May 24, 2013

MLB News: Indians part ways with David Huff, Ezequiel Carrera

March 26, 2013 by 9 Comments

More roster news was announced later last night from Goodyear: The Cleveland Indians have decided to part ways with LHP David Huff and OF Ezequiel Carrera. Multiple outlets reported that Huff was told he will be traded shortly, while Carrera was designated for assignment.

The news comes on the heel of roster decisions earlier Monday afternoon that trimmed down the 25- and 40-man rosters. With other competitors lining up for the precious few remaining spots, these two both became as expendable as ever.

Huff, 28, was the Indians sandwich-round (39th overall) draft pick in 2006 out of UCLA. He had ample major league opportunities, highlighted by 23 starts in 2009, but never delivered on his early potential. He has a career MLB record of 18-26 with a 5.30 ERA in 55 games (52 starts). He pitched 26.2 innings for Cleveland in 2012, while only posting a 4.97 ERA in 134.0 IP in Columbus. After it was clear he wasn’t a contender for the No. 5 rotation spot, he hoped to shoot for a bullpen role, but obviously things didn’t work out.

With this departure, it now means that the Indians only hold the rights to three of their first-round draft picks from the last decade: Lonnie Chisenhall (2008), Francisco Lindor (2011) and Tyler Naquin (2012).

Huff tweeted out a shoutout to Cleveland last night after the news was made official.

Carrera, 25, was acquired by the Indians from the Seattle Mariners 1 in June 2010, in a deal that sent him and SS Juan Diaz to Cleveland for Russell Branyan 2 . Never quite viewed as that high of a prospect, he was a fourth- or fifth-outfielder for the Tribe in the past two years. In 116 career MLB games, he batted .255/.306/.347 with 18 stolen bases. The Venezuela native hit at least .285 in all three of his stints with the Clippers. He was leading all of the big leagues with 11 steals this spring.

More likely than not, because of his hot play, age and defensive versatility, Carrera should easily find a home elsewhere in the big leagues in just a few short days. Since the Indians designated him for assignment, fans will likely receive word soon of a possible trade for monetary — or other, if lucky — compensation in return. If not, I’m sure the Tribe would love him back in AAA.

Despite those positive attributes and relatively low floor as a player long-term, Carrera just didn’t have a roster spot with the 2013 Indians. Because of the additions of 1B/OF Nick Swisher and CF Michael Bourn, the team was suddenly loaded in the outfield and no longer needed the redundant depth. Expect OF Tim Fedroff to finally get an opportunity should injury arise or at least by September.

In a classy move, set-up man RHP Vinnie Pestano gave a shoutout to both Huff and Carrera on Twitter last night:

[Related: Four Stat-Lines to Watch on the 2013 Indians]

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MLB Rumors: Where will Kyle Lohse land?

February 22, 2013 by 28 Comments

There is still one free agent on the market that could potentially add value to many starting staffs. Kyle Lohse posted a WAR of 3.6 last season for the Cardinals and has yet to sign a deal.

According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the teams most likely to be the landing spot for the Scott Boras client are-

“Looking at the field, I’d say that the Cardinals seem like the most logical candidate, with the Pirates, Orioles, Brewers, Indians, Padres, Angels, Rangers and (only because of the Boras factor) Nationals as longshots. You see Scott Boras’ problem — every team has at least one reason to not sign Lohse. That said, Boras is known for finding healthy contracts out of seemingly impossible markets for his clients. If a team loses confidence in its pitching situation during Spring Training or a top ace gets injured, Lohse’s long wait may pay off after all.”

Here is what they had to say about the Indians’ chances of bringing in Lohse-

“Indians: The Tribe aren’t interested, according to Buster Olney, but they make sense as a landing spot for Lohse. Cleveland’s rotation is still a weak point and since the Indians have already splurged by signing Bourn and Nick Swisher, you could argue they might as well spend some more to address their pitching. The Indians’ first round pick is protected, and they’ve already given up their second-round and competitive balance round (69th overall) picks for Bourn and Swisher, signing Lohse would only cost the Tribe a third-rounder. Sacrificing three draft picks may be a step too far for a smaller-market team like Cleveland, however.”

The Indians have many arms in camp, but the question for them isn’t about the fifth starter spot. It’s as much about starters number one through three as well. Can Justin Masterson bounce back to be a team ace? Can Brett Meyers make a successful transition back to a starting pitcher after coming out of the bullpen? Will the Indians ever fix Ubaldo Jimenez?

There may not be a lot more money in the free agent well, but at some point the 34 year old Lohse has to take what the market is willing to give him right?

[Related: My limited view from Goodyear]

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Tribe’s offseason was made possible by low asking price for Bauer

February 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Cleveland Indians appeared to be resigned to the fact that another rebuilding process was on the horizon, having to unload their two All-Stars — shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and closer Chris Perez — for MLB-ready prospects. Conversely, the team held on to both players while making a slew of free agent additions, and now sit with one of the more intriguing lineups in the American League.

Terry Pluto of The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that this — the $100+ million in free agent signings — was set in motion once the Arizona Diamondbacks were willing to trade prospect pitcher Trevor Bauer without the Indians having to include Cabrera in the deal.

“Many fans think the team’s change of direction began with the hiring of veteran manager Terry Francona,” Pluto writes. “That certainly signaled a new way of doing business. But what really energized the Tribe was trading Shin-Soo Choo to acquire Drew Stubbs and pitching prospect Trevor Bauer.

“The Tribe thought they’d have to include Asdrubal Cabrera in that deal, because they desperately wanted Bauer. When Choo (heading to free agency in 2014) helped them come up with Bauer, they wondered if they could retool rather than start a major reconstruction job.”

The $240 million sale of SportsTime Ohio to FOX Sports helped. The addition of Francona undoubtedly added some cache to a team in dire need of such. But the Indians, once they were able to flip one more year of Shin-Soo Choo for a starting outfielder and a 22-year-old, bat-missing prospect, the wheels began to turn.

Pluto acknowledges that the Indians’ rotation is still a question mark, but the front office was able to address issues in the outfield, first base and designated hitter without breaking apart the strength of the roster — the bullpen — or moving Cabrera for less than desired.

[Related: Michael Bourn says hello to Cleveland in introductory presser]

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MLB News: Indians sign OF Michael Bourn

February 11, 2013 by 37 Comments

In a surprise move Monday night, the Indians have signed free agent OF Michael Bourn according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, and confirmed by Ken Rosenthal.

Heyman reports that the deal is for four years and $48 million, with a vesting option that could make the deal worth $60 million over 5 years.

The New York Mets were the favorites to land Bourn, and were in on the free agent up until the last few hours.

Suddenly the Indians have a crowded outfield with Brantley, Swisher, Stubbs and Bourn. Three of those four could man centerfield. It will be a speedy outfield.

Bourn is 30 years old and a 2 time gold glove winner. He has made 2 NL All-Star teams and lead the league 3 times in stolen bases. Last year with Atlanta he hit .274 with a .739 OPS.

[Related: Indians sign Daisuke Matsuzaka to minor league deal]

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MLB News: Cleveland Indians sign reliever Matt Capps

January 31, 2013 by 14 Comments

The Cleveland Indians have potentially added to their already strong bullpen by signing relief pitcher Matt Capps to a minor league contract.

Capps, 29, onws an eight-year career record of 29-33 with 138 saves. He has spent time in Pittsburgh, Washington and Minnesota, being named to the 2010 National League All-Star team in a season where he posted a career-best 42 saves and a 2.42 ERA.

Capps has posted 14 or more saves in each of his last six seasons and has a career walk rate of 1.7 per nine innings pitched. Capps reportedly throws four pitches: a four-seam fastball and two-seam fastball (91–95 mph), slider (85–89), and changeup (87–89).

He opened the 2012 season with the Twins, saving 14 of his first 15 opportunities before having two trips to the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. On October 24, the Twins announced they would decline their club option for Capps worth $6 million. Capps, instead, received a $250,000 buyout.

Indians pitchers and catchers are set to report to Goodyear, Arizona for Spring Training on February 10.

[Related: Now an Angel, Omar Vizquel shares favorite Indians memories]

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Nick Swisher signing will backfire for Indians per Jim Bowden

January 15, 2013 by 31 Comments

The Cleveland Indians’ off-season acquisition of Nick Swisher is one of five moves that will backfire in the eyes of ESPN’s Jim Bowden.

Though Swisher has been one of the most consistent players in the game over the last five years and replaces the wins lost in the trade of Shin-Soo Choo, Bowden feels that the Indians’ willingness to give the outfielder $14 million — on average — per year will be a huge regret within three seasons.

“Swisher was one of the most consistent performers to hit the open market this offseason,” writes Bowden, ”so the Indians can expect his normal production of 20-plus homers and an OBP above .350 even though he won’t have the same protection in the lineup he had with the Yankees. However, Swisher has never won a Gold Glove or a Silver Slugger and has made it to one All-Star game in nine years. Also, he’s a mediocre defender and has an awful postseason track record, though it’s unlikely he’ll get a chance to correct that in Cleveland.

“His high energy and enthusiasm will be a huge plus to the Indians’ clubhouse,” Bowden continues, ”but $56 million for a player who will be playing in his decline years from age 32 to 36 is extremely risky, especially because he doesn’t profile as a legitimate 3-4-5 hitter. The deal will work for the first two years, but if he’s not traded by the end of 2014, it will come back to bite GM Chris Antonetti.”

Once the signing was made official, ESPN’s Keith Law speculated that the team could flip Swisher next off-season when the free agent pool is shallow and the player is still producing a win total that would make him worth the value of his contract.  

Swisher is presently slated to play everyday right field for the Indians and bat in the middle of the order.

[Related: How Improved are the 2013 Indians?]

(h/t WFNY reader Josh)
 

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Law: Swisher a great value, could be tradable asset in 2013

December 23, 2012 by 6 Comments

There will undoubtedly be a lot of analysis of the Indians’ recent signing of Nick Swisher; the scrutiny will likely last for several seasons. ESPN’s Keith Law, however, provides instant discussion surrounding the market value of the $56 million deal as well as the team which will be cutting the check.

Given the state of the free-agent market this winter, it’s not surprising that Nick Swisher would get a four-year deal or an annual salary of $14 million, with a vesting option for a fifth season at the same rate. The surprise is that the contract came from a second-division club in Cleveland that operates with one of the game’s lowest payrolls and doesn’t appear to have significant hopes of playoff contention for at least two more years.

Swisher’s approach at the plate and ability to hit from both sides of the plate has led to strong OBPs throughout his career, and that combined with above-average power and average defense in right have made him a valuable and perhaps even underrated player, especially since he arrived in the Bronx. [...]

What I don’t get is the logic of a below-.500 team giving a four-year contract to a corner outfielder who is entering his age-32 season. Cleveland lost 94 games in 2012 and had the second-worst run differential in the majors; prior to the Swisher signing, its only significant move of the offseason was trading Choo for Trevor Bauer, a great deal for the long term, but hardly enough to make the team a contender in 2013 or 2014.

Law speculates that this signing may be asset-based in the way that Swisher’s value to the Indians may be in the form of a tradable commodity after this coming season. Coupling his production with the rapidly rising costs of free agents and the very thin free agent class of 2013, and the Tribe front office may very well be outsmarting everyone who wants to focus on the length and total dollar amount of the deal.

It’s an amount that will make Swisher the highest-paid Indian ever. But it’s an amount that Chris Antonetti and company may very well flip for something better (and younger) in a years time.

[Related: The Indians’ offseason hunt for a veteran starting pitcher]

 

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Indians sign Swisher to 4-year, $56 million deal

December 23, 2012 by 12 Comments

As first reported by the New York Daily News‘ Mark Feinsand, the Indians and Nick Swisher have agreed to a 4 year deal worth $56 million.

The deal also is reported to have a $14 million vesting option for a fifth year could make the deal worth up to $70 million over five years.  The vesting option looks to be based on plate appearances in the fourth year of the deal, and is “easily” attainable, according to Mark Feinsand:

The signing will also result in the loss of the Indians second-round draft pick in the Rule 4 draft this coming June (their first round pick is in the top-10, and is therefore protected).

Swisher is a West Virginia native who attended The Ohio State University.  He was a first round pick by the Oakland Athletics in the 2002 draft.

The deal represents the second-largest contract in team history, behind only Travis Hafner’s four-year $57 million contract extension signed in 2007.  With respect to free agents, this is the largest deal in the club’s 112 year history.

Swisher batted .272/.364/.473 in 537 at bats for the Yankees in 2012, along with 24 home runs and 93 runs batted in.  He will likely fill the void in RF left behind in the wake of the Shin-Soo Choo trade.

[Related: The Pitch to Swish]

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The Indians’ offseason hunt for a veteran starting pitcher

December 22, 2012 by 11 Comments

The Scott Kazmir signing was nice and all, but it’s not going to be it for the Cleveland Indians in the starting pitching market. All offseason, the Tribe’s front office has expressed its desire to sign one more free agent starter: a veteran that could provide some more depth to the rotation.

Entering 2013, the starters for the Tribe are Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez, then likely Zach McAllister and Trevor Bauer. As I broke down last week following the Bauer-Shin Soo Choo trade, there are no other immediate options in Columbus or elsewhere. Indians fans would simply see the usual revolving door at No. 5 should no other pitcher join the fold: a la Jeanmar Gomez, Carlos Carrasco, et al.

So what’s left on the market for the Indians? Reportedly, Cleveland was on the short list of suitors for RHP Edwin Jackson, who signed a 4-year, $52 million deal with the Cubs earlier this week. But with the New Year approaching, the list is shrinking quickly. [Read more...]

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Report: Indians in the market for OF Michael Bourn

December 21, 2012 by 6 Comments

A bit of surprising news on the free agency trail today: The Indians are reportedly on the short list of teams “in the market” for OF Michael Bourn, according to a tweet from ESPN and XM analyst Jim Bowden.

Tony Lastoria, writer for the newly rebranded Indians Baseball Insider, followed up to Bowden’s tweet to say that the Indians reportedly were interested in trading for Bourn at the deadline in 2011. This is the first his name has been connected heavily to Cleveland this offseason, as the Tribe usually has been related to their courting of OSU alumnus Nick Swisher.

But, Bourn is significantly younger and likely a better fit for a possible long-term deal than Swisher. A soon-to-be 30-year-old speedster, he batted .274/.349/.391 with 26 doubles, 10 triples, 9 homers and 42 steals in 155 games for Atlanta in 2012. The 6.0 WAR was the best of his career, but he notably also produced a 4.7 and 5.3 in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

The Phillies, Rangers and Mariners, also on Bourn’s short list, have been rumored to be in the market to spend money on a marquee outfielder this season. So the Indians are likely a long-shot for now — especially if Swisher’s power is indeed their preference — but it’s no doubt intriguing to see they’ve thrown their hat in the race.

[Related: The Pitch To Swish]

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MLB Free Agency: Indians sign Scott Kazmir to minor-league deal

December 21, 2012 by 3 Comments

As was rumored last month, the Indians have inked a deal with lefty Scott Kazmir to a minor league deal, as was reported by Paul Hoynes tonight.

Kazmir, set to turn 29 years old in January, hasn’t pitched regularly in the big leagues since going 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA for Anaheim in 2010. A former first-round draft pick and promising start for Tampa Bay earlier last decade, his career quickly derailed because of injuries and inconsistency. He pitched in the independent leagues in 2012.

But, most recently, in the Caribbean Baseball Winter League with Gigantes de Carolina, Kazmir posted an 0-2 record and 4.37 ERA in five starts. He struck out 27 against 8 walks in just 22.2 IP, very respectable peripheral stats.

This seems like a very low risk move for the Indians, and wouldn’t seem to affect any other plans related to signing a possible free agent starter ready to compete for the MLB team in April. Kazmir could likely start for the Clippers in 2013, although we’ll certainly see more based on his performance in spring training.

[Related: The Pitch To Swish]

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MLB Free Agency Rumors: Tribe in mix for Edwin Jackson

December 19, 2012 by 8 Comments

While the Cleveland Indians attempted to recruit free agent outfield Nick Swisher as if he were a high schooler looking to name his collegiate future, it appears that their conquests do not end there.

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that Chris Antonetti and company are eying up veteran starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, potentially adding to a rotation that recently added power prospect Trevor Bauer from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rosenthal adds that Jackson would likely command a four-year deal that would eliminate the chances of the team adding Swisher.

The 29-year-old would immediately add talent and durability to a rotation that has otherwise been bereft of both qualities — has averaged 199 innings over the past five seasons and produced an ERA-plus slightly above league-average. Jackson fanned 168 and walked only 58 batters in 189.2 innings with the Nationals in 2012. He is compared to Anibal Sanchez who recently inked a five-year, $80 million deal with the Indians’ rival Detroit Tigers.

12/20/12 Update:

[Related: The Pitch To Swish]

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MLB Free Agency: Indians reportedly ink Mark Reynolds to one-year deal

December 9, 2012 by 18 Comments

Those looking for the Cleveland Indians to sign a free agent slugger can look no further as they have reportedly closed in on signing corner infielder Mark Reynolds to a one-year deal worth $6 million.

Reynolds, 29, hit .221/.335/.429 with 23 home runs and 69 runs batted in through 135 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season. When he plays a full season, the right-handed slugger is capable of providing stellar power numbers. He clubbed 37 home runs in 2011 to go with 44 in 2008.

Considered by most to be a poor man’s version of Chicago’s Adam Dunn, Reynolds also strikes out his fair share of times.While he can play third base, it appears that the Indians have signed him to suit up as their every day first baseman. What this means for their pursuit of free agent veteran Kevin Youkilis remains to be seen. It was reported earlier on Sunday that he is strongly considering the one-year, $12 million deal.

First reported by The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes, the deal also includes incentives.

[Related: Why Missing Out on Victorino is a Good Thing]

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MLB Free Agency: Indians among teams scouting Scott Kazmir

November 23, 2012 by 4 Comments

In Buster Olney’s latest ESPN Insider notebook, which fittingly focused on how teams like Cleveland can’t compete for typical free agents, he added in a little footnote about lefty Scott Kazmir’s free agency status. Olney mentioned that Kazmir had a scheduled start rained out Wednesday, but had performed well earlier with improved velocity.

Most notably though, Olney wrote that several teams had been scouting Kazmir, yet only noted the Cleveland Indians by name. Kazmir, who turns 29 in January, has had a rocky recent pitching career after a promising start with Tampa Bay. In his last full MLB season, he went 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA for Anaheim in 2010.

Kazmir then was pitching for the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate before being released by the organization in July 2011. Kicked to the curb, he struggled again in the independent leagues in 2012.

A former first-round draft pick and top prospect, Kazmir clearly wouldn’t be the sexiest of possible free agent acquisitions for the Indians at all, but seems to fit their style. At a low-risk, low-dollar figure amount, he’s likely worth a possible flier because of the team’s starting pitching woes.

[Related: Indians Roster Moves: Matt LaPorta outrighted to Columbus]

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While We’re Waiting… Browns battle Cowboys in Dallas

November 18, 2012 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Strategies for the Browns to implement moving forward, beginning with today’s game: “Run the Ball More on 3rd Down: When I did my midseason review for the Browns’ offense, I talked about the disparity with the playcalling on third down compared to the rest of the division. Cleveland runs the ball on 3rd-and-1 only 50 percent of the time, when that figure should be closer to 75 percent. They rarely run on 3rd-and-2. Cleveland needs to establish the ground game in these type of situations, and I’m praying that is a strategy the coaching staff worked on during the bye week.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature]

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Odd facts about the Cowboys and Browns, brought to you by a Dallas blog: “The last time these two teams met was in 2008 in Cleveland. The Cowboys are only starting 4 players from that last encounter (Romo, Witten, Ratliff, and Ware), while the Browns are starting two (Joe Thomas and D’Qwell Jackson).” [Steven Mullenax/The Landry Hat]

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Looking at some other keys to victory for Cleveland today: “Get to the flat footed Romo early. Each Browns’ defensive lineman must step up to another level this week. Find a way to get to Romo and force him to make the consistent bad decisions he has been making all year long. Romo leads the entire league with 13 interceptions. The Browns’ secondary should be licking their chops as one of Romo’s duck passes are sure to float their way. A turnover through the air will increase Cleveland’s chances of pulling off the upset.” [Ryan Ruiz/Rant Sports]

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Starting to dream about the draft and waxing sentimental about the future already in Cavalier land: “Still though, I feel this team’s parts are greater than the whole. Prior to this season, Kyrie and Tristan played around 500 minutes together; Andy and Kyrie, only 23 games. Varejao and Tristan shared the court for 47 minutes last year, and Dion Waiters is a rookie. Other than the Kyrie to Varejao pick-and-roll, the team barely looks like they run an offense, making it amazing that heading into last night’s game, Cleveland’s starters owned the best plus/minus in the league. I can not wait for two years from now, when this group forms a well-oiled machine.” [Kevin Hetrick/Cavs: The Blog]

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This Cavaliers storyline is likely the most contentious in town these days. Take that Browns! “Trade the Wild Thing. Varejao as an All Star, I’d love it. Would I love a playoff run? Of course. Who wouldn’t? But getting into the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed does this team nothing. The Cavs need another lottery pick, and honestly, they probably need more than that. They have no bench, and aside from Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, anyone on this team should be able to be had for the right price.” [Nick Mancini/Stepien Rules]

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What an odd, odd finish against the Badgers, but the Buckeyes finished it off somehow: “With no shot to play for the Big Ten championship, a BCS bowl game or any bowl game, Ohio State’s most ambitious goal was to go undefeated, even though that seemed pretty improbable before the season started. The Buckeyes are one game from finishing that task. Despite giving up a game-tying touchdown with eight seconds left in regulation to Wisconsin, Ohio State stayed focused and scored on the first possession of overtime, then held to get the 21-14 win.” [Frank Schwab/Dr. Saturday]

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Tony Lastoria looks at a number of possible Indians targets in free agency, and this former Tribe guy certainly intrigues me too: “Jeremy Guthrie, SP: The Indians lost Guthrie to the Orioles over five years ago on waivers, and it is a decision that probably haunts the Indians to this day as he has turned into a solid middle-to-backed rotation starter. He has been durable and averaged close to 200 innings over the last five seasons, and his consistency with his numbers and health should be attractive to the Indians. He will probably command a two year deal for $12-16M.” [Tony Lastoria/Indians Prospect Insider]

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While We’re Waiting … Trent Richardson’s Impact, Joe Haden’s Return, Buckeyes Face Hoosiers

October 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

A nice feature on the impact of a certain new tailback for the Browns: “Lost in the drama surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ 0-5 start and head coach Pat Shurmur’s daily struggle with the local media is the fact that running back Trent Richardson is having himself a great start to the season. This comes after undergoing arthroscopic surgery during training camp, putting everyone on edge as to whether he would be worthy of the No. 3 overall pick.

So far, he certainly has been. Through five games, Richardson has rushed for 303 yards, good enough for 16th in the league. He has also scored four touchdowns, which ties him for second in the NFL among running backs. Richardson’s real value, though, comes from his presence in the passing game, where he has 20 catches for 169 yards (and another touchdown tacked on). His 20 catches ranks him third among running backs, while his 169 yards puts him fourth.” [Steve DiMatteo/Dawgs By Nature]

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Examining The Tribe Free Agent & Trade Offseason Misses

July 31, 2012 by 74 Comments

As the MLB trade deadline approaches today at 4 PM, the Cleveland Indians sit in a strange place. They won’t be buying, could be selling, but most likely will be standing pat. They have been put in this position by their failures to add an impact guy or two this past offseason, on top of some underwhelming seasons from a few of their key guys.

During the winter, the Indians searched high and low for bats. They shot for the moon and the looked at the bottom of the barrel. In the end, the names bandied about never came to fruition and the Tribe ended up with Casey Kotchman for $3 million to play first base while counting on a healthy Grady Sizemore to come back strong for one more year in the sun.

Ah, the best laid plans of Chris Antonetti.

We all know what happened. Kotchman has been as advertised as an absolute wizard with the glove, but his bat has left something to be desired. He was coming off of his best year with the bat (.306/.378/.800) and the Indians hoped for a repeat. The thing of it is, if left field and third base weren’t such a mess and Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana had played up to their potential this season, nobody would care about Kotchman’s lack of offense. [Read more...]

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Report: Indians Sign RHP Jeremy Accardo, OF Fred Lewis

January 19, 2012 by 3 Comments

According to numerous reports, the Cleveland Indians have confirmed that Jeremy Accardo has been signed to a minor league contract.

Accardo, who turned 30 last month, posted a 5.73 ERA with 5.5 K/9, 4.3 BB/9 and a 37.4% ground ball rate in 37 2/3 innings for the Orioles in 2011. The seven-year veteran also logged 33 1/3 innings at Triple-A, where he posted a 2.16 ERA with 7.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. Baltimore outrighted Accardo off of the 40-man roster in October and he elected free agency.

Accardo saved 30 games with a 2.14 ERA for the Blue Jays in 2007. He has five saves since that season.

UPDATE: In addition, veteran outfielder Fred Lewis, 31,  has been signed to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Last season he played 81 games for Cincinnati hitting .230, 3 HR, 19 RBI, .317 SLG, .638 OPS.

[Related: Indians Agree to One-Year Deals with Masterson, Chris Perez]

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Hoynes: Indians Covet Carlos Pena, Need Ownership Approval

January 12, 2012 by 11 Comments

Per The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes, the Cleveland Indians front office feels that veteran slugger Carlos Pena could be the answer to their gaping hole at first base.  The only issue, which has historically been a big one, is the ownership team’s willingness to provide the funds to acquire a non-basement-level free agent.

Hoynes states that Chris Antonetti and Company have not received word on if they will be provided the resources to get such a transaction done.  Otherwise, the team could be staring at the troika of Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley and Shelley Duncan to help guide them into AL Central contention.  Also, don’t count out Jason Donald.

[Related: Tribe News: Kotchman, Pena, D Lee, or El Caballo? First Base Options Galore]

(Source: Paul Hoynes’ Twitter)

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Tribe Free Agent Check In: Jason Kubel

November 17, 2011 by 16 Comments

Ah, the search for a right-handed, middle of the order bat….

We’ve hit the General Managers meetings in Milwaukee this week. The season ended for the Tribe about six weeks ago, and the main focus on how to improve this team centered around two areas – finding one more starting pitcher Derek Lowe, check), and either an outfielder or first baseman who would fit that run-producing mold, presumably slotted in between the left-handed hitting Shin-Soo Choo and switch-hitter Carlos Santana. The Indians desperate need for a big right-handed stick is about as obvious as the fact the the Browns struggle offensively.

So where do they go to get one?

Well, obviously Albert Pujols isn’t walking through that door. None of the top tier free agents are. It would be a surprise if any of the mid-level guys did as well. [Read more...]

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