Bard, Josh

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

 

2004 Stats

Previous Years

Almanac Entry

Minor League Stats

 

How Acquired:

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 

Transactions History:

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)

 

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