Ensberg Signs Minor League Deal with Tribe

Ensberg, 32, began the 2008 season with the New York Yankees after being invited to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. In 28 games with the Yankees, he hit .203 (15-74) with 1HR and 4RBI (2BB, 2R). He was designated for assignment by the Yanks on June 1.

Ensberg was originally selected by the Houston Astros in the 9th round (272nd overall) of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft. He has played in 731 Major League games with Houston, San Diego, and New York (AL). In eight seasons of big league play, Ensberg owns a .263 batting average with 102 doubles, 110 home runs and 347RBI.

Ensberg's best season came in 2005 with Houston. He hit for a .283 average with 30 doubles, 36 home runs and 101RBI in 150 games, becoming the first Astros third baseman to hit at least 30 homers. He was voted to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career. He was one of six finalists for the 2005 Hank Aaron Award, and ranked fourth in NL MVP voting.

Ensberg made his Major League debut in 2000, jumping straight up from Double-A Round Rock of the Texas League. He spent the 2001 season and most of the 2002 season with Triple-A New Orleans. His best season at the Triple-A level came in 2001, batting .310 (23 HR, 20 doubles, 61 RBI, 65 R and 45 BB in 87 games).

To make roster room, C Michael Valadez has been transferred to Single-A Lake County. He did not appear in a game with the Bisons.