Three 2012 Indians Re-signed By Bucs

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that 2012 Indianapolis Indians defensive player of the year Anderson Hernandez, utilityman Jeff Larish and left-handed pitcher Kris Johnson have been re-signed to Minor League contracts. Hernandez and Johnson also have received invitations to spring training as non-roster players.

Hernandez was named the Indians' 2012 defensive player of the year after posting a .971 fielding percentage while spending time at second base, third base, shortstop and even two games in the outfield. Overall, the Dominican Republic native batted .268 with 99 hits, 43 runs and 39 RBI over 105 games, playing a key role in the Tribe's run to the 2012 International League West Division title.

Known for his zany pre-game antics and clubhouse presence, Larish played in 61 games for the Tribe after joining the team on May 12. The enigmatic utilityman also came within one inning of making history as on Sept. 3, his attempt to play all nine positions in a single game was thwarted when rain ended the contest in the 8th inning with Larish just a trip behind the backstop away from accomplishing the feat.

Johnson played an important role out of the Indians bullpen on many occasions throughout the 2012 season. Along with making 16 relief appearances, the veteran southpaw also posted a 1-0 record and 1.26 ERA with 11 strikeouts and only three walks over four spot starts for the Tribe.

Along with the three 2012 Indians' returnees, the Pirates also announced the signing of three Minor League veterans in INF Jared Goedert, RHP Ryan Reid and OF Darren Ford.

In parts of the last three seasons (2010-12) with the Indians' division rivals the Columbus Clippers, Goedert batted .270 (251-for-928) with 49 home runs and 150 RBI. In 2012, Reid posted a 6-3 record and 3.52 ERA with 79 strikeouts over 46 appearances (three starts) with the Durham Bulls, while Ford hit .270 with 83 hits, 39 runs, 33 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 70 games with Triple-A Tacoma.