Tribe, Cardinals, and Rangers are among Mulder's three choices...

Originally Posted by The Plain Dealer

Agent Gregg Clifton said Thursday that the Indians, Texas and St. Louis are the three finalists in the bidding for injured left-hander Mark Mulder.

Mulder wants a two-year deal to keep his options open as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder. The Indians have offered him a two-year contract.

Clifton said General Manager Mark Shapiro was scheduled to meet Mulder today, but the meeting was scrubbed because Mulder is just returning from his honeymoon in Tahiti.


"I thought Mark would already be back home," said Clifton. "I'm going to try and get him and Mark Shapiro together over the phone."

Clifton said they could meet sometime next week. Shapiro was unsure if another meeting would be scheduled.

"Mark Shapiro does a great job selling what the Cleveland Indians have to offer," said Clifton. "I think he's in a good spot to get Mulder to come to Cleveland."

Mulder, 29, went 6-7 in 17 starts last season for St. Louis before having surgery. He won 21 games for Oakland in 2001 and is 103-57 in his career.

Over the last two years, the Indians' coaching and training staff have done a good job keeping their pitchers healthy and durable. The top five starters in 2005 made 158 of a possible 162 starts. Last year, despite having trouble with the No. 5 spot, the top four starters made 124 of 162 starts.

The training staff has helped Kevin Millwood, Bob Howry, Bob Wickman and Scott Sauerbeck get back on the mound after injuries.

"If you look at those numbers, they're pretty incredible," said Clifton.

Mulder is scheduled to start throwing off the mound in the first week of March. Clifton has told teams that he could make between 20 and 25 starts in 2007.

A healthy Mulder would be a good fit for the Tribe. Starters Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook can be free agents after 2007. C.C. Sabathia will be eligible after 2008.


-The Plain Dealer