Anthony Swarzak Signs with the Tribe

[Danchat]

I just saw that the Cleveland Indians have signed Swarzak with a minor league deal.

I wonder what his chances of making the roster are. If not, he'll be a solid AAA pitcher.

Maybe they'll try him as a starter.

 

 

Source:
https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/555786960485507074

[JB_Iowa]

I've been rooting for him to find a good spot.  He was so bummed out before Christmas about how he was the one who always did what the Twins wanted yet he was the one DFA'd.  Mentioned how he should have worried more about his individual stats.  (Later pulled the tweets).

 

There really wasn't a spot for him in the Twins BP --plenty of potential long relievers -- but he seems like a good guy so I hope this works out for him. 

[jimmer]

good luck to Swarzak.  He's one year removed from being very good.  Hope he does well.

[iTwins]

It makes sense that the Tribe would target him - it seemed like his best outings were always against Cleveland. Sort of a "If you can't beat him, acquire him" philosophy, I suppose.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I've been rooting for him to find a good spot.  He was so bummed out before Christmas about how he was the one who always did what the Twins wanted yet he was the one DFA'd.  Mentioned how he should have worried more about his individual stats.  (Later pulled the tweets).

That's kind of disappointing to read.  Worried more about his individual stats?  He's been an awful starter and a pretty shaky setup guy.  Not sure if lobbying more for those roles would have helped him.

 

The guy got a $575k draft bonus, over 4 years of MLB service time (very important for future benefits/pension consideration), and ~$2.3 mil MLB salary from the Twins, despite some uneven performances.  There's no shame in his pro career to date, but likewise there is nothing wrong with the Twins letting him go either.

[ashbury]

It makes sense that the Tribe would target him - it seemed like his best outings were always against Cleveland. Sort of a "If you can't beat him, acquire him" philosophy, I suppose.

Doesn't sound quite right.  He has a career 6.26 ERA against them.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=swarzan01&year=Career&t=p

 

Maybe they are banking on his performance being better if he doesn't have to face their hitters anymore.