Written by Adam Burke

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The Indians solved their dilemma in needing to find a 40-man roster spot for newly-signed Chad Durbin. They did it by sending LHP Aaron Laffey to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for IF/OF Matt Lawson. Yes, I initially read Matt Lawton as well. Thankfully, it is not the stocky OF, but a 25-year-old who had an .811 OPS between AA Frisco (TEX) and AA West Tennessee (SEA) last season.

Manny Acta had originally said that Laffey would be extended as a starter in Spring Training to potentially have his hat in the ring of fifth starter candidates. Likely, Laffey would have been extended to be the long reliever in the bullpen.

Lawson has spent most of his minor league games at 2B, committing 47 errors in 366 games and hitting .283. He was drafted out of Missouri State in the 14th round of the 2007 draft.

Lawson will not need to be added to the 40-man, thus creating Durbin's roster. spot, sparing Shelley Duncan, who was the most likely DFA candidate.