Shuey Redux

Signed RHRP Paul Shuey to a minor-league contract; Invited him to Spring Training

Shuey is probably done thanks to all the injuries, but if you're the Indians, why not bring him in? His degenerative hip isn't going to go away, and he also is coming off a thumb injury, so he's a real longshot to make the team. His strikeout rates had been going down even before missing the 2004 season, so I'm really tempering my expectations. He's not yet to the Jason Bere setting on the toaster (burnt to a crisp), but his career outlook is getting slightly golden brown. Shapiro likes to take care of his former players, and Shuey is by all accounts a great guy to have on your team. I just don't know if he can pitch anymore.

Signed OF Darnell McDonald to a minor-league contract; Invited him to Spring Training

The second Orioles bust signed this offseason (Jose Morban), McDonald is a former 1st round pick who never developed any power. Now that he's been cut loose by the Orioles, he'll have to ply his trade as a "veteren" minor-league outfielder. He posted a .662 OPS in AAA last year, which is not a good sign considering he's coming off shoulder surgery. He doesn't have the speed or range to play center field, so it looks like he's going to be either Buffalo's or Akron's reserve outfielder.