Sal Fasano |
Update: CLEVELAND -- Sal and his 'stache are hitting the open market. Catcher Sal Fasano filed for free agency on Monday, as his short tenure with the Tribe has likely come to a close. Fasano joined the Indians in June, when catcher Victor Martinez underwent surgery on his right elbow. Fasano served as the backup to Kelly Shoppach until Martinez returned to action at the end of August. Popular with fans, in part because of his Fu Manchu mustache, Fasano hit .261 with four doubles and six RBIs in 15 games with the Tribe. He began the '08 season at Triple-A Richmond in the Braves' organization. Fasano has played in the big leagues with nine teams and played for 13 organizations in all since he was drafted by the Royals in 1993, compiling a Major League average of .221 with 47 homers and 140 RBIs in 421 games. "If it was up to me, I would have only played on one team, not 13," he said with a laugh at the end of the season. "I should be getting at least 10 percent [pension] from every organization I've been with. Then I could retire." Quote: Jeff Pearlman of ESPN.com said of Fasano: "When I think of Sal Fasano, however, I think of greatness. Not of Willie Mays or Ted Williams greatness, but of a uniquely excellent human being who, were class and decency the most valued standards of a career, would be the easiest Hall of Fame inductee of all time." |