Cleveland Indians Sign Second Baseman Argenis Reyes

File this under “looking for something to write about on a slow news day.”

The Cleveland Indians signed 28-year-old second baseman Argenis Reyes to a minor league contract on August 1. He will report to their Triple-A team, the Columbus Clippers.

Prior to the signing, the former New York Met was hitting .306 with 12 stolen bases, three triples and 34 runs in 60 games for the independent New Jersey Jackals of the Canadian-American Association.

Reyes, who played in the majors in 2008 and 2009, is noted for his speed and defensive versatility. He has stolen at least 20 bases four times in the minors and can play second base, third base, shortstop and in the outfield.

Though speedy, the utility man does not have much power—he has only 15 home runs in the minor and independent leagues and one in 127 major league at-bats—and he does not walk frequently, leading to a relatively low on-base percentage.

Due to his deficiencies, his service in the majors has been limited.

Reyes made his big league debut for the Mets in July 2008, appearing in 49 games and hitting .218 with two stolen bases and a paltry .245 slugging percentage in 110 at-bats. He appeared briefly with the team in 2009, collecting only two hits in 17 at-bats.

The minor league veteran has spent most of his professional career in the Indians’ farm system. Signed in 2001, he played in their organization from 2003 to 2007 and again in 2010.   

His signing appears to be for minor league depth and he likely will not see much time in the majors this season.