Cleveland Indians Sign OF Shane Robinson, C Adam Moore to Minor League Deals

The Cleveland Indians got the off-season started on Thursday, signing outfielder Shane Robinson and catcher Adam Moore to minor league deals.

While that may not sound too exciting considering that the Tribe has been linked to everyone from Brett Gardner to Yasiel Puig over the last few days, Shane Robinson will provide much-needed outfield help, and Adam Moore will give the Tribe a quality Triple-A catcher to work with their pitching prospects.

Robinson is probably best known to Cleveland fans for his stint with the Minnesota Twins last season, when he hit .250/.299/.621 with six stolen bases in 197 plate appearances. Previously, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted very similar numbers to last year. Robinson averaged a .252/.327/339 line in 2012 and 2013, but in 2014, he dropped to a .150 average with a .427 OPS in 60 at-bats – ultimately resulting in the Cardinals letting him walk at the end of the season.

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Given the Tribe’s outfield situation, they can use all of the help they can get. Michael Brantley is set to miss at least the start of the season, and they could use a few veterans as a safety net. Robinson fits that bill. He’s also a good option for a bench player, if they would rather not waste a prospect in a part-time role. Robinson has been a late-inning substitute so often, especially with the National League Cardinals, that his Baseball Reference page lists his position as “outfielder and pinch hitter”.

The Twins had at least seriously considered bringing Robinson back next season, but a roster crunch forced them to let him go, and Cleveland’s front office capitalized while they had the chance.

Moore is an equally solid depth signing. He appeared in one game for the Tribe last season, going 1-for-4, but he did hit .282/.328/.397 for Triple-A Columbus, including six home runs and 44 RBIs. The Tribe granted free agency to Moore earlier this month, but he ultimately returned back to the Indians’ organization.

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Both Moore and Robinson will have a chance to prove themselves in Spring Training, as their deals also come with invites to the major league camp. Barring injury, Moore will almost certainly find himself in the minors, but Robinson has a small chance to make the team as a bench player. Since he can play all three outfield positions, his versatility may be valued on a team that has an excess of infield options and very little outfield depth.