It's been a busy week in the numerous winter leagues as now the Dominican, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan winter leagues have all begun round robin postseason play. A few Indians players are still working hard in the leagues, including Juan Diaz in the DWL and Ezequiel Carrera in the VWL. Plus, on another continent, Andrew Campbell continues to rake in the Australian Baseball League. The IBI's Steve Orbanek touches on this and more in the latest edition of the Winter Ball Notebook.
The IBI's Jeff Ellis missed the Nick Swisher press conference on the radio and TV on Thursday, but he followed it via Twitter and was impressed with the way his words sparked excitement and energy among the fans and media. He talks about how it was nice for once to have a player happy to come to Cleveland rather than cutting bait and leaving town like so many others have before him.
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.
Smoke Signals is back on the cyberwaves tonight for a special half hour edition from 11:00pm – 11:30pm EST. Indians Baseball Insiders Tony Lastoria and Jim Pete will take a look at the Hot Stove League, including the the signings of Nick Swisher and Brett Myers. They'll also look ahead at the rest of the offseason, and the players that could fall into the Indians laps before pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear on February 10th.
With Tuesday's signing of Brett Myers, the Cleveland Indians continued to address the team's needs. The Myers move is just the latest in what has been a very busy offseason for the Tribe. The team's needs have not differed much this offseason when compared to last offseason, yet the Indians have approached the needs in an entirely differently way this year. The IBI's Steve Orbanek chimes in with his thoughts after the jump...
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.
The Corner of Carnegie and Ontario celebrates the New Year with several resolutions from the players on the Cleveland Indians 40-man roster. Jim Pete will also analyze the signing of right-handed starter/reliever Brett Myers to a one-year deal, with a club option for a second season. Are the Indians planning on making a run at Shawn Marcum as well? Join Jim Pete with his weekly staple, after the jump...
The Cleveland Indians ended 2012 with a flurry of moves that culminated with the signing of outfielder Nick Swisher. It looks like 2013 is beginning in much the same way, as the Tribe signed right-handed pitcher Brett Myers to a one year deal, with a club option for a second year.
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....
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 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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