On Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 the Cleveland Indians designated outfielder Russ Canzler for assignment to make room for recently signed free agent pitcher Brett Myers on their 40-man roster.
What makes Canzler’s situation most interesting is the fact the Indians initially placed him on waivers and on Dec. 21, 2012, he was claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays. On Jan. 2, 2013, Cleveland claimed him only to waive him again on Jan. 4, and have him snatched up by the New York Yankees.
The 26-year-old Canzler had success in Cleveland batting .269 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 26 games for the Indians in 2012. He spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Columbus where he showed some power hitting 22 home runs and 36 doubles.
John Harper of the New York Daily News provided an interesting perspective as to why the Yankees opted to go after a player that has been bouncing around the last couple of weeks when he wrote:
“Yankees GM Brian Cashman may be plotting to acquire a proven righthand-hitting outfielder, but in the meantime he’s taking whatever he can get. On Friday that meant claiming Russ Canzler off waivers from the Indians. Cleveland, of course, just signed former Bomber mainstay Nick Swisher for $56 million. Canzler will come cheaper.”
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