Transactions

I've gotten a bit behind in the organization's transactions, so here's two weeks' worth:

Placed RHP Kevin Millwood on the Disabled List (groin)

You never know with injuries like groin or hamstring pulls, but Millwood shouldn't be out for an appreciable amount of time. Millwood has been impressive so far this season, and it should go without saying that he's a key piece to any possible playoff push.

Recalled LHP Brian Tallet from Buffalo
Promoted LHP Billy Traber to Buffalo (AAA) from Akron (AA)

Tallet hasn't pitched since his recall (although he has been seen throwing in the bullpen), but he should get a start sometime in the Chicago series. Jason Davis could take his spot, but Tallet's numbers have been pretty good in Buffalo; he allowed only 36 hits in his 46.1 innings while with the Bisons. In 2003, Tallet and fellow left-hander Billy Traber went under the knife for Tommy John surgery; Tallet looks to be ahead of Traber, but Billy is now at Buffalo, taking Tallet's spot in the rotation.

Promoted LHP Victor Kleine to Buffalo (AAA) from Extended Spring

Kleine now seems to be a full-time reliever. He regressed in 2004, posting a 4.95 ERA in Akron. He's one of only six drafted in 2000 still with the team, and one of only three who have reached AAA (the other being Brian Tallet and Joe Inglett).

Reinstated RHP JD Martin from the Disabled List (AA)

Martin's back from an "minor" elbow injury. JD, before landing on the DL, was in the midst of a breakout year, striking out 40 and walking 4 in 29 innings. If I had to redo my prospect rankings today, he'd be behind only Adam Miller and Fernando Cabrera as far as pitching prospects are concerned. Speaking of Miller, he's been throwing in Extended Spring, and he should be pitching with the Scrappers when short-season ball starts. After that, I'd assume he'd go to Kinston or Akron. That's good news.

Promoted RHP Tom Mastny to Akron (AA) from Kinston (A+)

Mastny has started only one game this season, so the Indians are probably trying to move him up the organization via the bullpen.

Placed Michael Aubrey on the Disabled List (AA - back)

Aubrey was posting decent numbers (.288/.345/.471) before the injury. It doesn't appear serious, but when little injuries start piling up like this, it may be a sign a lack of durability. Aubrey missed the latter part of 2004 with a hamstring injury, and part of 2003 with a quad pull.

Promoted OF Brian Barton to Lake County (A-) from Extended Spring

Barton was an undrafted free agent from Miami (FL), and it appears that the Sally League is a bit too easy for him; he's hitting .400/471/.667 in 60 at-bats.

Released LHP Derrick Van Dusen from Akron (AA)

And thus, the last link from the Brian Giles trade has left the organization. If you don't recalled the entire chain, here's a refresher:

1. OF Brian Giles traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for LHP Ricardo Rincon
2. LHP Ricardo Rincon traded to the Oakland Athletics for IF Marshall McDougall
3. IF Marshall McDougall traded to the Texas Rangers for LHP Derrick Van Dusen

Signed SS Jose Chavez and RHP Carlton Smith to minor-league contracts

Both are "draft and follow" signings, meaning that both were drafted in 2004 by the Indians, went to a junior college, and signed before the 2005 draft. Smith looks to be the bigger signing; he's the younger brother of Corey Smith. Chavez looks like a good-field, no-hit shortstop to me.

And finally...now that I've gotten my hands on a 2005 media guide, I've added years of service, 2005 salaries, and other useful information to my Options/Salary page. It's a geocities page, so just click on the ">>" tab to get rid of the advertisement. The page now includes everyone currently on the 40-man roster.