Lou Merloni Signs on with Tribe
The Cleveland Indians announced today the signing of infielder Lou Merloni to a minor league contract for the 2006 season. The deal includes a non-roster invite to Major League spring training camp in February.
Merloni, 34, was limited to just five games and five at bats (0-5) in 2005 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. After opening the season on the big league roster, Merloni tore ligaments in his right ankle on May 1 at Minnesota and did not appear in a Major League game the rest of the season. He completed a 12-game rehab assignment in August and September, but was not added back onto the roster by the Angels.
Merloni spent the 2004 season with the Indians, hitting .289 (55-190) with 12 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI in 71 games. He owns a career Major League batting average of .272 (290-1066) with 66 doubles, 14 home runs and 124 RBI in 414 games after beginning his pro career with the Boston Red Sox in 1993 out of Providence College.
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Merloni, 34, was limited to just five games and five at bats (0-5) in 2005 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. After opening the season on the big league roster, Merloni tore ligaments in his right ankle on May 1 at Minnesota and did not appear in a Major League game the rest of the season. He completed a 12-game rehab assignment in August and September, but was not added back onto the roster by the Angels.
Merloni spent the 2004 season with the Indians, hitting .289 (55-190) with 12 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI in 71 games. He owns a career Major League batting average of .272 (290-1066) with 66 doubles, 14 home runs and 124 RBI in 414 games after beginning his pro career with the Boston Red Sox in 1993 out of Providence College.