Indians sign Stubbs, interested in Thome
Jim Thome
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January 18, 2013
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Late Thursday night the Indians and outfielder Drew Stubbs agreed to a $2.825 million contract for the 2013 season, and it includes up to $50,000 in performance performances.
As a first year arbitration eligible player Stubbs was under control for the 2013 season, but a contract for the season had yet to be agreed upon and signed prior to last night. While the contract is for just one season, he has two arbitration seasons left and is under the Indians’ control until the end of the 2015 season. He is expected to be the regular center fielder this season, though should find himself out of the lineup often against tough right-handers, which would move Michael Brantley to center field.
In other news, the IBI has learned through a source that the Indians are interested in signing designated hitter Jim Thome. He supposedly has an offer from the Indians, but is considering offers from others teams.
“At this stage, am I an everyday player? No,” Thome told CSNPhilly.com back in December. “But I think I can still play. The best thing for me is being a designated hitter somewhere. But if an NL team calls, sure I’d consider it. I still feel like I can give a team a veteran presence and get a big hit off the bench.”
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User Comments
Dago T
January 19, 2013 - 9:47 AM EST
Tim.
Time? (Nice typo. When you're ragging on someone else, perfection speaks volumes!)
Why don't you guys go get a room.
Time? (Nice typo. When you're ragging on someone else, perfection speaks volumes!)
Why don't you guys go get a room.
Tim
January 18, 2013 - 3:40 PM EST
Hey "Tim," this site gets page clicks for more then mentioning "Jim Thome." As a matter of fact, if you had a flipping clue about baseball, you'd likely realize that in Cleveland, or ANYWHERE else, mentioning Jim Thome ceased being a page-clicker about five years ago, when he ceased being a major offensive factor.
So thanks for sounding like an idiot. Thanks for making all Tim's out there sorry their name is Time, and thanks for adding nothing to the conversation.
As per actually adding Thome, I'd take Hafner first, but it depends on what they have left after arbitration. I'm betting once they have Aviles taken care of, you'll see the Tribe go after their final pieces before Feb 10th.
So thanks for sounding like an idiot. Thanks for making all Tim's out there sorry their name is Time, and thanks for adding nothing to the conversation.
As per actually adding Thome, I'd take Hafner first, but it depends on what they have left after arbitration. I'm betting once they have Aviles taken care of, you'll see the Tribe go after their final pieces before Feb 10th.
Tony
January 18, 2013 - 1:55 PM EST
I don't see a problem with adding a bat that is probably more reliable instead of playing an unproven guy like McGuiness who is a marginal prospect anyway. McGuiness would have to prove himself in spring training, and if the Indians really like him I am sure they could try to work out a deal with the Rangers to keep him. Or, there is a chance he could still make the roster even with a bat like Thome on it if for instance they send Gomes to AAA to start the season.
As for the source on Thome, I wouldn't mention it if it was not real. This site is not a rumor mongering site looking for cheap hits, otherwise I'd be posting rumors several times a week of things "heard" throughout the industry. There is definite interest in him.
As for the source on Thome, I wouldn't mention it if it was not real. This site is not a rumor mongering site looking for cheap hits, otherwise I'd be posting rumors several times a week of things "heard" throughout the industry. There is definite interest in him.
Seth
January 18, 2013 - 12:24 PM EST
I am surprised so many fans don't have a problem with going into the season with McGuiness as the primary DH. A player who was last seen putting up okay numbers in AA. I don't know about Thome, as long as Hafner is as "healthy" as he's been to start the past few years, I would prefer him to Thome. Thome was striking out at a rather frightening rate last year. He's better than nothing though. The idea that they will be better off without a primary DH because versatility trumps actual talent and results from the players you put on the field is some Eric Wedge-ist nonsense. Roster inflexibility isn't what hurt them against NL teams, not having Hafner's bat in the lineup hurt them. If they don't at least sign a Thome or Hafner, then they've committed to playing that bad NL lineup year-round.
Tim
January 18, 2013 - 11:50 AM EST
How good is the "source" on Thome? Sounds like pining for page clicks to me.
Rick
January 18, 2013 - 11:41 AM EST
Thome as a resign is a tough one. I think he proved he can be a valuable DH in Baltimore this past season. But I got to believe the temptation on the part of Shap/Ant is more about box office rather than on the field offense.
Here is why I DON'T like it. I HATED losing Hector Rondon to rule 5. (although I will definately be attending a few Cub games out here in Phoenix to see him) If this guy is healthy - which it sounds like - this could be one of the Uggla rule 5 steals of a generation.
So why, if our Rule 5 pick up McGinnie was worth all the fuss over (Which I include losing Canzler to- of all clubs - the SKANKIES!), how do you justify signing Thome?
It just goes to show part of the reason a rule 5 pick is so rarely turned into a Dan Uggla career.
Signing Thome means McGinnie NEVER gets a real shot. His at bats go to a 1st ballot HOF Indian whose screaming back may or may not allow him to hit 15 hr in 250 or less AB....
...AB's taken from a young man with the potential to be an every day DH.
But you know what - chances are Thome WILL pull in another 3-5k season ticket holders (A big # considering we ONLY HAD 8 LAST YEAR!)
That is a tough F/O call.
Here is why I DON'T like it. I HATED losing Hector Rondon to rule 5. (although I will definately be attending a few Cub games out here in Phoenix to see him) If this guy is healthy - which it sounds like - this could be one of the Uggla rule 5 steals of a generation.
So why, if our Rule 5 pick up McGinnie was worth all the fuss over (Which I include losing Canzler to- of all clubs - the SKANKIES!), how do you justify signing Thome?
It just goes to show part of the reason a rule 5 pick is so rarely turned into a Dan Uggla career.
Signing Thome means McGinnie NEVER gets a real shot. His at bats go to a 1st ballot HOF Indian whose screaming back may or may not allow him to hit 15 hr in 250 or less AB....
...AB's taken from a young man with the potential to be an every day DH.
But you know what - chances are Thome WILL pull in another 3-5k season ticket holders (A big # considering we ONLY HAD 8 LAST YEAR!)
That is a tough F/O call.
Tony
January 18, 2013 - 10:10 AM EST
I think it is important to note that Thome would probably only share DH duties and not play everyday. I'm thinking 250-300 plate appearances on the season at most (just a guess). I'm iffy on such a signing, but as a guy coming off the bench as a pinch hitter and playing from time to time, I might be interested. Much more interested than say Chris McGuiness as that lefty off the bench.
Geoff
January 18, 2013 - 10:02 AM EST
Better be a minor league deal for Thome. I thought we learned with Hafner that a strict DH role really limits our options. Was looking forward to a non-traditional DH this season and for the future. Hafner killed us in interleague and so would Thome.
Tony
January 18, 2013 - 9:49 AM EST
Also, LaPorta is so far out of the picture right now it is not even funny. I hope for the best with him, but he's pretty much banished to AAA this year no matter what.
Tony
January 18, 2013 - 9:48 AM EST
Depending on the deal, and even as much as I would promote a rotating DH, I would be fine with bringing Thome on board. He won't be an everyday guy and would still allow for a rotation at DH, and would add some good leadership, presence, and some good pop off the bench from the left side. Color me intrigued. Plus, I think bringing Thome home for one more year may be the topper to a good offseason.
Joe
January 18, 2013 - 9:34 AM EST
One down, 6 to go. Would sooner see a player signed that can play a position(s) along with DH. Don't think Thome is a good viable alternative. LaPorta is supposedly healthy, so would like to see him get a chance in Spring Training. Try to salvage something from that trade. Good article in cnn.si on the Indians and their off season activities. Graded them a B+. And that is before the end of off-season. Another trade could make this year memorable.
No thanks to Thome or Hafner. But if you're going to go with either, take Hafner who at least is 6 years younger.