An era came to the end in the bullpen today as the Cleveland Indians released left handed reliever Rafael Perez to make room on the 40 man roster for Nick Hagadone. Hagadone had been on the minor league ineligible list since breaking his hand during the middle of the 2012 season. The move is interesting as it was unnecessary. Going into the offseason it seemed the Indians were going to need to move one of the lefties with Tony Sipp, Perez and Hagadone all ready to play at the major league level, but trading one of the three seemed to be the best move. Assuming the Indians did their due dilligence looking around the league for a trading partner, it must be assumed that he held no value, which is almost unbelievable seeing what teams are paying left handed relievers these days.
There were also better options on the 40 man to be removed to make room for Hagadone. David Huff (who will likely be released before next season starts), Juan Diaz (who is of little risk to be taken in the rule 5 draft) and Chris Seddon (no better than any of 10 other options the Indians have in the system already) would have all been better choices. By making the choice they did, the Indians are showing they are ready to move on and are officially giving Perez's bullpen spot to Hagadone.
Overall, this is the right move, replacing the old and worn out with the new, it is just disappointing that the Indians were unable to get anything for Perez as he enters his final year of arbitration.
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