Indians extend manager Eric Wedge's deal

March 16, 2005 (Indians.com)

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Eric Wedge will get the chance to build on what he has accomplished in his first two years as Cleveland Indians manager.

Cleveland signed Wedge to a two-year contract extension Wednesday, keeping him under contract with the Indians until 2007.

The extension also includes a two-year club option through 2009.

"I greatly appreciate this show of confidence. Stability like this helps get the job done," Wedge said.

"This contract is a reflection in our belief in consistency and stability," said general manager Mark Shapiro, who received a two-year extension through 2007 in December. "Eric is a big part of what we're trying to build and sustain. His being here is the most important part of the on-field process."

Wedge, 37, the youngest manager in the majors, led the American League's youngest team in 2004 to an 80-82 record. After going 68-94 the previous year, the Indians had five players on the 2004 AL All-Star team and were within one game of first place in the AL Central on Aug. 15.

"This is good news," outfielder Jody Gerut said. "Nobody in this clubhouse would disagree. We've got an outstanding group of coaches who work well together and with us."

Wedge was a third-round draft pick by Boston after helping Wichita State win the 1989 NCAA Championship. After a series of injuries curtailed his catching career, he made his managerial debut in 1998 in the Class A South Atlantic League, then received Manager of the Year honors in three of the next four seasons at various stops in Cleveland's farm system.

In addition to Wedge, the Indians also said that bench coach Buddy Bell, hitting coach Eddie Murray, pitching coach Carl Willis, third-base coach Joel Skinner, first-base coach Jeff Datz, bullpen coach Luis Isaac and bullpen assistant Dan Williams had their contracts extended through the 2006 season.