Written by Adam Burke

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Jordan Bastian is reporting, and the Indians official website confirms, that the Indians have re-signed OF Austin Kearns to a one-year deal worth at least $1.3M. Kearns, who hit .272 in 84 games with the Tribe last year, will likely be a fourth outfielder or potentially platoon with Michael Brantley. With Brantley's ability to play CF, the OF looks like it is pretty much set with Choo, Sizemore, Brantley, and Kearns.

However, if the plan is to use Kearns against LHP to spell Brantley or Sizemore, the 30-year-old Kearns hit just .252 against LHP in 2010. Also, his offensive statistics are skewed by his .373 average through April. After that, he hit no higher than .258 for a single month. Kearns hit just .246 at Progressive Field last year.

The Indians now have achieved one of their offseason objectives- adding a RH bat. Next on the ledger will either be a better solution at 3B or a veteran starting pitcher for the young, inconsistent rotation.

 

In other Indians news, the team signed Travis Buck to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.