The Indians have acquired yet another sub-starter-quality middle infielder, claiming Mike Rouse on waivers from the Athetics today. Rouse, 26, is considered a solid glove, rangy enough for shortstop but even better suited for second base, and he's already spent three seasons in Triple-A. But he hasn't produced enough with the bat to earn any kind of shot in the big leagues.
Rouse was the starting shortstop in front of Grady Sizemore on Team USA's 2003 Olympic qualifying team, somewhat infamously eliminated by Mexico in the second round. Prior to that game, Rouse had almost single-handedly mugged Panama in the opening game, and he had a 1086 OPS in twelve warmup games in the Arizona Fall League. In affiliated minor league games, however, his pop simply has not developed as expected, as he has never managed more than 40 extra base hits in any season.
Rouse will turn 27 next April and probably is not considered a prospect at this point. The AP reports that he is not expected to report to Cleveland this season, and it seems unlikely the Indians will allow him to hold a space on the 40-man roster throughout the offseason.