Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians agree at $4.55 million

CLEVELAND — Nobody dodges salary arbitration like the Cleveland Indians.

With a hearing just days away, the club and All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.55 million contract Friday, extending the Indians' streak of avoiding arbitration to 21 years.

The Indians haven't had an arbitration hearing since 1991, when gas was $1.14 per gallon and Cabrera was 6.

The agreement was $75,000 above the midpoint between the $5.2 million Cabrera asked for last month, and the $3.75 million the Indians had offered. A hearing had been scheduled for next week, but won't be necessary as the Indians kept their run alive. Cleveland hasn't gone to a hearing since pitcher Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne had their salaries decided by an arbitrator.

The Indians had discussions with Cabrera about a long-term deal but couldn't reach one.

"With Asdrubal, we're pleased that we were able to get a one-year deal done and resolve his contract status for this year," said general manager Chris Antonetti, who remains amenable to signing Cabrera beyond 2012. "Generally, we're always open-minded on alternate contract structures with a variety of players. And if there's something that makes sense, and there's a value in term that makes sense for both parties, we'll certain explore it."

Cabrera was easily the Indians' best player in 2011, when the club contended until September before injuries overwhelmed their depth and led to a late collapse.

The 26-year-old hit .273 with 25 homers, 92 RBIs and 32 doubles. He led the Indians in runs (87), hits (165), stolen bases (17) and set a club record for homers by a shortstop. Cabrera was named the Indians' "Man of the Year" by Cleveland's baseball writers and last week was honored as the city's top professional athlete in 2011 at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards.

He made $2,125,000 in 2011, his fifth season with the Indians who acquired him in a 2006 trade from Seattle.

In signing Cabrera, one of seven Cleveland players to file for arbitration this winter, the Indians do not have a single player with a guaranteed contract after the 2012 season. That fact, along with owner Larry Dolan's inability to compete with big-market franchises for top-tier free agents, has led to speculation the club could be for sale.

However, Antonetti downplayed the significance of the team not having any long-term deals on the books.