I still refuse to believe this, but the following was reported on STO's website.
...
[Bartolo] Colon is trying to make a comeback. He is currently pitching out in the Dominican Winter League and in six starts there is 2-1 with a 1.76 ERA, and in 35.1 innings has allowed 33 hits, six walks, and has 27 strikeouts. According to league sources he looks motivated and is in much better shape after losing close to 40 pounds. His fastball is at 90-94 MPH and showing good movement, and he is getting lots of groundballs and showing good strikeout ability.
It should be noted that the Indians "looking" at Colon hardly means a signing is imminent. They as well as every other team scout every player at every level all year long. They like other teams have a scouting presence in the offseason winter leagues and are looking for potential fits for their club. Obviously they will scout certain players more heavily than others, but just because the Indians are reportedly scouting a guy don't mistake that as there being "interest" in a guy.
All that having been said, even if Colon impresses the Indians or another team enough to sign him, expect it to only be to a minor league deal.
In case you missed the memo, the Tribe signed
Austin Kearns (again) to a 1-yr, $1.3mil contract, the only major league money they have spent this off-season. As one associate described the situation, "He's a shit player on a shit team. This is a shit signing." At least
Justin Germano was DFAed to make room on the 40-man. Also, the Indians inked former A's OF
Travis Buck to minor league deal. Buck is 14 months older than
Matt LaPorta and his career MLB OPS is 60 points higher. Still, he was non-tendered by Oakland. And that is exactly how much of a do or die season this is for Matty.
