CLEVELAND -- The Lonnie Chisenhall era appears to be officially under way.
The Indians did not tender Jack Hannahan a contract for the 2013 campaign, meaning the veteran infielder will become a free agent. Teams have until midnight ET on Friday to offer contracts for the upcoming season to any arbitration-eligible players.
"The writing is on the wall as far as Lonnie getting a chance to play every day," Hannahan told MLB.com on Friday. "I'm excited for him to get that opportunity to showcase what he can do."
The Indians offered deals to Shin-Soo Choo, Justin Masterson, Mike Aviles, Lou Marson, Chris Perez, Tony Sipp and Joe Smith. Brent Lillibridge and Kevin Slowey already elected free agency after being outrighted off Cleveland's 40-man roster earlier this winter. Southpaw Rafael Perez, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, and lefty Chris Seddon, who was designated today, were also non-tendered.
Tribe general manager Chris Antonetti earlier called the choice on Hannahan the club's "most challenging tender decision."
"I had two great years in Cleveland," Hannahan said. "I love playing in Cleveland. I love the fans of Cleveland and I have a lot of respect for [president] Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti. I really believe in what they're doing there as far as getting a team that can contend and play in October."
Hannahan, who earned $1.135 million last season, batted .244 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 105 contests in 2012, despite being hindered by a nagging back injury. Over the season's first 30 games, the third baseman hit .287 with three homers. A lower back issue forced him out of the lineup on May 13 for nearly two weeks, and Hannahan hit just .180 with one homer across his next 59 affairs.
"It's no secret," Hannahan said. "When I came back from my injury, I was horrible. My back was still barking and it was something I was trying to maintain and deal with. Looking back on it, I probably should've missed some more time, but I felt like I missed too much time to begin with."
Hannahan joined the Indians as a Minor League free agent prior to the 2011 campaign, but worked his way into the starting role at the hot corner that spring. He hit .250 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 110 games in his first year in Cleveland.
Chisenhall batted .268 with five homers in 43 contests for the Indians last season. He made a swift recovery from a broken right forearm -- suffered in late June when struck by a fastball from Orioles reliever Troy Patton -- to provide the club with a glimpse of its future in September.
With Chisenhall expected to take the reins at third base and Aviles and Jason Donald in the fold as potential utility players, Hannahan became expendable. Hannahan, however, still feels he can be an everyday player.
"It's nothing new to me," Hannahan said. "I've been around the game a long time. Anyone wants to play every day and get as many at-bats as they can and help their team win as often as they can."
by: http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com
Certo, Chisenhall è molto meglio in fase di battuta, però Hannahan mi piaceva di più come difensore. E' chiaro che molto è dipeso dalle sue ultime prestazioni..quindi.. bye bye hanna