Indians to meet with Hoffman, wait on Byrd

[Providence A's]

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The Indians' pursuit of free-agent pitchers Trevor Hoffman and Paul Byrd continues.

General Manager Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge are scheduled to meet today with Hoffman at his home in Del Mar, Calif. Hoffman, who has a chance to pass Lee Smith's all-time saves record of 478, has spent the last 12½ seasons with San Diego.

Shapiro and Wedge will try to sell Hoffman on themselves and the Indians organization. If things go well, it's believed they'll try to sign him at the winter meetings next week in Dallas.

The closer market is shrinking on the Indians. Tom Gordon signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Phillies on Thursday. Kyle Farnsworth signed a three-year, $17 million contract with the Yankees on Friday. B.J. Ryan signed a five-year, $47 million contract with Toronto last weekend and Billy Wagner signed a four-year, $43 million deal with the Mets on Monday.

Bob Wickman and Todd Jones are still available. Octavio Dotel, another free-agent closer, won't be able to pitch until midseason following surgery on his right elbow.

Shapiro talked with Wickman's agent Friday. Wickman saved 45 games for the Indians last season.

"Bob is an option," said Shapiro. "We know he wants to pitch next year."

[Providence A's]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2247887

DALLAS -- Free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd and the Cleveland Indians reached agreement Sunday on a two-year contract worth $14.25 million.

The deal includes a club option for a third season.

Byrd can earn as much as $22 million if the Indians exercise his option for the 2008 season. If Cleveland declines it, the 35-year-old Byrd will receive a $250,000 buyout, a sum that is included in his guarantee.

Byrd was 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA in 31 starts for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last season. He is entering his 12th season and embarking on his ninth tour -- he's made more than one stop with the Braves, Phillies and Royals. He was 8-7 with Atlanta in 2004, having missed the 2003 season because of elbow surgery.

[Providence A's]

Hoffman returned to the Fathers.