Mike Gonzalez Rumors: Indians Interested in Gonzalez

With the beginning of the regular season only two weeks away, spring training injuries have caused the Cleveland Indians to jump back into the free agent market.  It was reported yesterday that the Indians were kicking the tires on veteran free agent Johnny Damon and other left field options.  Now, due to an ailing bullpen, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Cleveland is interested in free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez.

Two of the Indians late-inning arms, left-hander Rafael Perez and closer Chris Perez, have battled injuries this spring.  Both are on the road to recovery, as this week the Indians expect Chris expected to make his Cactus League debut and Rafael to return to action.

Still, Connolly believes the Indians could make a play for Gonzalez, especially if one or both of the pitchers face another setback.  The 33-year-old could fill in for either player, as he brings limited closer experience to the table and also can be used as a late-inning lefty.

Gonzalez’s agent, Scott Boras, has said that the veteran’s delay in signing this offseason has had more to do with his multitude of offers rather than him waiting for an opportunity.  We already know the Texas Rangers extended the left-hander an invite to spring training, but Gonzalez and Boras are looking for more of a guaranteed deal.

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