roughly $18 million to the club's 2009 payroll, which is projected to be about $76 million.
Shapiro said if the Indians add any more players during the offseason, it would likely only be done if a corresponding move, in terms of salary, were made.
