Marte joins Columbus

Andy Marte cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Clippers. Marte was designated for assignment this week when the Indians acquired pitcher Juan Salas. Assuming Marte is still around come April, he’ll come off Torey Lovullo’s bench. Wes Hodges is ticketed to be the everyday third baseman, but the addition of Marte makes the roster a bit crowded. Jordan Brown and Michael Aubrey should split time at first and DH. Here is a look at the crowded infield situation:

1B – Jordan Brown, Michael Aubrey
2B – Luis Valbuena, Andy Cannizaro
SS – Jesus Merchan, Wilson Valdez
3B – Wes Hodges, Andy Marte

Obviously, not all those guys will be around once camp breaks. A couple will probably be released and someone will find their way to the disabled list.

The addition of Marte really makes the hot corner an interesting spot on the depth chart. Marte can’t really play anywhere but third and DH (he’s played only one game at first in his career and it was last season in the bigs) and highly-touted prospect Beau Mills will be starting in Akron and working to Columbus at some point.