Cleveland Indians: Byrd signing is official; Brantley progressing

The Cleveland Indians officially add Marlon Byrd on a minor league deal as more roster cuts are made. Michael Brantley taking another big step in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

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The Cleveland Indians have now officially inked free agent outfielder

to a minor league deal. In a corresponding move, the Indians have optioned minor league outfielder

to Triple-A Columbus. Ramsey was recently added to the Tribe’s 40-man roster this past November and was ranked as our No. 21 Tribe prospect. In addition to Ramsey, the Indians also sent several non-roster invitees to minor league camp. Outfielder

, infielder

, and catchers

and

were all reassigned to minor league camp.

In addition to Byrd competing for an Opening Day outfield spot, the Tribe may still yet get another outfield boost sooner than expected.  Defying the odds, Michael Brantley continues his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery and will make his spring training debut with the big league club later today. Even manager Terry Francona is getting optimistic that an Opening Day return for Brantley is not out of the realm of possibilities, and boy what an addition that would be for this club.

As we continue our top prospects series, we take a look at Luke Wakamatsu, No. 14 on our list. Wakamatsu was a surprise signee after being drafted by the Tribe last summer. The teenager is a natural shortstop who possesses a great feel for the game thanks in large part to his dad, Don Wakamatsu. His father is, of course, the former Seattle Mariners manager and current Kansas City Royals bench coach.  Wakamatsu is young but has tons of potential, possessing very few weaknesses in his game.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Ramsey optioned among latest Tribe moves’ – Indians.com

‘Brantley to make Cactus League debut Saturday night’ – Indians.com

‘Indians Top Prospects: No. 14 Luke Wakamatsu’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Cleveland Indians, not the Browns, are deserving of your attention’ – Factory of Sadness

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