Indians drop Michaels, Francisco to join team Tuesday

Indians drop Michaels, Francisco to join team Tuesday in New York
Posted by Paul Hoynes May 05, 2008 14:46PM
Categories: Breaking News, Indians

Outfielder Jason Michaels has been designated for assignment today to make room for outfielder Ben Francisco, who will join the Indians Tuesday in New York for a three-game series against the Yankees.

The move does not become official until Tuesday because Francisco has not been at Class AAA Buffalo for 10 days since he was last optioned by the Indians.

"We think Ben can us a spark," said GM Mark Shapiro. "We think he could be more than a platoon player. He hits right and lefthanders. This will give Eric Wedge a chance to keep David Dellucci healthy and strong in left field. Ben can also spell Franklin Gutierrez in right field.

"This one move will not cure our offensive woes. Jason Michaels wasn't the pressing cause of our problems. When you have five to seven players struggling, you can't make one or two moves to solve those problems. The answer has to come from within."

Michaels cleared waivers today. He opened the season platooning in left field with Dellucci. After a great spring training, Michaels started slowly in the regular season. To make matters worse, just about every hitter on the club has been in a protracted slump.

The right-handed hitting Michaels, signed through this season, is hitting .207 (12-for-58) with nine RBI. The Indians acquired Michaels for left-hander Arthur Rhodes on Jan. 27, 2006.
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