Tribe signs Shoppach to one-year, $1.95 million contract

The Tribe avoided arbitration by signing catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year, $1.95 million contract. That is over a $1.5 million raise over his 2008 salary. Shoppach led all American League catchers with 21 home runs and finished fourth with 55 runs batted in, while hitting .261. Shoppach, who came to Cleveland along with Andy Marte from the Boston Red Sox for Coco Crisp, is a very good defensive catcher who handles pitchers well, but was never known for his hitting until he became the Tribe's full-time catcher when All-Star Victor Martinez when down with an injury. Shoppach took advantage of the every-day opportunity by getting clutch hits and handling the ptiching staff with expertise. He is the perfect back-up for Martinez and deserves as many opportunites to get him in the game as possible throughout the year.

The ill-conceived notion that the Tribe is cheap should be wiped out because the Indians have committed over 75 million dollars this year to 15 players on their roster. Of course, Cleveland can't compete with either New York teams or the Boston Red Sox with regard to money, but neither can most of the Major League teams. Cleveland can compete with anyone in baseball. They proved that with the second best record in the second half of 2008, with a patch work front-line pitching staff after C.C. Sabathia was traded and Jake Westbrook went on the disabled list for the year. The 2009 season will come down to the bullpen. If Kerry Wood and Joe Smith come through, the Tribe will be in the hunt for the playoffs until the last day of the season. Throw in a healthy Carl Pavano and the Tribe might win the division.