For the first time since 1991 with starting pitcher Greg Swindell and infielder Jerry Browne, the Cleveland Indians could head to arbitration after not agreeing to terms with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera or relief pitcher Rafael Perez. The team has reportedly received their dates at which the two men could receive their final compensation totals.
The Indians had seven player eligible for arbitration heading into this offseason with five avoiding their hearings by agreeing to one-year deals: Jack Hannahan, Chris Perez, Justin Masterson, Joe Smith, and Shin-Soo Choo.
Cabrera has reportedly asked for $5.2 million with the team offering $3.75 million. The 26-year-old glovesman, who started for the American League in the 2011 All-Star Game, hit .273 with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs in 151 games for the Indians last season. He set a franchise record for home runs by a shortstop and was awarded an American League Silver Slugger Award as a result. He pulled in $2.025 million in a one-year deal which was agreed upon prior to any arbitration.
As speculated by our own Jon, Asdrubal could be offended by the team’s unwillingness to move off their low-ball offer ultimately not boding particularly well for the team’s chances of keeping him beyond 2013 with last season’s first-round pick Francisco Lindor waiting in the wings.
The left-handed Perez, who was 5-2 with an ERA of 3.00 in 2011, has reportedly asked for $2.4 million with the team offering $1.6 million.
This year’s arbitration hearings are scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg from Feb. 1 through Feb. 21. The team and the players in questsion still have the chance to settle prior to their dates.
[Related: Asdrubal Cabrera’s Curious Contract Situation]
(Source: Paul Hoynes)
