Indians sign CA Matt Pagnozzi

CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has signed free agent CA Matt Pagnozzi to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League spring training camp.

Pagnozzi, 29, spent most of the 2011 season at AAA Colorado Springs in the Rockies organization where he hit .275 (49-178) with 13 doubles, 2 triples, 3HR and 29RBI in 54 games, recording a slugging pct. of .548 and an OPS of .851 off left-handed pitching. He was with the Colorado parent club from June 17-July 15, appearing in 7 games. He was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 14 and finished the year with Pittsburgh, appearing in 5 games. Combined at the Major League level in 2011, he was 8-for-29 (.276) in 12 games.

Pagnozzi began his professional career in 2003 with St. Louis after being selected in the 8th round of the First-Year Player Draft. He spent eight years in the Cardinals organization from 2003-10, making his Major League debut during the 2009 season and in 2010 he hit .359 (14-39) with 2 2B, 1HR & 10RBI in 15 September games with the Cardinals. His career big league batting average is .310 (22-71) in 33 games. He is the nephew of former NL All-Star and Rawlings Gold Glove catcher Tom Pagnozzi.