Report: Indians, OF Dellucci agree on three-year deal

[Pronk48]

Report: Indians, OF Dellucci agree on three-year deal

CLEVELAND (TICKER) -- David Dellucci apparently has found a team that will give him a chance to play.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Tuesday on its web site that the Cleveland Indians and Dellucci have agreed on a three-year contract worth $11.5 million.

According to the report, the deal is contingent on the free-agent outfielder passing a physical later this week in Cleveland.

Dellucci, 33, batted .292 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in just 264 at-bats over 132 games with the Philadelphia Phillies last season.

Dellucci's agent, Joe Longo, told the paper that a promise of more consistent playing time was a key factor in the outfielder's decision to sign with the Indians.

"Cleveland seemed like the right fit," Longo said. "They were the most aggressive and said the everyday job (in left field) is his. David is going to come to Cleveland full tilt. He's excited to have a role and he has a lot to prove."

A veteran of 10-plus seasons, Dellucci finally received a chance to play with the Texas Rangers in 2005 and responded with the finest season of his career. The lefthanded hitter batted .251 with career highs of 29 homers and 65 RBI in 435 at-bats.

Dealt to Philadelphia on April 1, Dellucci found himself in a reserve role with the Phillies, serving as a backup to center fielder Aaron Rowand, right fielder Bobby Abreu and left fielder Pat Burrell. Dellucci essentially was relegated to pinch-hitting duties until Abreu was traded to the New York Yankees in late July.

"(Dellucci) was not expecting the trade to Philadelphia," Longo told the paper. "He got caught behind Aaron Rowand and Bobby Abreu. When Abreu agreed to be traded, he finally got a chance to play."

Dellucci is a career .263 hitter with 86 homers and 328 RBI in 908 games with the Phillies, Rangers, Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles.

I like Dellucci and I think he'll be a great fit to the team.

Who does he replace,Michaels or Blake?

[catman]

Blake could always go back to 3B or 1B and give Dellucci a full-time RF job there.
Dellucci has always been one of those guys that looks like he should get more ABs, but never does. Maybe now he'll finally get a shot at playing regularly.
It appears the Martinez at 1B experiment was not successful, and the Indians may need an experienced bat to play there for now.

[Saber]

Delluci would fit in with Blake in an outfield platoon, with Michaels taking a reserve role.