The Cleveland Indians have signed left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez to a 1-year, $2 million deal, according to Jordan Bastian of mlb.com. The deal allows each to avoid arbitration and comes with a $25 thousand bonus if he appears in 55 games, according to Paul Hoynes.
Perez enters his 7th season with the Indians, and has done well for himself with a career 3.64 ERA. He's averaged about 66 innings per year and has a 7.4 K/9 compared to a 3.2 BB/9. Note that his K/9 is regressing -- he hasn't hit his average since 2008, but that comes as his ERA+ is increasing year-to-year.
Bastian points out that the Indians have now settled six arbitration cases and have just one left: Asdrubal Cabrera.
- Twitter / @MLBastian - "Indians have avoided arbitration with LHP Rafael Perez. One-year contract for 2012. More to come on Indians.com"
- Twitter / @MLBastian - "Raffy Perez's deal has a base salary of $2,005,000 for 2012 with another $25K possible through performance bonuses."
- Twitter / @MLBastian - "6 arb cases settled (CPerez, RPerez, Choo, Hannahan, Smith, Masterson) account for $18.115M of '12 payroll. Same group: approx $9.4M in '11."
- Twitter / @MLBastian - "Lone case left to settle is SS Asdrubal Cabrera. Hearing date set (don't know when), but sides can reach deal at any point before hearing."
- Twitter / @hoynsie - "#Indians Raffie Perez can earn $25,000 in incentives if he makes 55 appearances this year. Has made 70+ in 3 of last 4 years."