May 24, 2013

MLB Trade Rumors: Indians eying Kendrys Morales

December 15, 2012 by 8 Comments

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports that multiple American League teams are interested in trading for Los Angeles Angels slugger Kendrys Morales.

The Angels reportedly want to hold on to both Mark Trumbo and Peter Bourjos following the signing of Josh Hamilton, and could look to shop Morales to DH-needy teams. Bowden considers the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, and Cleveland Indians as possible destinations.

The 29-year old Morales provided a slash line of .273/.320/.467 through 484 at-bats last season. In 2009, the switch-hitting Morales was fifth in MVP voting after providing an OPS+ of 139. Morales suffered an ankle injury on May 29, 2010, during a celebration of his walk-off grand slam, which kept him out of the Major League for nearly two years.

[Related: Trevor Bauer, and the Indians’ starting pitching outlook]

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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians and Reds nearing deal for Choo

December 11, 2012 by 25 Comments

The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds are reportedly in advanced talks in a deal that would send Gold Glove-nominated outfielder Shin-Soo Choo down Interstate 71.

CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler reports that the Indians would receive center fielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop Didi Gregorius in return. The Reds are expected to receive another player in addition to Choo. Choo would play center field for the Reds while batting lead-off. Gregorious would provide even more depth at the shortstop position as the Tribe continues to work the phones in hopes of trading All-Star Asdrubal Cabrera.

Choo had a .373 on-base percentage and an .815 OPS last year for the Indians. As Knobler points out, he led off 98 times, and had a .389 on-base percentage in those games.

The 2012 season was rough for Stubbs as the 28-year-old hit .213 with an OPS of .610. He did manage to steal 30 bases, giving him three consecutive seasons of such a feat. In 604 at-bats in 2011, Stubbs nabbed 40 bases, scoring 92 runs. He has seen a considerable year-over-year regression since his 2010 season of 22 home runs, 77 runs batted in and 91 runs scored (.773 OPS).

Stubbs would likely play center field with the Indians sliding Michael Brantley to left. Given his speed, he would undoubtedly be in contention to be the team’s lead-off hitter.

[Related: Tribe Adds Reynolds, But Can’t Stop Here]

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Report: Tribe considered sending Cabrera to Phillies

December 11, 2012 by 6 Comments

Prior to the Winter Meeting talks between the Cleveland Indians and the Arizona Diamondbacks, general manager Chris Antonetti was in talks with the Philadelphia Phillies over a deal that would have sent All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to the City of Brotherly Love.

Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer reports that in return, the Phillies would have sent pitcher Vance Worely and several prospects. After an 11-3 season in 2011 where the then 24-year-old Worley amassed an ERA of 3.01, he made 23 starts in 2012, going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA. His season ended with right elbow surgery in September. Worley would allegedly be ready for spring training, but the Indians asked the Phillies to sweeten the offer. They refused.

Thus, Worley was traded to AL Central rival Minnesota for outfielder Ben Revere. To fill their hole at third base, where they would have wanted Cabrera to play, the Phillies acquired Michael Young from the Texas Rangers.

Starting pitching remains as a priority and the Indians are reportedly still in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks with hopes of acquiring some combination of Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs and other prospects. 

[Related: Tribe Adds Reynolds, But Can’t Stop Here]

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MLB Trade Rumors: Cabrera to D-Backs would be part of four-team deal

December 6, 2012 by 6 Comments

If the Cleveland Indians move shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to the Arizona Diamondbacks, it would reportedly be a part of a four-team blockbuster trades involving multiple moving pieces, but at this stage is unlikely to happen at this point.

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal helps clear the muddy waters by saying that in addition to the Tribe and D-Backs, the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners would also be seeing their name in the MLB’s transaction page. Per Rosenthal, the driving force is Jon Daniels, the general manager of the Texas Rangers, who covets Arizona’s Justin Upton.

The Indians would send Cabrera to Arizona, getting a combination of players — starting pitcher Trevor Bauer continues to be in the mix, as do left-hander Patrick Corbin and Texas infielder Mike Olt. The fourth team, currently the Seattle Mariners, would give up prospects of their own and receiver Texas pitcher (and Newark, OH native) Derek Holland.

The Mariners are reportedly unsure about the deal, which could lead to yet another fourth team being placed into the mix if the trade is to be consummated.

Cleveland general manager Chris Antonetti has spent much of this offseason looking for contingency plans at shortstop, acquiring veteran Mike Aviles and talking with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the young speedster Dee Gordon. A two-time All-Star at a notoriously shallow position, Cabrera continues to be one of the team’s best assets in the trading market.

[Related: Tribe At The Winter Meetings: Will They Add, Or Blow It Up?]

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MLB Rumors: Indians eyeing Dee Gordon to replace Cabrera

December 5, 2012 by 10 Comments

The Cleveland Indians could already have their contingency plan in place in the event that they part ways with All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that Tribe GM Chris Antonetti has been in discussion with the Los Angeles Dodgers for shortstop Dee Gordon.

The 24-year-old Gordon has hit just .260/.299/.315 in 143 major league games, but he’s among the fastest players in baseball, stealing 24 bases in a shorted rookie season, adding 32 more in 2012.

At the start of 2011 he was the Dodgers’ best prospect according to Baseball America and would serve a dual purpose, replacing outfielder Shin-Soo Choo at the top of the Indians’ lineup.

The Indians are reportedly in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deal that would send Asdrubal Cabrera and net them starting pitcher Trevor Bauer.

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

 

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MLB Trade Rumors: Mets eyeing Indians’ Vinnie Pestano

December 4, 2012 by 8 Comments

The New York Mets, while not dealing with Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, have decided to set their focus on improving their bullpen. Their target, per reports, is Cleveland Indians set-up man Vinnie Pestano.

Citing sources, ESPN’s Adam Rubin reports that the Mets covet the 27-year-old righty. The Mets pursued 36-year-old right-hander Joel Peralta, but have found the asking price too high. Peralta signed with Tampa Bay at $3 million per season through 2014, then has a series of team options. Pestano is still under club control and remains as one of the best bullpen bargains in the game.

Through 70 appearances in 2012, Pestano went 3-3 with a 2.57 ERA, striking out 76. His per-nine inning numbers were undoubtedly inflated by an October that saw the reliever allow five hits – two of them solo home runs — in just an inning and two-thirds. On the season, Pestano held right-handed batters to an OPS of .487.

From a trade perspective, the Indians have long been rumored to be interested in shopping closer Chris Perez who will be due a substantial amount in arbitration. Pestano, in this instance, would be assumed to step into the closer role.

[Related: Tribe At The Winter Meetings: Will They Add, Or Blow It Up?]

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Hoynes: Youkilis, Swisher, Bay, Victorino, and Jackson Surfacing For Indians

December 2, 2012 by 3 Comments

With the winter meetings starting this week, the Indians actually *should* have some money to spend this winter to improve a 68 win team. The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes reports that the Indians have had discussions with the agents of veterans Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Nick Swisher, and Shane Victorino. The Indians have been sorely missing consistent power from the DH, first base, and left field positions for multiple seasons now.

Other names have surfaced for help in the starting rotation, such as Edwin Jackson, Scott Kazmir, Jair Jurrjens, and John Lannan. The Indians’ starting rotation is in need of a desperate overhaul with Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez currently the front end of the staff.

New Tribe manager Terry Francona, according to Hoynes, is said to be active in recruiting proven veteran talent to join his ballclub.

[Related: On Mark Shapiro, Not Coming, and the Credibility Problem]

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Buster Olney: GMs expect Indians to be busy in trade market

November 17, 2012 by 5 Comments

In his latest trade rumor report today, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney writes about some of the leading market forces in play with the major deals that have already happened or could happen this winter. His No. 3 point targets the Indians exactly:

3. The Desperate Team Syndrome
The teams that typically drive the winter market — the Yankees, the Red Sox, etc. — don’t seem to be playing that role. Rather, it’s the teams starved for success. The Mariners are thought by agents to be in this mode, aggressively shopping around at a time when they are under a lot of pressure to do a big move. The Indians are in need of a big shakeup, because of their search for good young starting pitching, which is why they are expected by other GMs to be in the middle of the trade market (Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez).

It’s been heavily reported that all three of those players could be potential trade pieces this offseason. A likely target of the Indians then would be major league pitching, although the team is not expected to jump ship on all of those players in one mega-deal a la the Miami Marlins.

[Related: And You Thought The Dolans Were Bad…]

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Boras: Indians ownership has to show intentions to win

November 12, 2012 by 32 Comments

Shin-Soo Choo has let it be known that he has a desire to win. I think the ownership in Cleveland, foundationally, they’re going to have to illustrate some dynamics with new revenues and where they stand about what they are going do to show their fan base and their players who they are in competing. That’s a new calling that they are going to have to bring forth to give players, and everybody involved, [an idea] about what their intentions are in their ownership.

– MLB player representative Scott Boras, who represents Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, in very damning statements regarding one of the 30 teams with whom he would have to negotiate as his players enter free agency. Choo, one of several players potentially on the Indians’ trading block,  hit .283 (169-for-598) in 2012, adding 43 doubles, two triples, 16 homers and 67 RBI. He scored 88 runs, stole 21 bases and was a finalist for the Gold Glove award.

[Related: Indians trades need to look like more than cost cutting]

(Source: Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain Dealer)

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MLB Rumors: Indians interested in Shane Victorino

November 11, 2012 by 6 Comments

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Cleveland Indians are one of several teams interested in outfielder Shane Victorino. The Reds, Rangers and Red Sox are also said to have expressed interest in the veteran free agent.

The 31-year-old outfielder is coming off of a disappointing 2012 season — in comparison to the 2009 and 2011 seasons wherein Victorino garnered MVP consideration — in which he hit .255/.321/.383 with 11 home runs, 55 runs batted in, 39 stolen bases and a career-worst OPS of .704.
The Indians were said to have been interested in the past and continue to have a considerable hole in left field. Victorino has proven to be a plus-defender at all three outfield spots, and has postseason experience, so any team which puts in the winning bid will have to bank on the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” rebounding from an off year the plate.

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Olney: Indians should trade Cabrera, Santana, Choo, Masterson, Perez and Pestano

November 5, 2012 by 30 Comments

In a recent column penned solely with the goal of discussing what the Cleveland Indians should do in the offseason following one of the most depressing and disheartening seasons in recent memory, ESPN’s Buster Olney believes that Chris Antonetti should hoist the white flag on the contention window that never opened. The first course of action being trading every player who has a modicum of present-day value for future potential.

The impetus of such: “Cleveland doesn’t have a good farm system in the eyes of rival evaluators,” writes Olney, ”and in particular, the Indians lack quality starting pitching at the big league level and in the minors.” Chief among these moves include shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, catcher Carlos Santana and closer-in-waiting Vinnie Pestano.

For Asdrubal Cabrera: “He’s an All-Star-caliber player just days away from his 27th birthday, and the Indians could get a nice package of prospects for him — especially pitching prospects.” Here, we ignore the fact that Chris Antonetti stated that Cabrera is the team’s shortstop of the future.

For Carlos Santana: “Around baseball, there are growing questions about whether his future is as a catcher, or whether he will become a first baseman.” Again, the goal is to obtain pitching.

For Pestano: “By the time Cleveland rebuilds its rotation to the point where it can contend again, Pestano will be far enough along in his service time when he would start to get expensive.”

Olney also discusses starting pitcher Justin Masterson, outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, and closer Chris Perez, noting that a huge overhaul like this would not sit well with fans. His point, however, is that the team was already 13th among 14 American League teams when it comes to attendance; there is not much to lose.

[Related: The Aviles acquisition: Small tinkering or the first sign of major change?]

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Jon Heyman: “Indians Will Try To Move Choo This Winter”

August 24, 2012 by 30 Comments

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.com is reporting what we’ve all known for a while, but the Indians are finally admittting-

“The Indians, resigned to the idea that they won’t be able to sign star outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to a contract extension, will listen again to trade offers for Choo this winter.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said they have tried to extend Choo “multiple times” over the past few years, to no avail. Antonetti was asked how much reception he’s gotten to the possibility of a multiyear deal, and the GM answered candidly, “None.”

And what will the Indians get for Choo? If history repeats itself, not much.

[Related: Acta Talking Like A Guy Who Wants Out…Can You Blame Him?]

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Trading Choo: The Pros and The Cons

July 30, 2012 by 23 Comments

After a lost weekend in Minnesota, the Indians brass has to know that reality has set it. It is time to reel it back in and regroup. This season is all but lost and the future must be attended to. They have little to no organizational depth in AA and AAA in terms of high impact players. GM Chris Antonetti has perhaps the biggest trade chip on the market in terms of a hot bat in the form of outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

Now before you all start your “I will never show up to another game if they trade away a fan favorite in his prime” bit, it is important to remember what the Indians are. They are a team that can never afford to keep any of their own star free agents once they hit the market for the first time. Its sad, but its true. Its not like this should be news to any of you. CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez were the most recent cases that we are all familiar with. Choo will soon be added to that list.

The real question is when is the best time to trade Choo? Do they think they are better off with him for one more year, hope they can contend in 2013, and then decided what to do with him at this point next year?

There are pros and cons for both sides of sending Choo packing in the next 24 hours. [Read more...]

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MLB Trade Rumors: Choo Draws Interest from Dodgers, Looking at Pay Raise

July 30, 2012 by 15 Comments

Add the Los Angeles Dodgers to the short list of teams interested in acquiring Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown tweets that the Dodgers could look to add the Tribe’s current lead-off hitter who recently told local media that his main objective, as he sits at the age of 30, is to get to the playoffs and win. Seemingly frustrated by the second-half collapses that have plagued the team, Choo appears open to make a move despite playing in Cleveland for the bulk of his career.

Choo, who has bounced back substantially from an injury-plagued 2011 campaign, is hitting .291/.378/.484 on the season, having accounted for 16 percent of the team’s runs 1 . As a lead-off hitter in 2012, he has an OPS of .923. Under contract until the end of 2013, Choo, who makes $4.9 million this season, is looking at a pay day of roughly $7.6 million in 2013 if he heads to arbitration, according to Matt Schwartz of MLTR.

This past weekend, rumors surfaced regarding the Pittsburgh Pirates’ interest in Choo. The Indians have reportedly demanded MLB-ready talent with favorable contractual status in return.

[Related: A Lost Weekend In Minnesota Sends Tribe Spinning Back To Reality]

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  1. Per Baseball-Reference.com [back]

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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Shopping Justin Masterson

July 30, 2012 by 2 Comments

As if the rumors surrounding outfielder Shin-Soo Choo were not enough, the Cleveland Indians are reportedly fielding offers for Opening Day starting pitcher — and alleged “ace” — Justin Masterson.

According to CBS Sports, the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers were in Minnesota on Saturday to view Masterson’s outing against the Twins. The Indian’s pitcher was throttled for 10 runs (eight earned) on this outing, furthering what has been a very up-and-down season for the 27-year-old, providing a 7-9 record and 4.47 ERA.

The Indians’ asking price, according to Matt Loede of 92.3 The Fan, is very steep– two position prospects in addition to a pitching prospect. The 27-year-old is making $3.8 mil this season, this after making $468,400 one year ago. The Indians have reportedly spoken about a long-term deasl with the player, but so far have not made any progress.

As has been the case with every other Indians-related trade rumor, the front office is placing a high priority on player control, meaning that anyone received in a deal would be required to have multiple, low-cost years of service still left on their current contract. 

[Related: A Lost Weekend In Minnesota Sends Tribe Spinning Back To Reality]

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While We’re Waiting… More Kyrie Love, Jordan Cameron’s Future, Indians’ Trade Assets, Aaron Craft

July 15, 2012 by 2 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.

This was a great story about Kyrie’s amazing impressions this summer: “Kyrie Irving, 20, has a politician’s poise and polish, and he left USA Basketball’s pre-Olympics summer training camp with every endorsement that mattered. ‘Kyrie always impresses me,’ USA Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said. ‘This week, he’s been who I think he is, which is one of the top guards anywhere.’ Make no mistake: this wasn’t just Duke’s legendary coach glowing about one of his former Blue Devils. When it comes to judging the next generation of USA Basketball talent, the program’s top management and current stars agreed, Irving is the clear star in waiting. ‘For me, Kyrie Irving has definitely stood out more than anyone,’ LeBron James told CBSSports.com.” [Ben Golliver/CBS Sports] [Read more...]

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MLB Rumor: Indians Among Teams Interested in Ryan Dempster

July 14, 2012 by 5 Comments

The Cleveland Indians have been the subject of several trade rumors already this July, mostly circulating around a bat. But a new name has now emerged among the possible targets, and it just happens to be one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago has the details:

After pitching six shutout innings Saturday in a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to extend his scoreless innings streak to 33, Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster could not avoid questions about his seemingly inevitable departure from the organization.

With a little more than two weeks until baseball’s trade deadline, 10 teams have shown legitimate interest in acquiring Dempster’s services for the remainder of the season, according to industry sources. Those clubs include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves.

On the season, the 35-year-old Dempster is 5-3 with a 1.86 ERA in 14 starts for the Cubbies. He certainly would be the cheaper option compared to his rotation partner Matt Garza, another player the Indians supposedly have been scouting recently.

We’ll see soon if there’s any more traction on these latest rumors. But given the fact the Indians seem to be competing against some of the top spenders in baseball for Dempster’s services, I’d put the odds at fairly doubtful for now.

[Related: Indians All-Star Break Review: The Starting Rotation]

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WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 7/11

July 11, 2012 by 1 Comment

Each and every Wednesday, I try to bring you all of the news and notes from the Cleveland Indians minor league system. Enjoy.

It’s officially the all-star break, which means trade rumors are just starting to heat up. In my closing word today, following the usual prospect update and quick hits, I’ll share some of my guys to keep an eye on as possible trade pieces if the Indians are buyers over the coming weeks. Also featured this week: A brief Futures Game recap, info on some recent draft picks set to make their debuts, the scoop on some intriguing recent promotions and I’ll share my take on LHP Nick Hagadone’s peculiar injury situation. [Read more...]

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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Among Teams Interested in Carlos Quentin

July 10, 2012 by 17 Comments

As they have for the last 14 months, the Cleveland Indians continue their search for an outfielder who can not only hit for power and do so from the right-handed side of the plate. The potential answer, per CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, is San Diego Padres slugger Carlos Quentin.

Heyman reports that Quentin, potentially the best hitter who ends up getting dealt before the late-July trade deadline, is sought after by the Cleveland Indians as well as the Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays were thought to be in the mix for the 29-year old, but are now both said to be in the market for pitching. The Tigers had recently been linked to Chicago Cubs bat-misser Matt Garza.

To trade Quentin, San Diego would reportedly have to receive something better than the draft pick they’d get if he left as a free agent. The fact that there are multiple teams interested in the San Diego native could eventually lead to a bidding war, a scenario where the Indians are not exactly the most successful, having recently lost out on Kevin Youkilis (Chicago White Sox) and Carlos Lee (Miami Marlins). 

On the season, Quentin is hitting .268 with seven home runs and 17 RBI.

[Realted: The Case for Trading Chris Perez]

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MLB News: Carlos Lee Traded to Miami

July 4, 2012 by 6 Comments

Fans of the Cleveland Indians can cross another name off of their wish list of right-handed left fielders as the Miami Marlins have acquired Carlos Lee, along with cash considerations, from the Houston Astros for a pair of minor leaguers.

Marlins prospects Matt Dominguez, a third baseman, and Rob Rasmussen, left-handed pitcher, were ranked fourth and seventh, respectively, by Baseball America.

The Astros are expected to also pay the majority of the $9 million remaining on Lee’s contract. The 36-year-old is hitting .287 with five home runs, 29 RBI and an OPS of .747.

Lee, holder of a partial no-trade clause, had no say in this deal as the Marlins were not on the list. He recently turned down a trade that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but this had been rumored to be due to the desire to not play in a major television market. He will join the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Hanley Ramirez in the Miami lineup, providing an upgrade over outfielder Gaby Sanchez.

The Indians, meanwhile, continue to search for at least one right-handed bat to help produce runs over the second half of the 2012 MLB season. Current left fielders Johnny Damon and Shelley Duncan are hitting .201 and .221, respectively.

[Related: Memo to Chris Antonetti: Go Get Carlos Lee]

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