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The Cleveland Indians are showing interest in signing free-agent utility man Ryan Raburn, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:
#Indians have some interest in Ryan Raburn, source says. If he signs, minimum of 3 HR vs Tigers this year. #Inge-esque
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 17, 2013
Raburn, 31, played his way into an almost everyday swing role with the Tigers following solid seasons in 2009 and 2010. The Florida native showed signs of wear in 2011 but still flashed enough power to keep his utility role with Detroit to start the 2012 season.
Hoping for a rebound year, Raburn turned in the worst performance of his career last season, batting just .171/.226/.254 with a single home run in 66 games. When they acquired Omar Infante at the trade deadline, the Tigers essentially stopped playing Raburn, and non-tendered him in November.
The Rays, Marlins, Braves, and Rangers all showed interest in Raburn earlier this winter, but nothing has been heard from them on that front in some time.
The Indians are also believed to have interest in Ryan Theriot as a utility man option.
