truebluefan

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has signed free agent RHP CLIFF POLITTE to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League spring training camp.

Politte appeared in 30 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2006, going 2-2 w/an 8.70 ERA in 30 relief appearances (30.0IP, 47H, 30R/29ER), spending the month of June on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. He was granted his release from the White Sox in July and underwent right shoulder surgery on August 17.

His best Major League season to date came in 2005 with the White Sox, going 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA in 68 relief appearances (67.1IP, 42H, 15ER, 57K), limiting hitters to a .181 average against (42-232) while compiling an ERA of 2.40 (3.1IP, 1H, 1ER) in 4 post-season outings for the World Champions. He owns a career Major League record of 22-23 with 15 saves and a 4.40 ERA in 330 appearances/16GS (411.1IP, 393H, 201ER, 342K) with St. Louis, Philadelphia, Toronto & Chicago-AL. Politte, who will turn 33 on February 27, recorded 12 saves for Toronto in 2003.

Politte is the 18th non-roster player invited to Major League camp, which opens up on Saturday, February 17 in Winter Haven, FL when pitchers and catchers work out for the first time. The Indians have a total of 58 players coming to Major League camp.