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Michael Bourn finalizes deal with Indians

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Michael Bourn signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Cleveland.

Michael Bourn signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Cleveland.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Michael Bourn has moved front and center for the Cleveland Indians.

Bourn, an All-Star center fielder last season with Atlanta, signed his four-year, $48 million contract Friday with the Indians, who have returned to relevancy by giving $117 million in guaranteed money to free agents. The 30-year-old will bat leadoff and play center for new Indians manager Terry Francona, who met with Bourn before the Indians had their first full-squad workout.

Bourn will wear No. 24 for the Indians, who finished 68-94 in 2012. He batted .274 last season with nine homers and 57 RBIs. Since 2008, Bourn has led the majors with 257 steals - 177 more than any Cleveland player over the same span.

Bourn will make $7 million this season, $13.5 million in 2014 and 2015 and $14 million in 2016. The Indians have a $12 million option for 2017 that's guaranteed if he reaches 550 plate appearances in 2016.

Swisher leaves team after mother's death

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Indians first baseman Nick Swisher has left the team's spring training camp following the death of his mother.

Swisher, who signed a four-year, $56 million free agent contract with the Indians this winter, returned to Columbus, Ohio, for the funeral. Swisher is expected to be back with the team on Saturday night.

Swisher will play first base this season for Cleveland, moving to the infield after the team signed free agent outfielder Michael Bourn earlier this week. Swisher spent the past four seasons playing mostly right field for the New York Yankees. He has played in 307 career games at first, posting a .994 fielding percentage. Swisher will also be used as the team's designated hitter, with Mark Reynolds playing first.

Swisher missed the Indians' first full-squad workout on Friday.