The Indians acquired right-handed utility player Russ Canzler from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash on Tuesday.
Canzler, who will be 26 in April, has played only three games in the big leagues — all last year — but was named 2011 Most Valuable Player in the International League, playing four positions for Triple-A Durham.
In addition to batting .314 in 474 at-bats for the Bulls, Canzler amassed 40 doubles, 18 home runs, 78 runs and 83 RBI in 131 games. He batted .357 in the second half, compiling a 1.034 OPS. He led the league in doubles and slugging percentage (.530).
Canzler has played four positions his entire minor-league career, and he played all four in 2011, logging 41 games in right field, 40 at third base, 33 in left and 17 at first base. On the negative side, Canzler committed 13 errors at third.
Canzler was the 30th-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in the 2004 draft. The Tribe has given him a spot on the 40-man roster.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Indians blog at http://www.ohio.com/tribematters. Follow the Indians on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ABJ_Indians.
