Friday marks the frenzy of Free Agency for all the big spenders around Major League Baseball. Big names like CC Sabathia and Manny Ramirez will probably fall first, then the more reasonably priced players come into focus.
That's where the Indians come in. Don't expect a splash and certainly don't expect much movement from Mark Shapiro in the first few days.
Oh sure, Shapiro has probably already prepared and sent in contract offers to certain free agents. But because they stand to be "Option B" for some teams, those agents are going to sit on the offers.
We've already seen trade deals get done, two involving teams in the Tribe's division, the AL Central.
Indian killer Nick Swisher made his stay in Chicago a short one as the White Sox sent him to New York. Swisher always hit well against Cleveland, so not having to face him as much is a plus.
The Royals made a move for an impact bat, or at least they hope, in getting Mike Jacobs from Florida.
Matt Holliday wasn't an option for the Tribe, but because the Rockies planned on keeping one of Holliday and Garrett Atkins, one trade possibility for the Tribe is probably out of the question.
In that Holliday deal, a potential closer for the Tribe, Huston Street, was dealt to Colorado. It was assumed that Manny Corpas was going to take over the closing duties of Brian Fuentes, a target for the Indians, but with Street in the mix, that is now a interesting question.
There were rumblings that the Rockies could flip Street to a team in need of a closer, presumably for a young outfielder, if they trade Carlos Gonzalez, or a starting pitcher.
Starting pitcher, the Indians have those.
They also need them.
With that, let us get to the Indians' needs.
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about 1 month ago
I'm on board with pretty much everything you said here Nino. Contrary to most fans' desires, the Indians really are not pressed to make that one huge FA signing to bolster the team. There are needs, but the needs can be filled within reason.
I expect the closer/reliever situation to be resolved with one of the larger names, whether Wood, Hoffman, Juan Cruz, Jeremy Affeldt, or whoever. These are not the death sentences a $10 million plus contract some others potentially may be.
If the Indians do upgrade offensively, it will have to be via trade as the FA market is poor. Crede as you said could be a one-year fix until Hodges, but do they want to roll the dice? You also made an interesting point about the 40-man roster potentially having 5 catchers, which is very odd for an organization.
about 1 month ago
Nino,
This will sound crazy but what about bringing Hank Blaylock in for third base. I know the guy has injury problems, but is he really that much diffrentl then Crede? Also as far as a relierver goes Bob Howery is a free agnent agian do you think that the Tribe would show intrest.
Hope that Shapiro will do something, I would hate to have to write another artical about how I have seen enough. I already had to do that with both the tribe and the browns lol.
from about 1 month ago
It actually isn't crazy Greg. I thought of it as a possibility or at least a target at the start of this offseason.
However, the Rangers picked up the option and he would cost more than I think the Indians should give up for a risk. It would be different than Crede because we wouldn't give up players and money to get him.
As for Howry.. Possible.. He's getting old though and not the same pitcher. Not sure what he's asking for but there might be better, cheaper, options for the Indians.
Shapiro is going to do something. He won't sit on his hands this year. He knows he has to make this team a contender or there will be a lot of people that will be upset.
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