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cleveland indians

Jim Thome wants block ‘C,’ on HOF plaque

CLEVELAND

Newly elected Hall of Famer Jim Thome won’t be enshrined with Chief Wahoo.

Thome played most of his career with the Cleveland Indians and “fully” supports the team’s decision to remove the divisive Wahoo logo from its uniforms. He prefers to have the club’s block “C” logo on his Cooperstown plaque.

The slugger feels the “C” logo is “the right thing to do.” Thome plans to speak with his wife, Andrea, and Hall of Fame officials before making a final decision.

Thome wore the Chief Wahoo logo while playing for the Indians from 1991-2002 and again when he returned in 2011. The left-handed hitter belted 612 home runs, eighth on the career list.

The Wahoo logo will be removed from jersey sleeves and caps starting in the 2019 season, when Cleveland hosts the All-Star Game.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Infielder Espinosa inks minor-league contract

NEW YORK

Infielder Danny Espinosa has agreed a minor league contract with the Yankees and will attend big league spring training.

The 30-year-old hit .173 with 10 doubles, six homers and 31 RBIs in 266 at-bats over 93 games last year with the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle and Tampa Bay. He has played all infield positions in the major leagues and also left field, batting .221 with 98 homers and 316 RBIs over eight seasons. He spent his first seven big league seasons with Washington.

The Yankees also said Friday that right-hander David Hale and catchers Erik Kratz, Chace Numata and Francisco Diaz also agreed to minor league contracts. New York announced previously reported minor league deals with left-hander Wade LeBlanc and infielder-outfielder Jace Peterson.

ARBITTRATION

Giles, Hechavarria win in their salary cases

Houston closer Ken Giles and Tampa Bay shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria have won their salary arbitration cases and Toronto closer Roberto Osuna has lost.

The decisions Saturday left players with a 5-2 record this year. There are 18 players scheduled for hearings in the next two weeks.

Giles got a raise from $555,100 to $4.6 million — $400,000 more than Houston’s offer. This was the first time he was eligible for arbitration.

Giles went 34 for 38 on save chances last season and was 1-3 with a 2.30 ERA. He struggled as the Astros won their first championship, posting an 11.74 ERA in the postseason and 27.00 ERA in a pair of World Series appearances, when he allowed five runs in 12/3 innings.

Hechavarria, who made $4.35 million last year, was awarded $5.9 million, instead of the $5.35 million offered by the Rays. He hit a combined .261 with eight homers and 30 RBIs last season, when he was traded from Miami to Tampa Bay in late June.

Osuna, also eligible for arbitration for the first time, will make $5.3 million after asking for $5.8 million. He made $552,400 last year when he was 3-4 with a 3.38 ERA and 39 saves while also leading the majors with 10 blown saves.

Staff/wire reports