Indians decline option for Baez

Indians declineoption for Baez
The Cleveland Indians said Friday they will not pick up the option year for pitcher Danys Baez. The option would have been worth $5 million for 2004.
The move was expected. The Indians for now retain his rights. Baez, 26, is not eligible for arbitration and remains on the 40-man roster, but the deadline for tendering contracts to roster players is Dec. 20. The Indians can try to sign him at a lower price or trade him.
Baez, 2-9 with a 3.81 ERA and 25 saves last season, lost his role as the Indians' closer to David Riske.
His 73 appearances set a new Indians record for a right-handed pitcher. He lost his closer role in August after 10 failed save chances.