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MLB

Indians extend the contract of Major League staff

Former B-Tribe Coach Carl Willis is Cleveland Pitching Coach
By
March 16, 2005
CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Indians and Executive Vice President & General Manager MARK SHAPIRO today announced the extension of Manager ERIC WEDGE's contract thru the 2007 season, as well as contract extensions for the whole Major League coaching staff, including former Burlington pitching coach and Durham resident Carl Willis.

Wedge is entering his 3rd season at the helm of the Cleveland Indians, guiding the club to a 12-win improvement in 2004 at 80-82 after posting a 68-win season in his first campaign of 2003. Wedge garnered three 3rd place votes in the 2004 American League BBWAA Manager of the Year voting after leading the youngest team in the American League to the 6th best improvement in Major League Baseball in terms of winning percentage from 2003 to 2004. Wedge has received votes in the BBWAA AL Manager of the Year voting in both of his seasons as Manager of the Cleveland Indians. Wedge's contract, which includes club options for 2008 & '09, runs concurrently w/the 2-year extension through 2007 that Shapiro received in December.

"Eric Wedge has consistently demonstrated his strengths as a leader for our team and organization," said Cleveland Indians Executive Vice President & General Manager MARK SHAPIRO. "I am happy that we can secure his position as our on-field leader for the next three years."

Shapiro also announced today the entire Major League Coaching Staff has had their contracts extended or options exercised thru the 2006 season. The Major League Coaching Staff, which owns a combined 184 years of professional baseball experience, consists of BUDDY BELL (Bench/Infield Coach), JEFF DATZ (1B Coach/Outfield/Operations), LUIS ISAAC (Bullpen Coach), EDDIE MURRAY (Hitting Coach), JOEL SKINNER (3B Coach/Catchers), CARL WILLIS (Pitching Coach) and DAN WILLIAMS (Bullpen Asst.).

Added Shapiro: "We have a hard-working and committed Major League staff that understands the vision and values of the Cleveland Indians organization. Their work and passion is an important part of our foundation and future success."

---tribe---