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CLEVELAND -- After considering some in-house options, the Cleveland Indians may have found their new closer on the outside. Eric Lindros Flyers Jersey . Free agent John Axford, who had 46 saves for Milwaukee in 2011 but has struggled the past two seasons, agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Indians, pending a physical. Axford, who is from Simcoe, Ont., is expected to undergo a medical exam Wednesday. Also, the Indians signed free agent starter Shaun Marcum to a minor league deal and will give him a chance to win a starting job in spring training. As long as there are no issues, Axford will likely close for the Indians in 2014, replacing Chris Perez, who was released on Oct. 31. Axford can earn an additional $1.75 million if he reaches performance bonuses. Cleveland initially considered moving either reliever Bryan Shaw or Cody Allen into the closers spot, but at last weeks winter meetings manager Terry Francona said he preferred to keep the two reliable right-handers in their setup roles. The 30-year-old Axford lost his closers job last year with the Brewers and was traded to St. Louis in August. He blew six save chances in 62 games last season with the Brewers before they dealt him to the Cardinals, who used him in a late-inning role. Axford had a 1.74 ERA in 13 games for St. Louis. The 6-foot-5 right-hander had his best season in 2011, when he went 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA and 46 saves in 74 appearances. Axford had 106 saves in five seasons with the Brewers. He has a 1.42 ERA in 12 post-season appearances. In addition to Axford, the Indians showed interest in free agents Joaquin Benoit, Grant Balfour and Fernando Rodney. Clevelands bullpen has been in flux this off-season. The club released Perez, a two-time All-Star, following a turbulent 2013 season. Cleveland lost valuable right-hander Joe Smith, who signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Perez was eligible for salary arbitration, but the Indians decided to cut ties with him following a rough year. The colorful closer lost his job in the final week of the regular season as the Indians were fighting for an AL wild-card berth. Perez, who had 124 saves for Cleveland, became an off-field distraction following his arrest in June on misdemeanour drug charges. Marcums deal includes an invitation to spring training, where the 32-year-old right-hander will be in the mix to join Clevelands rotation. Marcum would receive a $1 million salary if hes added to the 40-man roster, and he can earn another $3 million in bonuses. Marcum, who has a 58-46 career record in the majors, was limited to 14 games -- 12 starts -- this year for the New York Mets before he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. He went 1-10 with a 5.29 ERA before having the operation in July. Marcum has also pitched for Toronto (2005-10) and Milwaukee (2011-12). He was selected by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 2003 June draft. He pitched more than 150 innings in four of five seasons from 2007-11. Bernie Parent Flyers Jersey . And when it opened, every player was at his stall. Thats a sure sign that a team is in a slump and is searching for answers. "Its embarrassing to be at home and play the way we did," said defenceman Josh Gorges. Claude Giroux Flyers Jersey . Hargreaves began his career in 2008 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has played with the Edmonton Eskimos and last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. http://www.nhlflyersproauthentic.com/matt-read-hockey-jersey/ . Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days.BARCELONA, Spain - Barcelona says defender Javier Mascherano will be sidelined with injury for up to two weeks and is likely to miss next weeks Champions League match against Celtic. The club says its first-choice centre back "underwent medical tests on Wednesday morning" which confirmed he has injured his right hamstring. The injury was caused in the second minute of Tuesdays 4-1 league win over Real Socieedad in the Camp Nou when teammate Sergio Busquets accidentally struck Mascherano just above the knee with an outstretched boot. Jaromir Jagr Jersey. Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is currently without captain Carles Puyol, who has yet to return following knee surgery, and left back Jordi Alba. Barcelona faces Group H rival Celtic on Tuesday and has upcoming league matches against Almeria and Real Valladolid. Cheap NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys Cheap Soccer Jerseys' ' '