Another year has come and gone, and while the 2012 Cleveland Indians did not come together as planned there were still some bright moments during the journey. 2012 is over, and as we look back on it one more time here on New Year's Eve, it is time for an Indians Baseball (Baseball!) Insider year-end recap piece. To avoid a generic, boring article, however, the IBI's Jim Piascik framed the year around Pink Floyd's famous The Dark Side of the Moon album. Check out one of the best pieces of the year after the jump...
Welcome to the newest feature at Indians Baseball Insider, the IBI Power Poll. The Poll will take a look at a relevant topic of the time, an all-time list, or just something that we're talking about here at the IBI home offices. There's nothing like a list to spur a debate, so join us in our lively banter with our weekly polls! Today's poll focuses on the best Indians' first baseman of all time. Join Jim Pete after the jump...to find out the who made the cut...
Out with the old and in with the new. That seems to be the motto of the Indians of late as they have had a much different approach this offseason than in recent offseasons. With the new year drawing near, Tony looks at what may be next for the Indians in their offseason pursuit to improve the club. He also talks about the new TV deal with Fox Sports, the importance of Nick Hagadone, and why adding a veteran starter could help more than you think.
It was somewhat of a quiet week in the various winter leagues because of the Christmas holiday, but there is still plenty of action to recap. The round robin playoffs began in the Dominican Winter League on Thursday while the regular seasons will be ending on Sunday in both the Puerto Rican Winter League and the Venezuelan Winter League. Plus, Chun-Hsiu Chen completed a strong winter season in the Asia Winter Baseball League this past week. The IPI's Steve Orbanek has all the details in this week's edition of the Winter Ball Notebook.
The pending purchase of SportsTime Ohio by Fox Sports Ohio became official Friday as it was announced that FOX has purchased the Cleveland sports network for an estimated $230 million. FOX will now have the broadcast rights to Cleveland Indians games for the next 10 seasons, which is estimated to be worth around $400 million.
The Cleveland Indians have had a bountiful holiday season thusfar, as the front office here at the Corner of Carnegie and Ontario has bullrushed the hot stove season and addressed several needs previously ignored. In past years, the moves made so far would be more than expected. This season, it really could be just the beginning. What's on tap over the next month? Join Jim Pete in his latest column...
The Indians have made two big trades and signed free agents Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds, all of which make for big changes not only on the field, but with their payroll for 2013. Tony takes a quick look at where the Indians' payroll is at after all the moves and what wiggle room - if any - the Indians have going forward.
The IPI's Steve Orbanek returns with the latest edition of Then & Now. Steve looks at promising left-hander Giovanni Soto, who is coming off a strong 2012 season with the Akron Aeros. Steve looks back at Soto's career and also touches on how Soto may be able to impact the Major League team moving forward.
As we all get set to enjoy the company of family and friends on this Christmas holiday, we wanted to take a little time to give thanks and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. In this collaboration piece, several IBI staff members explain why they love baseball and the Indians.
Wow, what a crazy month it has been for the Indians. It feels like the winter meetings were two months ago when in fact they were just getting underway three weeks ago. Anyway, as we all get set to open our presents under the Christmas tree and spend time with family, the Indians unwrapped their big gift early signing free agent outfielder Nick Swisher yesterday to a big deal. Tony provides tons of thoughts and insight on the signing, and also looks at whether their offseason shopping is done and where they may go from here.
The Cleveland Indians haven't made a lot of statements with regards to their approach during the 2012-2013 hot stove league, but they really haven't had to. Chris Antonetti, Terry Francona, and the rest of the Tribe brass have spearheaded a consistent effort to improve the foundation of the team. Jim Pete takes a look at that approach in the rearviewmirror, while also looking forward at the potential line-up that is emerging for Terry Francona in 2013.
The Indians camp is buzzing at the signing of Nick Swisher. As the news settles on the newest member of the Tribe, IPI's Jeff Ellis takes a closer look at the potential improvement. Is Swisher truly better than the player he replaced in Shin-Soo Choo? Join one of our best analysts as he takes a closer look at the advanced numbers, and whether or not the Indians truly did improve.
Cleveland got itself an early Christmas present, as Nick Swisher agreed to sign with the team Sunday morning. As exciting as it is to see the biggest free agent contract in team history signed, such a deal does not come without risk. At 32, Swisher is more likely to get worse than better, meaning that contract could get ugly at the end. Jim Piascik analyzes the downside to the signing and what pressures that puts on 2013.
With Christmas two days away, talk about putting a little something big in the stockings of Indians fans. The Cleveland Indians and free agent outfielder Nick Swisher have reportedly agreed to terms on a four year $56 million option. The contract also includes a vesting club option for 2017 for $14 million, which could bring the total contract to five years $70 million. Details after the jump...
In today's notebook Tony gets us up to speed on where things are with Nick Swisher. It has been a LONG process but the Indians continue to hang in and they still look like the most likely destination for him. Tony also provides some thoughts and insight on how the Mark Reynolds signing can help, what recent signing Scott Kazmir's real value is, whether the Indians lost anything of value in Russ Canzler, and lots more.
According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have reached an agreement with free agent left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir on a minor league contract with an invite to Major League spring training. He is expected to compete for a spot in the Indians rotation, but will probably be a depth option that opens the season in the minors.
The 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!
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