Leo: Out with the new, In with the newer

Cristian Guzman is in and Jon Garland is out. Actually, Garland was never in. The 32 year-old rehabbing right-hander had agreed to a minor league contract last week, but now has backed out after refusing to take a physical on Monday at the Tribe’s spring training facility in Goodyear. Garland was 1-5 in nine starts with the Dodgers last season before succumbing to a shoulder injury that forced surgery. The Indians were holding a locker spot for Garland, which is convenient because they’ll need one for Cristian Guzman.

Guzman signed Wednesday and will compete for a reserve infield spot with the major league club. The soon to be 34 year-old was on Manny Acta’s Washington Nationals teams and the two appear to have a good relationship. Guzman did not play last year because of a shoulder injury. He is a career .271 hitter over 11 MLB seasons with the Twins, Nationals, and Rangers. This is the third time in his career that Guzman has played in the same organization as the Clippers. He started in the Yankees system, recently Washington, and now Cleveland.

There are now 62 players in the Indians camp, 27 pitchers and 35 position players.

With Garland out of the fold, the Indians fifth starter spot (the only one up for grabs) will be decided between Kevin Slowey, Jeanmar Gomez, David Huff, and Zach McAllister. MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian has more on that competition, created by the arrest of Roberto Hernandez (the former Fausto Carmona).

Have a great day!