Another possibility is Jonny Gomes, who hit 20 homers in 281 at-bats for the Reds -- and has only been offered a minor-league deal from Cincinnati. He's 29, hits lefty pitching well and is a better outfielder than Dye. The Indians also have been talking to Russell Branyan. In the end, it will come to down to seeing if they accept a minor-league deal, or a very reasonable one-year big-league contract.
Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek has been working out with new infield coach Steve Smith, and so far the 14-year veteran appears healthy after missing virtually all of last season with ankle and hamstring problems. When the Indians made a bid for Hudson to be their starting second baseman, the idea was for Luis Valbuena to be the utility player. Now, they are back to Valbuena at second base, knowing he struggles against left-handed pitching. That's why the hope is Grudzielanek can come back and be the guy who hit a combined .300 from 2007-08 for the Royals.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
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