Cleveland Indians 2002-
Catcher (S/R) Height: 6’3” Weight: 215
Born: 3-30-78, Ithaca, New York
Age at MLB Debut: 24
Quick Stats
2000 A- (Age 22) 309 AB, .285/.352/.359, 17 2B, 2 HR
2001 A+ (Age 23) 124 AB, .258/.359/.387, 13 2B, 1 HR
2001 AA (Age 23) 194 AB, .278/.338/.397, 11 2B, 4 HR
2002 AAA (Age 24) 344 AB, .297/.332/.436, 26 2B, 6 HR
2002 AL (Age 24) 24 AB, .222/.255/.378, 5 2B, 3 HR
2003 AAA Age 25 115 AB, .330/.408/.522, 7 2B, 5 HR
2003 AL Age 25 303 AB, .244/.293/.373, 13 2B, 8 HR
Traded to Indians, 6-1-01 (see below)
Comments:
4-1-03
Manager Eric Wedge has all but given Bard the job, but he still has to prove he can hit in the majors, as Victor Martinez is lurking close behind. Bard’s obvious strengths are his outstanding defense and game-calling.
7-15-03
Recently optioned to Buffalo, for two reasons. One, he still has some offensive deficiencies, and two, the Indians wanted to see what Victor Martinez can do. At this point, Bard projects as a very capable backup catcher, unless he suddenly ups his OPS 100 points or so. He is a very accomplished defensive catcher, so the Indians may experiment in the future with spotting Martinez at DH once or twice a week.
Contract: 1 year, $317,600
2004 Salary: $317,600
Arbitration: 2005
Free Agency: 2008
6-2-99: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 3rd Round
Started 2000 in Salem (A)
Started 2001 in Carolina (AA)
6-1-01: Traded along with Jody Gerut to the Cleveland Indians for Jacob Cruz
6-2-01: Assigned to Akron (AA)
9-1-01: Promoted to Buffalo (AAA)
Played in 2001 Arizona Fall League
8-23-02: Recalled by Cleveland (MLB Debut)
3-3-03: Signed to a one-year contract ($302,100)
6-27-03: Optioned to Buffalo (AAA)
8-9-03: Recalled by Cleveland
4-3-04: Placed on the 15-day Disabled List (groin)
4-25-04: Transferred to the 60-day Disabled List (groin)