MLB Hot Stove

[GoTribe028]

Good ole Keith Law never seems to amaze me....

They're not a .500 team as currently constructed, even with improvements on offense and in their outfield defense, even if you assume that one of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, or (least likely) Lonnie Chisenhall takes a step forward. In fact, as good as Bourn is, Brantley actually had the better triple-slash line last year while playing in the better league, although he can't can't touch Bourn on defense or on the bases.

He followed up his tweet with the link to this story with a tweet about how offensive the he feels the Chief Wahoo logo is. Haters gonna hate.

[A.Zajac]

Good ole Keith Law never seems to amaze me....

They're not a .500 team as currently constructed, even with improvements on offense and in their outfield defense, even if you assume that one of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, or (least likely) Lonnie Chisenhall takes a step forward. In fact, as good as Bourn is, Brantley actually had the better triple-slash line last year while playing in the better league, although he can't can't touch Bourn on defense or on the bases.

He followed up his tweet with the link to this story with a tweet about how offensive the he feels the Chief Wahoo logo is. Haters gonna hate.

He's always been a hater and hasn't been afraid to hide it. He denies it, but you can tell in everything he says...

In reference to your other post about a sign and trade.. I believe the MLB came out and said they outlawed that (could be wrong, but could swear I heard this).

[homerawayfromhome]

Good ole Keith Law never seems to amaze me....

They're not a .500 team as currently constructed, even with improvements on offense and in their outfield defense, even if you assume that one of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, or (least likely) Lonnie Chisenhall takes a step forward. In fact, as good as Bourn is, Brantley actually had the better triple-slash line last year while playing in the better league, although he can't can't touch Bourn on defense or on the bases.

He followed up his tweet with the link to this story with a tweet about how offensive the he feels the Chief Wahoo logo is. Haters gonna hate.

I hate that PC garbage... I read somewhere recently, where native Americans found that names of sports teams ie: Seminoles, Redskins, Braves, Indians...were unoffensive, and actually helped keep the heritage in the forefront. Btw, my wife is a Native American, she thinks the Cleveland Indians (and their history) are cool and so do most of the people I've met from her Tribe.

[homerawayfromhome]

Good ole Keith Law never seems to amaze me....

They're not a .500 team as currently constructed, even with improvements on offense and in their outfield defense, even if you assume that one of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, or (least likely) Lonnie Chisenhall takes a step forward. In fact, as good as Bourn is, Brantley actually had the better triple-slash line last year while playing in the better league, although he can't can't touch Bourn on defense or on the bases.

He followed up his tweet with the link to this story with a tweet about how offensive the he feels the Chief Wahoo logo is. Haters gonna hate.

He's always been a hater and hasn't been afraid to hide it. He denies it, but you can tell in everything he says...

In reference to your other post about a sign and trade.. I believe the MLB came out and said they outlawed that (could be wrong, but could swear I heard this).

There is a loop hole that would allow it, the player has to agree to the deal between both clubs and has to sign off on any deal (trade) before June 15 when signing a FA deal. The league did say they would not approve such a measure, seeing it as collusion, but there was a sense a team could challenge it, if the player agreed to the deal and signed off on it in advance. Systematically it would be working within the rules, yet against the nature of the rule itself.

I tend to believe this was down with some heavy lobbying from CA, MS and Francona. Dolan could not be perceived as cheap, after selling off STO and coming off of a horrendous season. This is a good showing on Dolans part as well as the FO for pursuing it.

[A.Zajac]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
hearing stubbs is the #indians most likely ouftield trade bait. the #mets need to line up there.

[GoTribe028]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
hearing stubbs is the #indians most likely ouftield trade bait. the #mets need to line up there.

AGGHHHH! You're always one step ahead!!!!!

[homerawayfromhome]

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
hearing stubbs is the #indians most likely ouftield trade bait. the #mets need to line up there.

AGGHHHH! You're always one step ahead!!!!!

Hope they keep him unless they can get a good young SP.

[GoTribe028]

This makes me crack up...Jose Canseco been tweeting out things like this most of today

@JoseCanseco: hey guys @indiansgm @markshapiro Scott is ready to go on Lohse get it closed. Don't forget we have that extra 3rd rnd pick. #rolltribe

[Chiefroy]

Chris Antonetti is on a roll.....

[GoTribe028]

@hoynsie: Here's breakdown on #Indians 4-year deal with Michael Bourn: $7 million 2013; $13.5 million 2014; $13.5 million 2015 and $14 million 2016.

@hoynsie: Daisuke Matsuzaka will be in Goodyear on Tues. for physical. Bourne coming Wed. for physical, Thursday for press conference. #Indians.

[A.Zajac]

@hoynsie: Here's breakdown on #Indians 4-year deal with Michael Bourn: $7 million 2013; $13.5 million 2014; $13.5 million 2015 and $14 million 2016.

@hoynsie: Daisuke Matsuzaka will be in Goodyear on Tues. for physical. Bourne coming Wed. for physical, Thursday for press conference. #Indians.

Nice Valentine's Day gift...

[homerawayfromhome]

@hoynsie: Here's breakdown on #Indians 4-year deal with Michael Bourn: $7 million 2013; $13.5 million 2014; $13.5 million 2015 and $14 million 2016.

@hoynsie: Daisuke Matsuzaka will be in Goodyear on Tues. for physical. Bourne coming Wed. for physical, Thursday for press conference. #Indians.

I like the way it's broke down, gives them flexibility...I think the payroll is roughly around $85M now. Also, backloaded when the TV money should be rolling in.

[dazindiansfanuk]

@hoynsie: Here's breakdown on #Indians 4-year deal with Michael Bourn: $7 million 2013; $13.5 million 2014; $13.5 million 2015 and $14 million 2016.

@hoynsie: Daisuke Matsuzaka will be in Goodyear on Tues. for physical. Bourne coming Wed. for physical, Thursday for press conference. #Indians.

I like the way it's broke down, gives them flexibility...I think the payroll is roughly around $85M now. Also, backloaded when the TV money should be rolling in.

Well, you can take the stance it gives them more flexibility this year..... or, if you're a cynic, and you're not convinced the TV money is a big deal you could take the stance that they're taking a run at winning this year, but may have to dump salary in the off-season to make room for the raises to Bourn ($6.5m raise) and Swisher ($4m) amongst others (Masterson, Cabrera, Perez etc).

[homerawayfromhome]

@hoynsie: Here's breakdown on #Indians 4-year deal with Michael Bourn: $7 million 2013; $13.5 million 2014; $13.5 million 2015 and $14 million 2016.

@hoynsie: Daisuke Matsuzaka will be in Goodyear on Tues. for physical. Bourne coming Wed. for physical, Thursday for press conference. #Indians.

I like the way it's broke down, gives them flexibility...I think the payroll is roughly around $85M now. Also, backloaded when the TV money should be rolling in.

Well, you can take the stance it gives them more flexibility this year..... or, if you're a cynic, and you're not convinced the TV money is a big deal you could take the stance that they're taking a run at winning this year, but may have to dump salary in the off-season to make room for the raises to Bourn ($6.5m raise) and Swisher ($4m) amongst others (Masterson, Cabrera, Perez etc).

I don't expect that they'll be spending more this season unless they move some salary. As for next season, I expect we will see a few these guys moved either at the trade deadline or during the coming offseason. I think Masterson depends on 1 how he pitches this season and 2 if he's willing to sign an extension.

[GeronimoSon]

So, if no other moves are made between now and the trading deadline, then the Indians could possibly trade Bourn to a team in need of a lead off hitter without the collusion/spirit of the rule issue. Because of the structure of the deal, the cost would be relatively minimal.. Seems as if this makes a trading deadline move almost likely to occur, but only if the Indians are not in the race...

[GoTribe028]

Interesting comments from a couple former Indians

@DKnobler: CC Sabathia on Bourn signing: "I never got a free agent like that when I was there. Good for them."

@castrovince: I broke the Michael Bourn news to Victor Martinez. "Wow," he said. "I guess they want to win now, huh? How 'bout that?" #Indians

And I found this comment from Swisher a bit interesting too

@

hoynsie: Nick Swisher on anticipated move to first base: That's the position
I thought I was going to play when I signed.

[GoTribe028]

For us fans that are greedy these days....fwiw regarding Lohse

@BJRains: Cards GM John Mozeliak says club is happy with pitching depth and won't pursue outside options at this point. #stlcards

[GoTribe028]

@JonHeymanCBS: #indians plan is for swisher to play 1B (& some OF), reynolds to DH (& some 1B/3B). not "looking to move" stubbs/brantley

[criznit2009]

Time to pee on the blanket.....

I love this off-season... It is a COMPLETE OPPPOSITE of how the team has run itself over the past several seasons.

For those of applauding C.A and his co-horts (not named Francona) for getting this done, I'd like you remind you again - this is a complete 180 in direction on how they have molded the ML team over the last 5+ seasons

So if you were a fan of CA before this off-season, I wonder if you are puzzled.... For all your spouting on and on, about how to build a team and defending the F.O for making the right moves, BEFORE this off-season how do you explain yrselves now? Now that they are doing most everything many of complained (or as G'son likes to say whine) about while you were saying we had it wrong and CA/F.O had it right.

For all of you that defended the F.O up until this off-season started - how do you feel about your guy drastically changing his methods? Or is he out of the loop now? Sure as I mentioned times before, Francona is calling a lot of the shots. Why do you think he came here - seriously? He decides the roster and most things ML related - not CA, IMO.

I love this off-season it has been fantastic - but C.A deserves about as much credit for it as I do (Choo trade was nice - but I wonder how much he was involved). It has been Francona and DOLANS MONEY that have got it done... Geeez - that's funny - Dolans wallet almost single handedly building this team into a contender... How many of you used to "whine" that wasn't the problem and that us block heads calling Dolan out had no idea.....

[GeronimoSon]

Criz.. doing a quick blow by on the math.. The Indians, with about 8 "league minimum" players added came to a regular payroll number of about $ 70 MM. The 2013 payroll w/ about 8 "league minimum" players comes to about $ 78 MM. The difference is about 10 %. So, it's not like Mr Dolan is "breaking the bank" or deficit spending. The composition of the squad was significantly changed by subtraction: Fausto/Grady/Duncan/Hafner/others, and by the addition of FA's & trades. At the end of the equation the increase is subtle, but, an increase, none the less.

The perception by the fans of Mr Dolan, i.e. that he is willing to spend, on the other hand.. is significantly different, imho.... At the end of the day, Mr Dolan is operating the club just the way he's been doing it all along, but, now, he's got good press clippings and a lot more expectations..

Those expectations can be damning, especially if the starting pitching staff pitches like they did in 2012...

[A.Zajac]

Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisBA
Roughly $8.2 mil before, about $6.1 mil now, based on projected 6% increase. @chrismwebb: #Indians #mlbdraft pool now vs. if no picks lost?

[A.Zajac]

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN
Other GMs have speculated that maybe CLE would go after Lohse for the same reasons they signed Bourn, but I was told that won't happen.

[criznit2009]

Criz.. doing a quick blow by on the math.. The Indians, with about 8 "league minimum" players added came to a regular payroll number of about $ 70 MM. The 2013 payroll w/ about 8 "league minimum" players comes to about $ 78 MM. The difference is about 10 %. So, it's not like Mr Dolan is "breaking the bank" or deficit spending. The composition of the squad was significantly changed by subtraction: Fausto/Grady/Duncan/Hafner/others, and by the addition of FA's & trades. At the end of the equation the increase is subtle, but, an increase, none the less.

The perception by the fans of Mr Dolan, i.e. that he is willing to spend, on the other hand.. is significantly different, imho.... At the end of the day, Mr Dolan is operating the club just the way he's been doing it all along, but, now, he's got good press clippings and a lot more expectations..

Those expectations can be damning, especially if the starting pitching staff pitches like they did in 2012...

Um what? When is the last time we signed multiple bonda-fide FA ML players in the same off-season? When was the last time we signed multiple FA"s to multi-year deals... Don't you remember the Willingham situation? Do you think CA or Dolan made the decision 3 yrs was too much? Cough cough DOLAN. Now we sign 2 guys to 4-5 yr deals.

Dolan clearly spent alot of money this off season. Dolan clealy had to sign off on such major contracts. This is clearly a 100% different approach to building the team.

Nice spin though.

I know Hafner was a huge drain on the budget. But if you look how money was allocated in previous years in regards to spending on players and now - it is night and day.

[GeronimoSon]

Criz.. doing a quick blow by on the math.. The Indians, with about 8 "league minimum" players added came to a regular payroll number of about $ 70 MM. The 2013 payroll w/ about 8 "league minimum" players comes to about $ 78 MM. The difference is about 10 %. So, it's not like Mr Dolan is "breaking the bank" or deficit spending. The composition of the squad was significantly changed by subtraction: Fausto/Grady/Duncan/Hafner/others, and by the addition of FA's & trades. At the end of the equation the increase is subtle, but, an increase, none the less.

The perception by the fans of Mr Dolan, i.e. that he is willing to spend, on the other hand.. is significantly different, imho.... At the end of the day, Mr Dolan is operating the club just the way he's been doing it all along, but, now, he's got good press clippings and a lot more expectations..

Those expectations can be damning, especially if the starting pitching staff pitches like they did in 2012...

Um what? When is the last time we signed multiple bonda-fide FA ML players in the same off-season? When was the last time we signed multiple FA"s to multi-year deals... Don't you remember the Willingham situation? Do you think CA or Dolan made the decision 3 yrs was too much? Cough cough DOLAN. Now we sign 2 guys to 4-5 yr deals.

Dolan clearly spent alot of money this off season. Dolan clealy had to sign off on such major contracts. This is clearly a 100% different approach to building the team.

Nice spin though.

I know Hafner was a huge drain on the budget. But if you look how money was allocated in previous years in regards to spending on players and now - it is night and day.

Criz.. I don't see it as a spin.. The Indians organization realized a small profit from the sale of STO and have revenue increases slated for the 2014 season via the new national TV deal. In short, it's more of the same. Whatever revenues are generated, Mr Dolan is applying to the squad. If it's an existing free agent or an open market free agent, the money is still the same color, it just has a different label. <shrugs>

[GeronimoSon]

Multiple Free Agents question: sorry I ignored that completely. The Indians have a track record with ML FA's that is pretty lousy. For the most part, ML FA's are notoriously poor uses of scarce resources or end up in the diminishing returns column. For this reason, the Indians haven't delved much in that market. It should be noted that the Indians, in the past, were shopping for FA's in the bargain bin, for the most part.. There was little chance the Indians were going to acquire Albert or CC or Josh.. or.. ________________________ <==== fill in name of A-List FA..

[criznit2009]

Thanks for a good discussion G'son - though we may have different opinions at least we can both agree that the tribe kicked ass this off-season and well..... Its not even over yet!!!!

[A.Zajac]

MLB Draft ‏@MLBDraft
.@Indians cede what's currently #69 for Bourn. Past 20 #69s: W.Mathisen, A.Houser, K.Sweeney, T.Bushue, J.Darnell, J.Fields, W.Hodges (1/2)

MLB Draft ‏@MLBDraft
J.Lansford, R.Liotta, L.Palmisano, J.Womack, N.Cotts, M.Schultz, B.King, A.Hart, E.Glaser, Y.Lachapelle, B.Arroyo, P.Failla, J.Roskos (2/2)

[daingean]

Time to pee on the blanket.....

I love this off-season... It is a COMPLETE OPPPOSITE of how the team has run itself over the past several seasons.

For those of applauding C.A and his co-horts (not named Francona) for getting this done, I'd like you remind you again - this is a complete 180 in direction on how they have molded the ML team over the last 5+ seasons

So if you were a fan of CA before this off-season, I wonder if you are puzzled.... For all your spouting on and on, about how to build a team and defending the F.O for making the right moves, BEFORE this off-season how do you explain yrselves now? Now that they are doing most everything many of complained (or as G'son likes to say whine) about while you were saying we had it wrong and CA/F.O had it right.

For all of you that defended the F.O up until this off-season started - how do you feel about your guy drastically changing his methods? Or is he out of the loop now? Sure as I mentioned times before, Francona is calling a lot of the shots. Why do you think he came here - seriously? He decides the roster and most things ML related - not CA, IMO.

I love this off-season it has been fantastic - but C.A deserves about as much credit for it as I do (Choo trade was nice - but I wonder how much he was involved). It has been Francona and DOLANS MONEY that have got it done... Geeez - that's funny - Dolans wallet almost single handedly building this team into a contender... How many of you used to "whine" that wasn't the problem and that us block heads calling Dolan out had no idea.....

I was very critical of CA and company after no moves last summer (and off season before that) but have to give credit where credit is due and this team is far and away better now than any time since 2007. Adding Bourn, Swisher, Stubbs, and Reynolds to the line-up really improves this team (although we will pile up K's with Bourn, Stubbs and Reynolds but K's are outs like any other as long as the other AB's produce runs.)

1. there is a change in philosophy but w/o impact bats & arms ready to graduate, the team had to explore the FA market (but they did more than I expected)

2. Hafner and Sizemore's contracts really did hamper the FO but even with them gone the team did take it up a notch.

3. I think this team may be done unless a BP arm is moved for a LHRP or to acquire the rights to send McGuinness down after ST.

I think the team will keep Carrera on the 40 because as I see it, speed is a nice thing to have on the bench

[GeronimoSon]

Thanks for a good discussion G'son - though we may have different opinions at least we can both agree that the tribe kicked ass this off-season and well..... Its not even over yet!!!!

Well.. thank you. I do appreciate a banter/repartee.. You see.. I've stated this in the past.. I am an acquired taste. People usually feel compelled to disagree with me as I present cogent and nonsensical responses in a condescending manner.. it's done by force of habit, not intentionally. And, I know I'm doing it..Sometimes it's done for response. Sometimes the response becomes what I call the shortest distance between two points (a curved line that has no arc) It's why someone like Rusty Mike want's to do a debate at high noon for money or so that can sell Tony's books or something.. I can't for the life of me figure out that guy's motivations. (pssst. I don't want to, either...he's just OUT THERE). The season is just getting going. We'll have a dozen and a half ST games followed by the opening of the season.. Between now and then.. there should be some pretty good debates on who should be doing what for the Tribe..

Oh.. and going to the games is a given. We'll be at about 22 to 28 games this season, and, just added to the must see games, the July 13th ORPHAN that has no local TV coverage..

[GeronimoSon]

I'd absolutely look for a minor move or two involving a bullpen arm or two..AND in the next few days. The return may be anything from the next Giovanni Soto to cash considerations to allow a spot on the 40 man to open up..

[Chip Davis]

Good ole Keith Law never seems to amaze me....

They're not a .500 team as currently constructed, even with improvements on offense and in their outfield defense, even if you assume that one of Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, or (least likely) Lonnie Chisenhall takes a step forward. In fact, as good as Bourn is, Brantley actually had the better triple-slash line last year while playing in the better league, although he can't can't touch Bourn on defense or on the bases.

He followed up his tweet with the link to this story with a tweet about how offensive the he feels the Chief Wahoo logo is. Haters gonna hate.

I hate that PC garbage... I read somewhere recently, where native Americans found that names of sports teams ie: Seminoles, Redskins, Braves, Indians...were unoffensive, and actually helped keep the heritage in the forefront. Btw, my wife is a Native American, she thinks the Cleveland Indians (and their history) are cool and so do most of the people I've met from her Tribe.

I'm just a blonde haired, blue eyed cracker, but I've never looked at the Indians' name or logo as a racial insult. I always thought it to be a "homage" of sorts to the Native population in the area when it was settled. Law is a choad and I've never respected his ignorant opinions on anything, especially related to baseball.

[Hermie13]

Mike Carp DFAed by the Mariners. Bit surprised there. Not a great platoon option with Stubbs but I think he'd still be a nice LH bench option in Cleveland.

[Hermie13]

CF Bourn
2B Kipnis
SS Cabrera
C Santana
RF Swisher
1B Reynolds
LF Brantley
3B Chisenhall
DH Stubbs/Aviles

Not bad but feel its too low on Brantley.

Personally would like to see:

Bourne - CF
Swisher - 1B/RF
Brantley - LF
Santana - C
Cabrera - SS
Kipnis - 2B
Reynolds - DH/1B
Chisenhall - 3B
Stubbs/Giambi (or Carrera or someone that can hit righties) - RF/DH

Swisher was a 2-hole guy in NY. Has power but more an OBP guy. Giles-lite. Want his OBP near the top of the lineup. Brantley hits well with men on base and puts ball in play. Let him knock in Bourne and Swisher. Santana has the power potential and OBP skill to be the cleanup guy. Cabrera in the 5 hole will seem low but OBP isn't great and has pop to still drive in Santana and Brantley. Kipnis, Reynolds, Chisenhall, and Stubbs is a not too shabby 6-9.


What I think we will see though is:

Bourn - CF
Brantley - LF
Cabrera - SS
Swisher - 1B
Santana - C
Kipnis - 2B
Reynolds - DH
Chisenhall - 3B
Stubbs - RF

[GeronimoSon]

moved...

[homerawayfromhome]

Mike Carp DFAed by the Mariners. Bit surprised there. Not a great platoon option with Stubbs but I think he'd still be a nice LH bench option in Cleveland.

I think Carp would be a decent bench piece, but not sure that they are interested after picking up Giambi, at this point Carp seems like he'd be more of the same with McDade and McGuiness on the roster.

If the Tribe does anything else, it will probably be along the lines of a minor trade. I don't see the necessity to trade Stubbs unless they can get a solid SP in return.

[GoTribe028]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

[GeronimoSon]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

These are the kinds of 'postings' via twitter and other avenues that just rankle your nose.. The posting should read "other teams want to talk about something at some time".. clear as a bell...

[A.Zajac]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

I still get the feeling Stubbs will be moved. Whether it be in spring training, the trading deadline... I think it ultimately comes down to pitching. I don't feel confident about the rotation and as spring training goes on, I don't think the Tribe brass will be either.

[GoTribe028]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

These are the kinds of 'postings' via twitter and other avenues that just rankle your nose.. The posting should read "other teams want to talk about something at some time".. clear as a bell...

Don't see how Jon Heyman tweeting that the Indians are getting calls on their OF, when its clear that they could very easily move one is any different than 20+ pages of a message board thread between a handful of us baseball dorks speculating on how good a deal the Indians will get for a shortstop that they may or may not move.

What is the big deal about Heymans tweet?

[GeronimoSon]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

I still get the feeling Stubbs will be moved. Whether it be in spring training, the trading deadline... I think it ultimately comes down to pitching. I don't feel confident about the rotation and as spring training goes on, I don't think the Tribe brass will be either.

There was a "rumble" to that effect (Stubbs being on the trade market) the day Bourn's signing was announced.. the source was in Philadelphia and concerned getting a RH OF'er/defensive specialist that could step in. The only name that was 'proffered' as a return was Adam Morgan, a MOR/BOR type SP candidate that's about two years away from mattering to the parent club, if ever. The idea was shot down by Phillie fans as they seem to believe Darin Ruf is the ANSWER to the outfield deficiencies the Phillies have & the Phillies didn't need someone who will strike out once in every three at bats.. Otherwise.. no other whispers have been forthcoming..

[homerawayfromhome]

Personally, I think the plan is to go with it as is, nothing wrong with noting the Tribe is getting phone calls...there is a difference in making phone calls and getting them, FWIW.

I'd prefer to see what Stubbs can do here before considering a move, his value could go up, IMO.

[Rocky55]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

I still get the feeling Stubbs will be moved. Whether it be in spring training, the trading deadline... I think it ultimately comes down to pitching. I don't feel confident about the rotation and as spring training goes on, I don't think the Tribe brass will be either.

Are you hearing something Andrew or is this just opinion? I don't think anyone could feel confident about the rotation but I'm not sure any return for Stubbs would help; or are you thinking Stubbs + prospect(s)?

Who knows, the speed & defense in the OF might constitute an upgrade for the pitching staff. Can't hurt. Plus, Stubbs in RF keeps a glove off of Reynolds' hand, which is a good thing.

[A.Zajac]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

I still get the feeling Stubbs will be moved. Whether it be in spring training, the trading deadline... I think it ultimately comes down to pitching. I don't feel confident about the rotation and as spring training goes on, I don't think the Tribe brass will be either.

Are you hearing something Andrew or is this just opinion? I don't think anyone could feel confident about the rotation but I'm not sure any return for Stubbs would help; or are you thinking Stubbs + prospect(s)?

Who knows, the speed & defense in the OF might constitute an upgrade for the pitching staff. Can't hurt. Plus, Stubbs in RF keeps a glove off of Reynolds' hand, which is a good thing.

Just a gut feeling on this one. Generally if I hear anything, I'll post the source. This is speculation on my part. Me personally, I want Stubbs to stay, at least through this season and then re-evaluate at season's end.

[homerawayfromhome]

FWIW

@JonHeymanCBS: predictably, #indians are getting calls on brantley/stubbs. current plan is to keep both but folks suspects stubbs will go

I still get the feeling Stubbs will be moved. Whether it be in spring training, the trading deadline... I think it ultimately comes down to pitching. I don't feel confident about the rotation and as spring training goes on, I don't think the Tribe brass will be either.

Are you hearing something Andrew or is this just opinion? I don't think anyone could feel confident about the rotation but I'm not sure any return for Stubbs would help; or are you thinking Stubbs + prospect(s)?

Who knows, the speed & defense in the OF might constitute an upgrade for the pitching staff. Can't hurt. Plus, Stubbs in RF keeps a glove off of Reynolds' hand, which is a good thing.

Just a gut feeling on this one. Generally if I hear anything, I'll post the source. This is speculation on my part. Me personally, I want Stubbs to stay, at least through this season and then re-evaluate at season's end.

Agreed, like to see them keep him for a whole season and see what he can do. Im really intrigued to see what this OF can do too, probably wont be many fly balls drop in, with that speed. I do have the feeling that he's movable though. At this point I'm not convinced his return would be equal to his value to the Indians.

[BrianM]

I agree Homer. Were probably not gonna get Major league pitching for him. I love the versatility this year and I am very interested in seeing if we can start using some platoons that actually work.

[homerawayfromhome]

I agree Homer. Were probably not gonna get Major league pitching for him. I love the versatility this year and I am very interested in seeing if we can start using some platoons that actually work.

I'm not overly, concerned that Stubbs has to have a handcuff / platoon partner. I think he will be a better player away form Cincinnati. Another thing with him hitting at or near the ninth spot will take pressure off. How good it feels to have Michael Bourn on board, really changes a number of dynamics for this club. I'm super excited to see what they can do. It really makes me wish I lived back home, maybe someday.

[Hermie13]

I agree Homer. Were probably not gonna get Major league pitching for him. I love the versatility this year and I am very interested in seeing if we can start using some platoons that actually work.

I'm not overly, concerned that Stubbs has to have a handcuff / platoon partner. I think he will be a better player away form Cincinnati. Another thing with him hitting at or near the ninth spot will take pressure off. How good it feels to have Michael Bourn on board, really changes a number of dynamics for this club. I'm super excited to see what they can do. It really makes me wish I lived back home, maybe someday.

I hope you are right homer.

But that's the first time I think I have ever seen someone say they think a hitter will be better away from Cincinnati. That's one of the best hitters parks in baseball and Stubbs has been better at home than on the road. Maybe the Tribe coaches can fix him but he's been pretty dreadful against righties for 2 straight years now. Not the best thing when the division favorites have potentially 5 righties in their rotation...

Do agree hitting at the bottom of the order should help but I'd personally feel a lot better with platoon option around.

[GeronimoSon]

I agree Homer. Were probably not gonna get Major league pitching for him. I love the versatility this year and I am very interested in seeing if we can start using some platoons that actually work.

I'm not overly, concerned that Stubbs has to have a handcuff / platoon partner. I think he will be a better player away form Cincinnati. Another thing with him hitting at or near the ninth spot will take pressure off. How good it feels to have Michael Bourn on board, really changes a number of dynamics for this club. I'm super excited to see what they can do. It really makes me wish I lived back home, maybe someday.

I hope you are right homer.

But that's the first time I think I have ever seen someone say they think a hitter will be better away from Cincinnati. That's one of the best hitters parks in baseball and Stubbs has been better at home than on the road. Maybe the Tribe coaches can fix him but he's been pretty dreadful against righties for 2 straight years now. Not the best thing when the division favorites have potentially 5 righties in their rotation...

Do agree hitting at the bottom of the order should help but I'd personally feel a lot better with platoon option around.

Hermie.. actually.. it looks like Cincinnati's assistant hitting coach, Ronnie Ortegon , is helping him out:

... He (Stubbs) spent the winter working with Ronnie Ortegon, the Reds' new assistant hitting coach, and junked his leg kick in favor of a more abbreviated toe tap that he will use as a trigger mechanism in his swing.

Stubbs is hoping to emulate the success of former Arizona Fall League teammate Austin Jackson, who took a major step forward as a hitter after jettisoning his leg kick for a toe tap. Jackson raised his batting average from .249 to .300 and cut his strikeout total markedly in 137 games with Detroit. ...

He may still need to have a platoon partner, but, at the very least, it appears that Drew Stubbs is taking the trade from the Reds as serious as a heart attack...

[OhioBaseball]

Vegas came out with over/under win totals. Cleveland Indians' number is 77 1/2 games. Odds to win the AL at 40/1. I'd put a hundo on the over

[GoTribe028]

Twins signed Rafael Perez to a minor league deal, will work him as a starter. Best of luck to Perez left!

From Mlbtraderumors

The Twins signed left-handed reliever Rafael Perez to a minor league deal, La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports (on Twitter). Agent Drew Seccafico represents Perez.

The Indians designated Perez for assignment in late November then non-tendered him two days later (he had been a non-tender candidate with a projected salary of $2MM). GM Chris Antonetti expressed interest in re-signing the 30-year-old, who has spent his entire seven-year career with Cleveland.

Perez appeared in just eight games last year, spending considerable time on the disabled list with a strained lat. Perez has career a 3.64 ERA with 7.3 K/9, 3.2 BB/9 and a 54.5% ground ball rate. Assistant GM Rob Antony said the team plans see if Perez can start, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports (on Twitter).