May 20, 2013

Tribe Signs Ryan Raburn Per Report

January 20, 2013 by 7 Comments

Jordan Bastian at Indians.com informs us that the Indians are close to agreeing to terms with former Tiger utility man Ryan Raburn on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

Raburn, 31, struggled mightily last season, posting a .171/.226/.254 split with 1 homer and 12 RBI in 66 games. Prior to that, the right-handed hitter had a string of success as a partial starter from 2009-2011 that included a .891 OPS in 2009 (261 at-bats), at least 14 homers each year, and 62 RBI in 2010.

He is ultra-versatile, having played first, second, third, and all three outfield spots within the last few years in Detroit. He will likely be the frontrunner for the team’s utility infielder position as Mike Aviles is likely part of a DH-timeshare at this point with infielders Asdrubal Cabrera, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Jason Kipnis. It’s a low risk signing for the Tribe and hopefully one that helps to improve the offensive attack just a little bit more in 2013.

Related: Pestano Aims To Make Up For Rough Finish to 2012

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  • Jaker

    Soooo, lilibridge 2.0?

  • http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/ Scott @ WFNY

    From a position standpoint, perhaps. Lillibridge has never hit more than 13 home runs and has a career WAR that’s negative. Raburn at least has added three-plus wins during his career. Not sexy by any means, but should be a bit more effective than last years big trade deadline acquisition.

  • @TheDeePagel

    I’ve always like Raburn. Glad we are the ones giving him a shot.

  • The_Real_Shamrock

    Hey Lilibridge fans take offense!

  • SDA

    I guess this means we truly are a triple A team for the league. I live in Tiger country as well as Indian country (Toledo area). Tiger fans couldn’t wait for him to be gone.

  • Steve

    Ugh. So is every team who signs a guy to a minor league contract a AAA team?

  • SDA

    Forgot the sarcasm sarcasm font. But truth is most Tigers fans couldn’t be happier right now.

    BTW as per are earlier arguments I will admit I’m glad Dolan finally opened the pocketbook up a bit. But in a round about way it kind of proves my point. He should have done it last year when (supposedly) we were closer. I do believe also that it was pressure put on by fans that finally pushed him to spend. And if not, that’s fine too. Just so long as he “tries” to put a winner on the field. What I cant stand is when you use money as an excuse when you have plenty.