The Indians signed OF Austin Kearns to a free agent Major League free agent contract for the 2011 season Monday.

Kearns, 30, returns to the Indians where he spent the first four months of the 2010 season before being traded to the New York Yankees on July 30th in exchange for RHP Zach McAllister.

The Kinston Indians, the Cleveland Indians high Class-A affiliate since 1987, have just one more season together.

According to a Kinston Free Press story that ran in Thursday's papaer, one of the longest affiliations in minor league baseball will be over following the 2011 season.

The Indians signed INF Adam Everett to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League spring training camp Thursday.

The 33-year old has appeared in 846 big league games, including 823 at shortstop over the last 10 seasons since 2001. Everett has suited up for the Houston Astros (2001-07), Minnesota Twins (2008) and the Detroit Tigers (2009-10).

The Indians have been quiet so far at the Winter Meetings in Florida. Here are links to a couple of stories.

Cleveland.com: Bullpen depth could be used as trade bait.
Cleveland.com: Indians deny interest in Francoeur
MLB.com: Indians lay groundwork for meetings
MLB.com: Work background work for new GM Antonetti

The Indians recently signed RHP Joe Smith to a one-year Major League contract for the 2011 season.

Smith went 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA in 53 relief appearances for the Indians in 40 innings last year with a .208 avgerage against last year. Right-handed hitters batted just .160 against him and 44 of his 53 appearances were scoreless.

The Indians signed INF Jack Hannahan to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to 2011 Major League spring training camp this weekend.

The 30-year-old veteran split last season between Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle) and Triple-A Pawtucket (Boston) where he hit a combined .237 (79-for-334) with 17 doubles, nine home runs and 45 RBI in 96 games.