Leo: Tribe quickly adds Slowey

The Indians and Rockies completed a trade that sent RHP Zach Putnam to Colorado for RHP Kevin Slowey and cash (reportedly $1.25 million).

Slowey, 27, was traded from Minnesota to Colorado in December. He split the 2011 season between Minnesota, Triple-A Rochester, and the disabled list. He made 14 appearances in the bigs, eight starts. Slowey has a career 39-29 major league record with a 4.66 ERA in five seasons. His best season came in 2010 when won a career-best 13 games and posted a 3.99 ERA over 27 starts (three complete games).

His ability to control the strike zone is a major strength; the second round draft pick (2005) carries a 4.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio (third best in the AL since entering the league). He is 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA over four starts at Progressive Field.

The trade for Slowey comes on the heels of Fausto Carmona’s arrest in the Dominican Republic, but Indians GM Chris Antonetti said the Tribe has been courting the right-hander since before the recent developments.

Nonetheless, Slowey it looks like fill the void in the starting rotation and once Carmona’s situation is resolved his performance will dictate the Indians next move. Slowey does have one minor league option year remaining, so he can be moved up and down the system freely.

Putnam, 24, is 16-8 with a 3.83 ERA over 122 minor league appearances. He made his major league debut in September, pitching in eight games and allowing five earned runs in 7.1 innings.

The Clippers are now without Josh Judy, Zach Putnam, and Cory Burns. Some or all of that trio would have probably comprised the back of the bullpen in 2012. Now, Mike Sarbaugh will have to wait and see how things play out in spring training to determine who will be called upon late in games.

Nick Hagadone and Chen-Chang Lee would be the two incumbents that are most likely, assuming they don’t make the Indians roster. Only time will tell.

Enjoy the weekend!