Right-hander Paul Shuey agreed yesterday to a minor-league contract with the Indians, providing depth for Cleveland's problematic bullpen.

Shuey, a member of the Indians during their last postseason appearance in 2001, missed last season with Los Angeles because of a ruptured tendon in his right thumb and a hip injury that required season-ending surgery. Shuey, 34, spent 11 seasons with Cleveland after being drafted with the second overall pick in 1992. He had a 3.60 ERA in 361 appearances.

"He is a person and player who made a very positive impact in his time here," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "It is our hope that his return will have the same positive impact."

Cleveland traded Shuey to Los Angeles in July 2002 for pitchers Terry Mulholland, Francisco Cruceta and Ricardo Rodriguez. Shuey has a career record of 45-27 with 22 saves and a 3.57 ERA.

Red Sox

The baseball Doug Mientkiewicz caught for the out that ended Boston's 86-year championship drought is going back to the team -- for one year, anyway. The club and its former first baseman announced that while no decision has been made on who owns the ball, it will be encased in a special plaque and join the World Series trophy on its victory tour. Mientkiewicz was traded Wednesday to the New York Mets.

"I want the fans to see it, and that's what both the Red Sox and I agreed on," he said. "They waited a long time to see that ball and to live it. The fact that I had it was just so we could keep it and give it to the fans and let them see it."

Twins

Outfielder Armando Rios and Minnesota agreed to a minor-league contract. Rios, a former Pirate who has played in parts of six major-league seasons for three different teams, split his time in 2004 between Tijuana of the Mexican League and two Class AAA clubs -- Ottawa and Memphis.

Reds

Infielder Anderson Machado had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee, leaving former All-Star Rich Aurilia and Felipe Lopez to compete for the starting shortstop job. Machado was injured last month while playing winter ball in the Venezuelan League.

Tigers

Outfielder Craig Monroe has agreed to enter a diversion program to settle charges that he shoplifted a $29 belt from a department store in Port Charlotte, Fla. Under the agreement, the petty theft charges against Monroe would be dropped if he completes the program. Monroe, who earned $335,000 last season, hit .293 with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs in 128 games for the Tigers.

Yankees

Outfielder Doug Glanville, utilityman Damian Rolls and right-hander Brad Voyles were among 18 players who finalized minor-league contracts with the team. Glanville would get a $550,000, one-year contract if he is added to the major-league roster, while Rolls would receive $600,000 and Voyles $350,000.

Devil Rays

Tampa Bay settled two salary arbitration cases, agreeing to a $3.35 million, one-year contract with shortstop Julio Lugo and a $1.95 million, one-year deal with catcher Toby Hall.

White Sox

Right-hander Jason Grilli was designated for assignment to open a roster spot for infielder Tadahito Iguchi, who agreed to a $4.95 million, two-year contract earlier in the week. Grilli, 28, went 2-3 with a 7.40 ERA and one complete game in eight starts with the White Sox in 2004.

Elsewhere

Boston's John Henry and San Diego's John Moores have been elected to baseball's executive council. Commissioner Bud Selig has not decided whether the eight-man council will expand to 10 or have two come off.