February 3, 2012

February 3, 2012 12:57 pm ET

Cleveland signs Casey Kotchman for 1 year (Total value US$3 million )

2011 Stats:

146 GP, 44 R, 48 RBI, 0.306 BA

Avg. Yearly Salary:

US$3 million

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Kotchman joins the Tribe

Cleveland finalized its US$3-million, one-year deal with Kotchman on Friday.

February 3, 2012, 12:57 pm

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians have added first baseman Casey Kotchman to their ever-changing roster.

Cleveland finalized its US$3-million, one-year deal with Kotchman on Friday, a day after reaching the agreement.

Kotchman, who batted a career-high .306 last season for Tampa Bay, likely will be Cleveland's starting first basemen. The left-handed hitter also is an exceptional fielder, which will help the Indians' sinker-ball pitching staff.

The Indians set their sights on Kotchman after they were unable to sign Carlos Pena and Derrek Lee. Kotchman, 28, has a career .998 fielding percentage, the highest for a first basemen with at least 700 games.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti has spent the off-season re-shaping the team. He has added six players from outside the organization to the 40-man roster.

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