Tony%20Lastoria Archive

Today the Indians announced that they have officially signed free agent left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir, right-handed pitcher Jerry Gil, and left-handed pitcher Edward Paredes to minor league contracts with non-roster invitations to Major League camp this spring. Tony quickly reviews each signing...

We continue with our 2013 prospect coverage here at the IBI with a look at the left-handed starters in the Indians system. The Indians have not had a suitable left-handed starting pitching option in their rotation since they traded Cliff Lee in July of 2009, and that is still the case as the Indians will likely go into the 2013 season with an all right-handed starting rotation. Tony looks at what left-handed starting options are available to the Indians in the future and breaks down the future and potential for the likes of Elvis Araujo, T.J. House, Luis Lugo, Ryan Merritt, Shawn Morimando, Matt Packer, Mike Rayl, Giovanni Soto, and several others.

The winter league playoffs continued in Venezuela and Puerto Rico last night, and Tony shares the details of how the Indians players did in both leagues. Outfielder Ezequiel Carrera continues to have a nice offseason, first baseman Jesus Aguilar is in a power groove, and more...

The Cleveland Indians annual Winter Development Program kicked off today at Progressive Field. Now in its 17th year, the Winter Development Program consists of a two week long program for fourteen players in the Indians minor league system. The program mostly involves players who are expected to make their Major League debut in the upcoming season, who have recently been acquired in a trade, or are a high level prospect nearing a big league opportunity.

Today the IBI unveils its first crack at the depth chart for the Cleveland Indians for the coming 2013 season. This depth chart includes the projected lineups, bench, starting rotations and bullpens for every team in the organization from Cleveland to Low-A Lake County, and even the players that should open the season in extended spring training.

Today we continue on with our eleventh batch of 2013 scouting videos. We shot tons of video of over 135 players this season, and in today's batch of videos we feature Enosil Tejeda, Jeremie Tice, Justin Toole, Giovanny Urshela, Ordomar Valdez, Francisco Valera, Charlie Valerio, Logan Vick, LeVon Washington, Joey Wendle, and Tony Wolters.

In one fell swoop this offseason the Indians have completely changed their organizational culture with the hiring of manager Terry Francona and the signing of outfielder Nick Swisher. Both should have a big impact on the team both on and off the field this season and seasons to come, and Tony talks about the culture change they should bring and the foundation the Indians have set in place with them. Tony also talks about the Myers signing and what money may be left to do anything else this offseason, explains the Russ Canzler roster move, looks at the Indians fourth outfielder situation, and more.

Today we continue on with our eleventh batch of 2013 scouting videos. We shot tons of video of over 135 players this season, and in today's batch of videos we feature Aaron Siliga, Jake Sisco, Jordan Smith, Giovanni Soto, Felix Sterling, Richard Stock, Jimmy Stokes, Davis Stoneburner, Bryce Stowell, and Tyler Sturdevant.

Free agent right-handed pitcher Brett Myers passed his physical this morning and the Indians officially announced his signing today. He has been signed to a one year $7 million deal and has a club option for 2014 that will pay him $8 million if the Indians pick it up after the season. To make room on the 40-man roster the Indians designated Russ Canzler for assignment.

On Thursday the Indians officially announced that they have signed free agent outfielder Nick Swisher to a four year $56 million deal with a vesting club option for 2017. To make room on the roster they designated outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment.

Today we continue on with our eleventh batch of 2013 scouting videos. We shot tons of video of over 135 players this season, and in today's batch of videos we feature Luigi Rodriguez, Nelson Rodriguez, Ronny Rodriguez, Juan Romero, Brian Ruiz, Jerrud Sabourin, Danny Salazar, Anthony Santander, Joe Sever and Grant Sides.

The Indians made a small transaction on Wednesday bringing back first baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler and in turn designated right-handed pitcher Jeanmar Gomez for assignment. The Blue Jays had claimed Canzler off waivers from the Indians almost two weeks ago, but the Indians returned the favor as they reclaimed him today.

The Indians have reportedly come to terms with free agent right-handed pitcher Brett Myers. Tony chimes in with lots of insight and thoughts on the signing and looks at how he helps the Indians rotation next year, the personal baggage he comes with, his history as a pitcher, what moves if any may come next for the Indians, and what players on the 40-man are in danger of being designated for assignment.

Just a quick site update to note that the transformation from IndiansProspectInsider.com to IndiansBaseballInsider.com is now complete as the URL change to make www.IndiansBaseballInsider.com the primary domain was made today. If you are having trouble logging in, take a quick check at this post to help you get back in.

Today we continue on with our ninth batch of 2013 scouting videos. We shot tons of video of over 135 players this season, and in today's batch of videos we feature Scott Peoples, Roberto Perez, Kyle Petter, Cord Phelps, Bryan Price, Mason Radeke, Jose Ramirez, Mike Rayl, J.D. Reichenbach, and Will Roberts.

Another year has come and gone here at the Indians Baseball Insider. It has been a busy year with the unveiling of a new site, a name change, and tons more, as well as the content doubling from 2011 and the hits exploding to over 70 million for the year! While our New Year's resolution is to continue to improve the site and make it the #1 site for Cleveland Indians fans, some of the IBI staff share their New Year's resolutions for the Indians in 2013....