(CLEVELAND) -- Pitchers and catchers of the Cleveland Indians won't report to Goodyear, Arizona until Feb. 20, but on Friday morning at Progressive Field spring training felt a lot closer.

Two 18-wheeler semi-trucks were loaded with equipment, uniforms, exercise machines and even some personal items Friday morning, all en route to the Indians player development complex in Goodyear.

The annual loading is the first sign of spring for baseball fans in Northeast Ohio.

Indians clubhouse and equipment manager Tony Amato said 1,000 bats along with 1,100 dozen baseballs have already been shipped to Goodyear. That is over 13,000 baseballs.

After the morning of loading the Indians also announced the offical signing of free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman. The Tribe agreed with the 28-year old on a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said Kotchman will get a majority of the at-bats for the club's first baseman. However, Antonetti did point out Carlos Santana will still see time at first base to keep his bat in the lineup.

Click play in the video above to see WTAM 1100 Indians beat reporter Nick Camino give a tour of the trucks being loaded before they leave for Arizona.

- Nick Camino

CLEVELAND -- After exploring other options and coming up empty this winter, the Cleveland Indians may have finally found their new first baseman: Casey Kotchman.

The team agreed to terms Thursday night on a one-year, $3 million contract with Kotchman, a free agent, two people familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not expected to be announced until Friday. Kotchman can make an additional $1.75 million in performance bonuses, one of the persons said.

Kotchman batted a career-best .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs in a career-high 146 games for Tampa Bay last season. It was a breakout year for the 28-year-old, who signed a minor league contract with the Rays last January.

Kotchman was one of only three American League first basemen -- Detroit's Miguel Cabrera and Boston's Adrian Gonzalez were the others -- to finish in the top 10 in both batting average and on-base percentage while appearing in at least 40 games at the position.

Kotchman is expected to compete for the Indians' starting job at first during training camp with Matt LaPorta and Russ Canzler, who signed with the club earlier this week.

LaPorta has been a major disappointment for the Indians, who made finding a quality hitter at first one of their offseason priorities. The team couldn't afford Prince Fielder, one of the gems of this year's free agent class, and the Indians were rejected by Carlos Pena, who spurned their one-year offer and re-signed with the Rays after a year with the Chicago Cubs.

Kotchman, a solid hitter and superb fielder, could be their answer.

Because LaPorta still has a minor league option, it's possible he could begin next seasons at Triple-A Columbus. Kotchman also has a much better glove, another plus in his favor to win the starting job.

Kotchman bats left-handed and is a career. 268 hitter with 59 homers in eight seasons with the Angels, Atlanta, Boston, Seattle and Tampa.

His career .998 fielding percentage is the highest in major league history among first basemen with at least 700 games at the position.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

(CLEVELAND) -- The Indians have reportedly signed first baseman Casey Kotchman.

Kotchman, 28, agreed to a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives according to numerous reports.

The first baseman had one of his best season's in MLB last year hitting .306 with 10 HR and 48 RBI. He played last season with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Cleveland Indians have not officially announced the signing.

- Nick Camino