MLB Hot Stove

[GoTribe028]

Pedro Gomez tweeted that the DBacks and Phillies are discussing some sort of Cliff Lee for Justin Upton trade

Jordan Bastian reporting the Jason Bay to Seattle report was premature and the Indians "are still in on him"

Also an interesting screen capture has surfaced online, on the MLBNetwork Chris Antonetti and Terry Francona are clearly visible in the Arizona "war room"

Obviously there is a fit there for Asdrubal Cabrera, plus rumors have been popping up that they are trying to deal Jason Kubel

I definitely wouldn't mind landing Kubel from the D'backs. Another lefty but could replace Hafner at DH and has power which we could use. Would need to the be the 2nd or 3rd piece in a deal though. Would still want a guy like Bauer or Skaggs.

Matt Loede claiming now that it is not CA & Francona in the pic...I don't know, at close glance it's hard to dispute which he is doing.

I agree, Kubel would be welcome so long as he hit.

[GoTribe028]

from Kenny Rosenthal on the Twitter

@Ken_Rosenthal: Bauer not only young #Diamondbacks pitcher drawing interest. Teams also asking about Skaggs. Believed to be #Indians target for A. Cabrera.

[GeronimoSon]

from Kenny Rosenthal on the Twitter

@Ken_Rosenthal: Bauer not only young #Diamondbacks pitcher drawing interest. Teams also asking about Skaggs. Believed to be #Indians target for A. Cabrera.

DBax, Cards and Mariners are the three teams the Indians match up the best with. Would be more than just okay to make a deal with any one of those three clubs. If it's AZ with one of Bradley/Bauer/Skaggs & Kubel for Acab, I'd be thrilled. Perhaps another deal with one or both of the other clubs (or add Boston into the picture) for CP/Masterson/Choo could come to pass..

[Hermie13]

from Kenny Rosenthal on the Twitter

@Ken_Rosenthal: Bauer not only young #Diamondbacks pitcher drawing interest. Teams also asking about Skaggs. Believed to be #Indians target for A. Cabrera.

DBax, Cards and Mariners are the three teams the Indians match up the best with. Would be more than just okay to make a deal with any one of those three clubs. If it's AZ with one of Bradley/Bauer/Skaggs & Kubel for Acab, I'd be thrilled. Perhaps another deal with one or both of the other clubs (or add Boston into the picture) for CP/Masterson/Choo could come to pass..

Personally would be disappointed if it was just Bradley and Kubel for AC. I like Bradley and believe he does have FOR stuff but so far off and such a big risk, think you need more for AC and Kubel IMO doesn't offset the risk there. Even just Skaggs and Kubel has me on the fence. Not sold on Skaggs as more than a 2/3 long-term. Would be a huge add but would hold out for more personally even if you needed to add something like a Smith, Sipp, or another bullpen arm.

Definitely need to hold out for a giant deal as there are several teams that are really good fits for Cabrera when you include him as a 2B (Cards, Blue Jays, etc). I think the A's should be up there as well as a top fit (moreso than the Cards). Got the young pitching and an OFer they could move if they wanted.

[daingean]

from Kenny Rosenthal on the Twitter

@Ken_Rosenthal: Bauer not only young #Diamondbacks pitcher drawing interest. Teams also asking about Skaggs. Believed to be #Indians target for A. Cabrera.

DBax, Cards and Mariners are the three teams the Indians match up the best with. Would be more than just okay to make a deal with any one of those three clubs. If it's AZ with one of Bradley/Bauer/Skaggs & Kubel for Acab, I'd be thrilled. Perhaps another deal with one or both of the other clubs (or add Boston into the picture) for CP/Masterson/Choo could come to pass..

Personally would be disappointed if it was just Bradley and Kubel for AC. I like Bradley and believe he does have FOR stuff but so far off and such a big risk, think you need more for AC and Kubel IMO doesn't offset the risk there. Even just Skaggs and Kubel has me on the fence. Not sold on Skaggs as more than a 2/3 long-term. Would be a huge add but would hold out for more personally even if you needed to add something like a Smith, Sipp, or another bullpen arm.

Definitely need to hold out for a giant deal as there are several teams that are really good fits for Cabrera when you include him as a 2B (Cards, Blue Jays, etc). I think the A's should be up there as well as a top fit (moreso than the Cards). Got the young pitching and an OFer they could move if they wanted.

+1

The Indians need ML ready pitchers. They haven't proven they can develop guys and Bradley is too far away. He'd probably end up in the BP if he were in the Indians org. Plus what good would Kubel be if the other player was Bradley? Kubel is now talent and Bradley is 2-3 years away talent.

[Hermie13]

I would offer that same deal to Swisher.

Not sure it's wise to insult one of the best RFers in baseball with a low-ball offer like that, especially when you already struggle to get free agents to come here.

[homerawayfromhome]

Archie Bradley is a stud talent. I'd settle for Kubel, Bradley and Chafin if the Dbax do the deal. Doubt they would.

Okay, I've had finals at grad school that lasted all day long pretty much. Anyone with some more insight into the miss on Victorino and secondly, I've read over on ESPN site the Tribe could be involved in a four team trade shipping Masterson to Atl, Choo to TB and ACab to AZ with the Tribe getting Jason Kubel, Tyler Skaggs, Chris Archer and Alex Cobn anyone with some more info on that?

[Hermie13]

Nick Cafardo claiming the Red Sox have offered Shane Victorino a 3 yr 38 million deal.

Lol pass.

According to reports, the Tribe offered Victorino 4yrs/$44M...

[Hermie13]

Archie Bradley is a stud talent. I'd settle for Kubel, Bradley and Chafin if the Dbax do the deal. Doubt they would.

Okay, I've had finals at grad school that lasted all day long pretty much. Anyone with some more insight into the miss on Victorino and secondly, I've read over on ESPN site the Tribe could be involved in a four team trade shipping Masterson to Atl, Choo to TB and ACab to AZ with the Tribe getting Jason Kubel, Tyler Skaggs, Chris Archer and Alex Cobn anyone with some more info on that?

I have not heard of this 4-team deal, but I personally hate it for the Tribe. I like Skaggs and Archer as high end talents and like Cobb and Kubel, but giving up Masterson, Choo, and AC in one deal while only getting those 4 back?? Dealing them individually would land so much more IMO. Sort of breaks done to Skaggs and Kubel for AC...which is ok, not great and want more but ok I guess. Then in a way Cobb for Choo which I don't think is enough, and Archer for Masterson, which I also don't think is enough (know both guys are on TB though).

I agree that Bradley is a stud talent, but I think the Tribe may be the team that says no first to a Kubel, Bradley, and Chafin deal. At least from the sounds of it based off asking prices for AC.

[BrianM]

I would offer that same deal to Swisher.

Not sure it's wise to insult one of the best RFers in baseball with a low-ball offer like that, especially when you already struggle to get free agents to come here.

13 million a year for 3 years is a lowball offer?

[homerawayfromhome]

I'm surprised the Tribe offered Victorino 4yrs / $44 Mil. That's a very aggressive stance by the Tribe, I like that they offered but kind of glad they missed. I'd rather see them offer something similar to a pitcher like Edwin Jackson. That might not be enough to get it done in this mkt. A few names to keep an eye on are; Reynolds, Youkilis, Swisher and Ross. It seems likely the a tribe could allocate some resources in that direction.

Maybe the Tribe should offer Reynolds 2yrs / $16 M and offer another guy like Scheirholtz 2yrs / $4 M with incentives. That would take care of 1b and LF and probably leave some extra cash to spend else where assuming the Tribe nets at least one SP this week by trading ACab.

[Hermie13]

I would offer that same deal to Swisher.

Not sure it's wise to insult one of the best RFers in baseball with a low-ball offer like that, especially when you already struggle to get free agents to come here.

13 million a year for 3 years is a lowball offer?

When BJ Upton gets 5yr/$75M, yes $13M a year for 3 years is a low-ball offer for Swisher. Hunter got $13M a year for 2 years and is much older.

[homerawayfromhome]

There's a rumor that the Dodgers are trying to acq. Skip Schumaker-2b / LF of the Cards and the Dodgers are looking for a infield mate to pair with Hanley Ramirez. This is mere speculation but could ACab 1. Fill the hole for the Cards if they trade Schumaker OR 2. Be the battery mate for the Dodgers Hanley Ramirez - which would mean ACab would either assume 2b or 3b... Hmmm, interesting thoughts. The next few days should hold some real drama for us Tribe fans.

[Hermie13]

I'm surprised the Tribe offered Victorino 4yrs / $44 Mil. That's a very aggressive stance by the Tribe, I like that they offered but kind of glad they missed. I'd rather see them offer something similar to a pitcher like Edwin Jackson. That might not be enough to get it done in this mkt. A few names to keep an eye on are; Reynolds, Youkilis, Swisher and Ross. It seems likely the a tribe could allocate some resources in that direction.

Maybe the Tribe should offer Reynolds 2yrs / $16 M and offer another guy like Scheirholtz 2yrs / $4 M with incentives. That would take care of 1b and LF and probably leave some extra cash to spend else where assuming the Tribe nets at least one SP this week by trading ACab.

I wouldn't be opposed to that offer for Mark Reynolds. Yes he K's a ton (understatement) but RH power is there, plus actually played a decent 1B this year. Not a big Scheirholtz fan, though maybe an ok option should the Tribe move Choo and need a RFer.

I'm surprised too that the Tribe went 4 years on Victorino....though he did post the 10th highest fWAR of all OFers over the past 4 seasons (9th depending what position you view Zobrist as). Solid defense and speed plus hits lefties. Would have been 35 when the contract ran out so still could have been pretty productive at $11M then. That said, a big drop this year offensively would have worried me on him had we signed him. .310 wOBA doesn't make up for the defense and speed.

Would love to see a guy like Jackson on a 3 year deal with 4th year option. Like you said though, market could get him more (gonna depend on what Greinke and Sanchez get I think). Like Youk still too. Would try for him with Reynolds as a potential fall-back option. If money was no option wouldn't mind both (Youk at 1B, Reynolds DH) but need to focus on pitching.

[homerawayfromhome]

I'm not a big Scheirholtz fan myself but I'd rather see him run out there in LF than experience the same thing as last yr. At this point he just seems a better option than what the Tribe has to run out there.

Reynolds could be an interesting sign tons of power, a RH bat and decent 1b. He's probably going to sign cheaper than his mkt potential after getting dropped by the O's but he'd definitely offer something different to the a tribes lineup.

The Tribe absolutely has to land a cpl SP and interestingly, I've heard little regarding the Tribe interest in a SP other than maybe Harden, Webb, Bonderman and Kazmir. That tells me they seem pretty confident they will walk away with at least one young SP for next yr.

Btw, I'd consider Choo straight up for Archer or Cobb from the Rays.

[BrianM]

Ha. Here is an entertaining news bit for everyone.

Dale Sveum shot by Robin Yount:

"The bird was in front of him and I was about 50 yards up on a hill," Sveum said Tuesday at baseball's winter meetings. "He got the bird up and lost track of where I was. He pulled the trigger and was like, 'Uh, oh.' "

Only humorous because no one was injured.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/po ... um=twitter

[Hermie13]

I'm not a big Scheirholtz fan myself but I'd rather see him run out there in LF than experience the same thing as last yr. At this point he just seems a better option than what the Tribe has to run out there.

Reynolds could be an interesting sign tons of power, a RH bat and decent 1b. He's probably going to sign cheaper than his mkt potential after getting dropped by the O's but he'd definitely offer something different to the a tribes lineup.

The Tribe absolutely has to land a cpl SP and interestingly, I've heard little regarding the Tribe interest in a SP other than maybe Harden, Webb, Bonderman and Kazmir. That tells me they seem pretty confident they will walk away with at least one young SP for next yr.

Btw, I'd consider Choo straight up for Archer or Cobb from the Rays.

I'd consider Choo straight up for Archer...not Cobb though. Cobb to me is a BOR guy with a MOR upside, similar to McAllister (though had a better K-rate in the minors). A guy I'd definitely take, but just not straight up for Choo. I hope we can do better than that.


I'm thinking on the rotation the Tribe figures 4 spots are taken in Masterson, Ubaldo, McAllister, and Carrasco (assuming none get dealt), leaving an open spot. i'd like to see them add a free agent of some kind (Jackson) but as you said maybe they are just real confident they can fill that spot via trade. A guy like Huff, Gomez or Kluber could take the 5th spot but can't believe the Tribe would ignore the rotation completely this winter.

[GoTribe028]

Houston has traded Wilton Lopez to the Rockies for Alex White and another minor league pitcher.

Like the idea of Mark Reynolds playing 1st. Sounds like he will be expensive considering the market for him right now.

Marco Scuturo signed a 3 yr deal for 20 million with the Giants

Tampa Bay acquired Yunel Escobar from Miami for infielder Derek Dietrich. I know the guy has his issues, but damn good pickup for Tampa, talent wise.

Interesting how much buzz there is regarding Asdrubal Cabrera & the Diamondbacks. Tyler Skaggs would be a welcome addition. Not convinced he would be the only piece coming back obviously. Does sound like they both want to get a deal done between them.

If there is any truth to the rumored 4 team deal that should be fun for many around here. Depends on who the Indians would include (or would have).

I don't believe the rumor Homer caught wind of though (nothing personal clearly, I know you're just the messenger) I could see many of those players being in play, so to speak, but don't see them as the only ones for Cleveland. Skaggs, Archer, Cobb & Kubel seems a bit low for Cabrera, Choo, & Masterson.

Don't get me wrong, Skaggs and Archer are both interesting names. Both certainly fit the bill of what the Indians are looking for, cost controlled, little service time AND talented. The Indians would need to get more for those 3 though. IMO anyway

[Edible14]

I think you can consider Carrasco's spot "open", since I think it's likely he ends up starting off in AAA. He'll need to regain some control (which he didn't exactly have in spades to begin with), and if we're serious about contending he probably should be doing that in Columbus.

Sad that the Indians didn't get Victorino. Was hoping to corner the market on outfielders with double ear flapped helmets. I am becoming slightly more optimistic that Choo is held onto, though. His performance the last couple of years probably means he won't be getting above $15MM in free agency, and his age means that he probably won't be getting long offers. I'm starting to think that it's no longer a foregone conclusion that he's gone as soon as free agency hits.

That the Indians are going after both Victorino and Youkilis makes me think that they probably have around $20MM to spend in free agency even if they don't trade Choo/Cabrera/Perez/Masterson. I've got their opening day payroll pegged at about $48MM right now, so that would represent a slight increase from last year. Which would make sense, since they'll have about $11MM extra to spend from the revenue increase in the new ESPN/MLB deal (doubling from $350MM/year to $700MM/year, an increase of about $11MM per team). Though, the new luxury tax rules have forced the Yankees to stop going over the threshold, and that might limit the amount of revenue that teams like the Indians are getting through those means, so who knows how that balances out.

[Rocky55]

from Kenny Rosenthal on the Twitter

@Ken_Rosenthal: Bauer not only young #Diamondbacks pitcher drawing interest. Teams also asking about Skaggs. Believed to be #Indians target for A. Cabrera.

DBax, Cards and Mariners are the three teams the Indians match up the best with. Would be more than just okay to make a deal with any one of those three clubs. If it's AZ with one of Bradley/Bauer/Skaggs & Kubel for Acab, I'd be thrilled. Perhaps another deal with one or both of the other clubs (or add Boston into the picture) for CP/Masterson/Choo could come to pass..

Personally would be disappointed if it was just Bradley and Kubel for AC. I like Bradley and believe he does have FOR stuff but so far off and such a big risk, think you need more for AC and Kubel IMO doesn't offset the risk there. Even just Skaggs and Kubel has me on the fence. Not sold on Skaggs as more than a 2/3 long-term. Would be a huge add but would hold out for more personally even if you needed to add something like a Smith, Sipp, or another bullpen arm.

Definitely need to hold out for a giant deal as there are several teams that are really good fits for Cabrera when you include him as a 2B (Cards, Blue Jays, etc). I think the A's should be up there as well as a top fit (moreso than the Cards). Got the young pitching and an OFer they could move if they wanted.

Agree with this. I like Bradley but prefer Skaggs. I think that you're right that Skaggs profiles as a 2/3 guy. He's got 2 upside but may end up a strong 3, which is valuable. That, plus lefthandedness, which we need, plus being ML ready makes him a better option than Bradley IMO. As far as Kubel goes, he'd be a good add but I'd prefer we just sign Cody Ross, similar bat but RH. If we had the buckage to get Edwin Jackson & Cody Ross we could really improve. Couple that with the hoped for ML ready talent for our trade pieces & we might have a big jump in performance.

Just heard (Heyman) that Swisher really wants to go to SF.

[Edible14]

If the Indians can work out a megadeal that nets Upton and two of Arizona's top pitching prospects (or starter prospects from other teams) for ACab and Choo, I'd be attempting backflips. There's reason to think that Upton could bounce back next year (he was dealing with a thumb issue most of the year), and even if that's a gamble, it's the kind of gamble we should be taking. The guy's 25 this next season, he's just starting to hit his prime and he's controlled until 2015. I'm okay with selling on ACab as his value will never be higher, and I don't think Aviles will be as much of a step back value-wise. Especially if ACab starts to regress.

That being said, I think to really net that kind of return we'd have to throw in something else. Masterson might be such a player, but if you're acquiring Upton I think you'd have to be thinking win-now. Trading your ace is the opposite of that approach. Perez probably wouldn't be enough. I'd be okay dealing one of our many young shortstop prospects, though. And Cord Phelps could help as a fourth man with the right team included.

The dreamer in me would love to see it happen though. I think they could comfortably sign Youkilis for 1B, Bay/Ludwick/Ross for LF and maybe even bring Hafner back on the cheap to DH. That would be a pretty good lineup, with a rotation full of upside (though no sure things for 2013).

In former Indian news:
Hannahan might sign with the Yankees, who will be without ARod for a good chunk of the start of the season. Twins, White Sox and Marlins also rumored to have some interest.
Pagnozzi signed a minor league deal with the Braves
Alex White was traded for reliever Wilton Lopez. We'll see if he bounces back outside of Coors.
Ben Francisco has been rumored as a target of San Francisco
Hafner might be a target for the Astros, who will need a DH for the first time in franchise history

[homerawayfromhome]

First, wow what a day. The tribe misses out on the Flyin Hawaiian, they get involved in a four team trade - to only have it fall apart and then Terry Francona and Chris Antonetti impersonators show in the AZ Dbax war room. What a day. Oh and I forgot to mention that Alex White was sent with Alex Gillingham to Houston for Wilton Lopez and the infamous PTBNL or cash.

Second, missing out on a overly expensive and long deal for Victorino isn't a bad thing.

Third, rumors that the Mets wanted Pestano seem like that's all they were.

Fourth, Escobar to the Rays may help the move ACab in the long run. Considering many of us didn't think the Rays were in the mkt for ACab but ACabs suitors still are. (Oak, STL, and AZ).

The Alex White deal softens the blow of the Jimenez trade a little, bc this is a risk move by both clubs. What it does is show the value that the Tribe could get for Chris Perez IMO. Getting a young ML ready SP would be ideal for the Tribe with the expectations the Tribe could also snag a minor league SP as well - hopefully the Tribe would be able to snag a better deal though.

[homerawayfromhome]

Mlbtraderumors... Tribe could be in on a 4/5 team trade still?

[GeronimoSon]

Mlbtraderumors... Tribe could be in on a 4/5 team trade still?

Looks that way, homer...the winter meetings (WM) are always the place for intrigue and the Blockbuster Deal:

The five teams appear to be:

-the Rangers = Want to come away from the WM with Justin Upton and perhaps one of Shields or Masterson
===> Players the Rangers will make available: Martin Perez, Mike Olt, Leonys Martin, Wilmer Font, Cody Buckel, Lewis Brinson, Ronald Guzman, Joey Gallo, Leury Garcia and Jorge Alfaro
-the Dbax = want to come away from the WM with a SS (Profar/Andrus/Asdrubal) and perhaps bullpen help
===> Players the DBax will make available: Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, Archie Bradley, Matt Davidson, Adam Eaton, AJ Pollock and Gerardo Parra
-the Mariners = want to come away from the WM with added offense and perhaps an SP, Shields/Masterson
===> Players the Mariners will make available: James Paxton, Brandon Mauer, Stefen Romero Francisco Martinez, Leon Landry, Carter Capps, Stephan Pryor and Franklyn Gutierrez
-the Rays = want to come away from the WM with added offense
===> Players the Rays will make available: Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson, Chris Archer Mikie Mahtook and Richie Shaffer
-the Indians want to come away from the WM with near MLB ready prospects everywhere, emphasis on F.O.R. SP's.
===> Players the Indians will make available: Asdrubal Cabrera, Justin Masterson Shin-soo Choo, Chris Perez, Francisco Lindor, Tony Wolters, Jose Ramirez, Ezequiel Carrera Lou Marson Joe Smith and Tony Sipp

There are the players.. All that needs to be done is to put them all into a mixer and separate them out so that each team gets what they want, gets what they need and gets what's fair.

Easy as pie!!

[OhioBaseball]

Just my opinion, but I think there's a chance that the picture of Antonetti and Francona in the Arizona war room was less than truly authentic. For a team that has been described numerous times as tight lipped, and likes to play things close to the vest, all of a sudden its OK for the MLB Network to storm in to a room and televise supposed trade negotiations??

I'm sure there are discussions between the Indians and Diamondbacks, but I wouldn't be shocked if it's somewhat orchestrated by Antonetti. It's kind of like a girl posting a picture of her and a some guy at a bar on Facebook, just to get the attention of a guy that's interested in her (girls do this). She's thinking, "this ought to get your attention and make you step up to the plate." Could be the same with Antonetti, in that he allowed MLB Network into the room.

It just doesn't jive with the Indians style, and Tony's mentioned their low-key nature many times. Frankly, I think it's clever if this is what's intended.

The Indians are surely talking to the D'Backs, but I'm sure there are other interested teams, too.

Of course, I could be wrong and MLB Network is allowed to barge in on trade negotiations without the permission of teams.

[BrianM]

Mlbtraderumors... Tribe could be in on a 4/5 team trade still?

Looks that way, homer...the winter meetings (WM) are always the place for intrigue and the Blockbuster Deal:

The five teams appear to be:

-the Rangers = Want to come away from the WM with Justin Upton and perhaps one of Shields or Masterson
===> Players the Rangers will make available: Martin Perez, Mike Olt, Leonys Martin, Wilmer Font, Cody Buckel, Lewis Brinson, Ronald Guzman, Joey Gallo, Leury Garcia and Jorge Alfaro
-the Dbax = want to come away from the WM with a SS (Profar/Andrus/Asdrubal) and perhaps bullpen help
===> Players the DBax will make available: Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, Archie Bradley, Matt Davidson, Adam Eaton, AJ Pollock and Gerardo Parra
-the Mariners = want to come away from the WM with added offense and perhaps an SP, Shields/Masterson
===> Players the Mariners will make available: James Paxton, Brandon Mauer, Stefen Romero Francisco Martinez, Leon Landry, Carter Capps, Stephan Pryor and Franklyn Gutierrez
-the Rays = want to come away from the WM with added offense
===> Players the Rays will make available: Wade Davis, Jeremy Hellickson, Chris Archer Mikie Mahtook and Richie Shaffer
-the Indians want to come away from the WM with near MLB ready prospects everywhere, emphasis on F.O.R. SP's.
===> Players the Indians will make available: Asdrubal Cabrera, Justin Masterson Shin-soo Choo, Chris Perez, Francisco Lindor, Tony Wolters, Jose Ramirez, Ezequiel Carrera Lou Marson Joe Smith and Tony Sipp

There are the players.. All that needs to be done is to put them all into a mixer and separate them out so that each team gets what they want, gets what they need and gets what's fair.

Easy as pie!!

Good stuff G. I think Derek Holland is also a major piece for Texas. If this massive 4/5 team trade goes down, I wouldn't be surprised if he was actually sent our way along with bauer/skaggs/bradley.

[GeronimoSon]

....It's kind of like a girl posting a picture of her and a some guy at a bar on Facebook, just to get the attention of a guy that's interested in her (girls do this). She's thinking, "this ought to get your attention and make you step up to the plate.".....

You can only find "quality" girls like this at the Bowling Alley !!... :-)

[criznit2009]

It is without a doubt CA and Francona in the Arizona war room. The way I understand it is that the "pic" is merely a still of a video. I do believe Tony has even mentioned via twitter that is absolutely the 2 of them in the war room.


Clearly the heart of the deal are Acab and Bauer as far as the tribe is concerned - how it unfolds if it even does remains to be seen.

[Rocky55]

Just mentioned the mega trade on MLB Network. The way they posed it was Upton to Texas, Asdrubal to AZ, and Olt & "a young pitcher" to the Tribe. Seems light for the Tribe. Big win for Texas if that trade happened.

[Rocky55]

....It's kind of like a girl posting a picture of her and a some guy at a bar on Facebook, just to get the attention of a guy that's interested in her (girls do this). She's thinking, "this ought to get your attention and make you step up to the plate.".....

You can only find "quality" girls like this at the Bowling Alley !!... :-)

Looks like OB is being stalked. The Babes like his Scouting Skillz.

[GeronimoSon]

Just mentioned the mega trade on MLB Network. The way they posed it was Upton to Texas, Asdrubal to AZ, and Olt & "a young pitcher" to the Tribe. Seems light for the Tribe. Big win for Texas if that trade happened.

And a big loss for the DBax.. getting just Asdrubal for Justin Upton is not going to happen. Giving up Mike Olt for Justin Upton would be robbery. Giving up Asdrubal for Mike Olt is clearly not enough. This is why there should be several more players involved. This is a trade that seems like it could be more amenable to the participants:

Indians get- Bauer, Martin Perez, Leonys Martin and 2 more B level prospects, one each:
===> from the DBax: Matt Davidson, Adam Eaton, AJ Pollock and Gerardo Parra and..
===>from the Rangers: Wilmer Font, Cody Buckel, Lewis Brinson, Ronald Guzman, Joey Gallo and Leury Garcia
Rangers get- Upton
D-backs get-Cabrera and Mike Olt

[GeronimoSon]

....It's kind of like a girl posting a picture of her and a some guy at a bar on Facebook, just to get the attention of a guy that's interested in her (girls do this). She's thinking, "this ought to get your attention and make you step up to the plate.".....

You can only find "quality" girls like this at the Bowling Alley !!... :-)

Looks like OB is being stalked. The Babes like his Scouting Skillz.

You have to wonder if OB has gone to the Howard Wallowitz School or Women Woo'ing?

[criznit2009]

I do not think I would be content with Olt and Bauer for Acab... However, it would be nice if we could work it so that we end up with Olt, Bauer and Kubel. Maybe Olt, Kubel and Skaggs? Or even another high upside prospect.... Arrrrg - this is the stuff that melts brains and not in the good way like the sticky-icky.

[GoTribe028]

Just mentioned the mega trade on MLB Network. The way they posed it was Upton to Texas, Asdrubal to AZ, and Olt & "a young pitcher" to the Tribe. Seems light for the Tribe. Big win for Texas if that trade happened.

Would figure more than just those names are being tossed around.

It sure wouldn't seem like "enough" for Asdrubal, but the Indians can do a lot worse than Mike Olt and Trevor Bauer.

Still, like Danny Knobler tweeted, one executive said the deal has legs, but it's a long shot. The more teams, the more players, the more likely nothing happens.

[GeronimoSon]

I do not think I would be content with Olt and Bauer for Acab... However, it would be nice if we could work it so that we end up with Olt, Bauer and Kubel. Maybe Olt, Kubel and Skaggs? Or even another high upside prospect.... Arrrrg - this is the stuff that melts brains and not in the good way like the sticky-icky.

Would love to see three or four pieces like you're suggesting...

I suppose this goes to the decision: Are the Indians going to compete in the allegedly weak AL Central or are they blowing it all up? It appears they're going to attempt to get some guys who are close or major league players and compete this and every year, imho. While Jason Kubel & his 30 homer potential would slot nicely into the picture & the addition of Mike Aviles will lessen the loss of Droobs, the bottom line remains, how good can the starting staff be?. Having Corey Kluber undergoing knee surgery certainly doesn't help. Having Carlos Carrasco coming back does.. It's a dynamic 'ever evolving' situation..

[Hermie13]

I think you can consider Carrasco's spot "open", since I think it's likely he ends up starting off in AAA. He'll need to regain some control (which he didn't exactly have in spades to begin with), and if we're serious about contending he probably should be doing that in Columbus.

Sad that the Indians didn't get Victorino. Was hoping to corner the market on outfielders with double ear flapped helmets. I am becoming slightly more optimistic that Choo is held onto, though. His performance the last couple of years probably means he won't be getting above $15MM in free agency, and his age means that he probably won't be getting long offers. I'm starting to think that it's no longer a foregone conclusion that he's gone as soon as free agency hits.

That the Indians are going after both Victorino and Youkilis makes me think that they probably have around $20MM to spend in free agency even if they don't trade Choo/Cabrera/Perez/Masterson. I've got their opening day payroll pegged at about $48MM right now, so that would represent a slight increase from last year. Which would make sense, since they'll have about $11MM extra to spend from the revenue increase in the new ESPN/MLB deal (doubling from $350MM/year to $700MM/year, an increase of about $11MM per team). Though, the new luxury tax rules have forced the Yankees to stop going over the threshold, and that might limit the amount of revenue that teams like the Indians are getting through those means, so who knows how that balances out.

I have the Indians at about $51.5M currently, but that includes Hafner's $2.75M buyout. If the $65M fluid budget is accurate leaves less than $14M currently to spend, which makes the Victorino offer interesting as it'd have eated up most of the spending money...that is unless the Tribe wanted him as a replacement for Choo and still plan to move Cabrera.

Don't think you can say the extra $11M means we'll see a higher payroll necessarily. I'd like to see some of that put into player development. Definitely should help, and the Tribe did hint they could have gone to $70M last year (if they'd have signed Beltran or Pena they'd have been at or over $70M) so maybe they do have $20M to spend now. Going to be interesting for sure.

[Lloyd Christmas]

I do not think I would be content with Olt and Bauer for Acab... However, it would be nice if we could work it so that we end up with Olt, Bauer and Kubel. Maybe Olt, Kubel and Skaggs? Or even another high upside prospect.... Arrrrg - this is the stuff that melts brains and not in the good way like the sticky-icky.

Yeah theres no way Olt & Bauer should be enough. Castrovince says Arizona has already tired of Bauer? Thats kind of scary. And Olt is not a sure thing by any means. A top 5 SS should net a ton in return. Honestly its sad that they are thinking about trading an elite player at such an elite position but I get it. At least trading Cabrera and/or Choo seems realistic as opposed to signing Victorino which was laughable to begin with.

[Hermie13]

Personally would be disappointed if it was just Bradley and Kubel for AC. I like Bradley and believe he does have FOR stuff but so far off and such a big risk, think you need more for AC and Kubel IMO doesn't offset the risk there. Even just Skaggs and Kubel has me on the fence. Not sold on Skaggs as more than a 2/3 long-term. Would be a huge add but would hold out for more personally even if you needed to add something like a Smith, Sipp, or another bullpen arm.

Definitely need to hold out for a giant deal as there are several teams that are really good fits for Cabrera when you include him as a 2B (Cards, Blue Jays, etc). I think the A's should be up there as well as a top fit (moreso than the Cards). Got the young pitching and an OFer they could move if they wanted.

Agree with this. I like Bradley but prefer Skaggs. I think that you're right that Skaggs profiles as a 2/3 guy. He's got 2 upside but may end up a strong 3, which is valuable. That, plus lefthandedness, which we need, plus being ML ready makes him a better option than Bradley IMO. As far as Kubel goes, he'd be a good add but I'd prefer we just sign Cody Ross, similar bat but RH. If we had the buckage to get Edwin Jackson & Cody Ross we could really improve. Couple that with the hoped for ML ready talent for our trade pieces & we might have a big jump in performance.

Just heard (Heyman) that Swisher really wants to go to SF.

I'd take Cody Ross over Kubel too but worry about the ability to land Ross in free agency even if we offered a reseasonable deal, though never say never (Boston is out now possibly so one less suitor to worry about). Also....what about getting both guys?

Personally like Kubel as a DH more than starting LF (still can play out there at times). And even if you like him in LF, Choo is probably gonna be dealt still (at least I think so) and Ross could then play RF. Moving Choo and Cabrera frees up $14M or so in 2013, making a Ross and Kubel addition doable. Definiately would look elsewhere for a bat than just Kubel but does have a history in the AL Central and reasonable contract (option for 2014), plus is on the block. And on paper...if we did move Choo and Cabrera you could possibly fit Kubel, Ross and Jackson into a 2013 Tribe budget. As I mentioned looks like they have $14M or so to spend...add in $7M or so net saved from Choo/Cabrera for Kubel and you got $21M. Jackson and Ross likely get more than that but don't think a ton more. And haven't mentioned moving Perez and his $7M yet...

A pipedream getting all 3 of those guys I realize....but nice to dream

[GoTribe028]

Buster Olney on the Twitter saying Kansas City could be involved in the rumored mega deal. If true I bet they have a bat going to Tampa Bay (assuming they're involved too)

Also here's a nugget from Olney too

@Buster_ESPN: One of the teams involved on the Nick Swisher talks: The Cleveland Indians, who missed out on Shane Victorino.

[Hermie13]

First, wow what a day. The tribe misses out on the Flyin Hawaiian, they get involved in a four team trade - to only have it fall apart and then Terry Francona and Chris Antonetti impersonators show in the AZ Dbax war room. What a day. Oh and I forgot to mention that Alex White was sent with Alex Gillingham to Houston for Wilton Lopez and the infamous PTBNL or cash.

Second, missing out on a overly expensive and long deal for Victorino isn't a bad thing.

Third, rumors that the Mets wanted Pestano seem like that's all they were.

Fourth, Escobar to the Rays may help the move ACab in the long run. Considering many of us didn't think the Rays were in the mkt for ACab but ACabs suitors still are. (Oak, STL, and AZ).

The Alex White deal softens the blow of the Jimenez trade a little, bc this is a risk move by both clubs. What it does is show the value that the Tribe could get for Chris Perez IMO. Getting a young ML ready SP would be ideal for the Tribe with the expectations the Tribe could also snag a minor league SP as well - hopefully the Tribe would be able to snag a better deal though.

I'm gonna be in a strong minority but still think Cabrera is a fit in TB even after Escobar. Longoria-3B, Escobar-SS, and Cabrera at 2B would make a nice infield with Zobrist moving back to the OF full-time (where they have a hole left by Upton). Doubtful it happens though.

Astros GM was on MLB Network and mentioned they may try Alex White as the closer. Sounds like he is moving to the pen though (as many people thought he woudl eventually), so not sure the return value will be viewed quite as high come teh beginning of the year. May not have much influence on Perez's value (especially since Lopez makes so much less).

[Hermie13]

Buster Olney on the Twitter saying Kansas City could be involved in the rumored mega deal. If true I bet they have a bat going to Tampa Bay (assuming they're involved too)

Also here's a nugget from Olney too

@Buster_ESPN: One of the teams involved on the Nick Swisher talks: The Cleveland Indians, who missed out on Shane Victorino.

Alex Gordon or Wil Myers make a lot of sense for the Rays, and the Royals need pitching so makes sense. Though the way I read it almost sounds like he thinks the Royals would replace the Rays in the 4-team deal as he mentions them getting involved with the D'backs and Indians (talking about Rangers and Upton). I can't see it happening, but I'd love to get Myers from the Royals in that mutli-team deal somehow...

Reports also indicate the original 4-team deal between the Ranger, Indians, D'baxs, and Rays is back on the table and being discussed. I'd bet on it still not happening but as it's been mentioned elsewhere, could lead to smaller deals (ie, 2-team deal) being done as a result of these talks.


Interesting on Swisher. If we offered Victorino 4yr/$44M though wonder what we'd be offering Swisher...4yr/$55M and an option maybe? I still think he can do better though.

[Lloyd Christmas]

I think Swisher has always been the name on Indians fans minds just b/c being from Ohio and going to OSU. Seems like a stretch seeing what Victorino got. Could definitely help offset the eventual Choo trade.

[Hermie13]

According to reports, Youkilis could make a decision as early as today on where he'll play.

Jason Bay also seems to be nearing a decision with the Tribe a 'contender' there. Would be all for a minor league deal...not a big fan of a major league deal though.

[GeronimoSon]

According to reports, Youkilis could make a decision as early as today on where he'll play.

Jason Bay also seems to be nearing a decision with the Tribe a 'contender' there. Would be all for a minor league deal...not a big fan of a major league deal though.

A James Loney one year deal for Bay would be okay.. imho...

[GoTribe028]

From Jeff Passan on the Twitter

@JeffPassan: Indians are pushing the Diamondbacks to include Tyler Skaggs in a deal for Asdrubal Cabrera. D-backs would prefer to trade Trevor Bauer.

Also sounds like Jason Bay will be getting a major league deal considering the supposed interest in him

[criznit2009]

No way Bay doesn't get a ML contract and it will be at least 2 mil. IMO I think 3-5 million including all the incentives.I am of the opinion he is coming to Cleveland at this point. I like it ok - not what you would hope for, but compared to Cunningham, Pie, Davis etc I will take it.

[GhostofTedCox]

If by some miracle we can sign Swisher, then I would guess that means no Youkilis. But I would still be interested in Bay, provided he is extremely cheap and a 1 year deal. We need OF's in the worst way. (Witch Bay might be.)

[GoTribe028]

Heyman tweeted out that one of the trades discussed would have landed "Martin Perez plus" in Cleveland

John Morosi tweeted out Jason bay close to signing with Seattle and they're interested in Jason Kubel as well

Nate McClouth resigned with Baltimore as well.

Just looking at Perez's #'s in the minors, it better be a big "plus"

[BrianM]

MLBTR notes that the Red Sox and Giants are out for Swisher, and that Indians, Orioles, and Mariners are alive. More teams may show their interest, but if these are the most serious teams involved, we could get lucky. Seattle just signed Bay and our looking to add Kubel, and Baltimore just resigned McLouth.

[BrianM]

Also, R.A. Dickey wants 30million for 2 year, and the Mets only want to give him 20 for 2. I know there are risks involved with Dickey considering age and the whole unreliable knuckleball thing, but C'mon. He lead the league in quality starts in 2011, and won a Cy Young in 2012. I would have to believe if he pitched somewhere between his 2011 and his 2012 next year, he would be able to land almost 20 million per year, and that would be while being one year older. Am I crazy, or are the Mets foolish for not inking this guy up. I feel like 90% of teams would jump at this offer. Am I wrong?