MLB Hot Stove

[GeronimoSon]

Seems as if the Cardinal fans have their noses out of joint concerning some of the things being said about their precious prospects.. lol..

[GoTribe028]

Just a name I would keep an eye on if he was available at the right price is J.A. Happ. If something happens with Kazmir, or the Indians decide they simply aren't satisfied with all their options.

Just found this interesting on MLBtraderumors

J.A. Happ, also a subject of trade rumors, is frustrated by his role with the Blue Jays and sees himself as a Major League starting pitcher, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm (Twitter links). Happ, as quoted by Chisholm on Twitter, realizes he is auditioning for other teams, "I know there are other people in the stands as well so I'm trying to just keep my routine and we'll see what happens."

[homerawayfromhome]

Just a name I would keep an eye on if he was available at the right price is J.A. Happ. If something happens with Kazmir, or the Indians decide they simply aren't satisfied with all their options.

Just found this interesting on MLBtraderumors

J.A. Happ, also a subject of trade rumors, is frustrated by his role with the Blue Jays and sees himself as a Major League starting pitcher, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm (Twitter links). Happ, as quoted by Chisholm on Twitter, realizes he is auditioning for other teams, "I know there are other people in the stands as well so I'm trying to just keep my routine and we'll see what happens."

I think he could be a useful piece, what do think he will cost?

On another note, Carrera is showing some good speed on the bases seems like he's auditioning himself...he seems likely to be dealt in a minor PTBNL / cash move at some point. Maybe the Tribe could snag a small portion ($50k) of another teams IFA spending pool in return.

[GeronimoSon]

Just a name I would keep an eye on if he was available at the right price is J.A. Happ. If something happens with Kazmir, or the Indians decide they simply aren't satisfied with all their options.

Just found this interesting on MLBtraderumors

J.A. Happ, also a subject of trade rumors, is frustrated by his role with the Blue Jays and sees himself as a Major League starting pitcher, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm (Twitter links). Happ, as quoted by Chisholm on Twitter, realizes he is auditioning for other teams, "I know there are other people in the stands as well so I'm trying to just keep my routine and we'll see what happens."

I think he could be a useful piece, what do think he will cost?

On another note, Carrera is showing some good speed on the bases seems like he's auditioning himself...he seems likely to be dealt in a minor PTBNL / cash move at some point. Maybe the Tribe could snag a small portion ($50k) of another teams IFA spending pool in return.

He'd be an interesting addition.. a lefty who may be better suited as a longman/spot starter.. He's entering into his arb II season@ $3.7 MM, so, there is one additional year of control before he's a FA. His cost is high enough & the results are poor enough that he shouldn't be too expensive.. but it begs the question.. why would you want that guy?.. Perhaps, if Mickey can find whatever it is that has prevented him from being successful, then maybe.. An interesting potential.. none the less...

[homerawayfromhome]

Happ might be a bit too expensive, forgot he was making near $4 M. That could rule him out.

[homerawayfromhome]

Apparently, Ben Francisco didn't have to wait long for his next gig. Word is the Yanks have signed him.

[GeronimoSon]

Apparently, Ben Francisco didn't have to wait long for his next gig. Word is the Yanks have signed him.

Yep.. they snatched him right up..off to Florida he goes..

[homerawayfromhome]

Now that Frank Herrmann has had TJ he is a likely candidate to be moved to the 60 day DL at some point in the near future. He could clear the way for one of Kazmir, Raburn and Giambi.

[MadThinker88]

Now that Frank Herrmann has had TJ he is a likely candidate to be moved to the 60 day DL at some point in the near future. He could clear the way for one of Kazmir, Raburn and Giambi.

As the year goes on (or turns over), it will be interesting to see how the returns of Tomlin, Wood and eventually Herrmann are handled. Something to watch....

[criznit2009]

Now that Frank Herrmann has had TJ he is a likely candidate to be moved to the 60 day DL at some point in the near future. He could clear the way for one of Kazmir, Raburn and Giambi.

As the year goes on (or turns over), it will be interesting to see how the returns of Tomlin, Wood and eventually Herrmann are handled. Something to watch....

Herrmann won't factor into this years roster other than a spot on the 60 day DL. Truthfully, being able to 60 day DL him is a good thing for tribe. It may sound harsh, but he was on the short list of potential cuts and for now he sticks around and the team gets a roster spot. Tomlin is not much of a factor, just like before he will have to out perform to return to the starting rotation IMO. Wood is a wild card, could provide some late season reinforcement but there are ALOT of reinforcement options this year so he will have to be GOOD to wear chief wahoo on his sleeve as G'son would say.

Other notes..

Ubaldo - I'm still not drinking the kool-aid. no walks in 5 innings is GREAT, but 7 hits - SUCKS. He gets around 10 starts this year before decisions get made. Francona won't allow last years Ubaldo to remain on the team. Enough options exist to pull the plug or BP Ubaldo. It is as it has always (but maybe more meaningful to him this year) been. It's up to him to put up the numbers... Good ones.

Phelps. Why wouldn't a national league team call the tribe about Phelps? Throw in Carrera and that should net something more than cash..... The tribe are wise to not sell low on Phelps IMO, I still feel he could get decent (platoon/PH) ML playing time at 2B if not more. He is not that valuable trade-wise and looks quite trapped given the current middle infield of the tribe, but he could be pretty useful to another team in some way I think.

[TheWord]

I'd probably rather have cash than the player that Phelps and Carrera would net them.

I don't see a team burning two 40-man spots for those guys.

[homerawayfromhome]

Now that Frank Herrmann has had TJ he is a likely candidate to be moved to the 60 day DL at some point in the near future. He could clear the way for one of Kazmir, Raburn and Giambi.

As the year goes on (or turns over), it will be interesting to see how the returns of Tomlin, Wood and eventually Herrmann are handled. Something to watch....

Of those three I think Wood could have the most impact, assuming he returns to health late summer. He (Wood) was tabbed a potential closer in the past w/ KC. Wood throws gas so it will be interesting to see what goes down once returns to health. Wood certainly if healthy provides another intriguing option.

[Hermie13]

Boesch was let go by the Tigers. Know the Tribe has a few bench bits in camp but he's a guy I wouldn't mind seeing on the bench and sharing time with Stubbs in RF. really struggled last year but near .800 OPS in 2011 (and .814 OPS against righties). Probably will end up elsewhere but like him more than Carrera and better field option than Giambi.

[MadThinker88]

Now that Frank Herrmann has had TJ he is a likely candidate to be moved to the 60 day DL at some point in the near future. He could clear the way for one of Kazmir, Raburn and Giambi.

As the year goes on (or turns over), it will be interesting to see how the returns of Tomlin, Wood and eventually Herrmann are handled. Something to watch....

Of those three I think Wood could have the most impact, assuming he returns to health late summer. He (Wood) was tabbed a potential closer in the past w/ KC. Wood throws gas so it will be interesting to see what goes down once returns to health. Wood certainly if healthy provides another intriguing option.

I get the sense people misunderstood where I was headed with the post. Allow me to restate and explain.
The 60 day DL does not exist year round so depending how these guys are, eventually a decision will need to be made: do they get re-added to the normal 40 man roster or not.

Additionally, while Frank the Tank is unlikely to pitch to some level of competition the rest of this year, both Wood and Tomlin should be reaching those rehab points during the year. Rehab stints for pitchers are limited to 30 days so once those guys are ready to get beyond extended spring training and head into the minors for competition rehab, there will a ticking clock. Now I grant you that it is possible to option the guys to the minors, but the fact is they will need 40 man roster at that point. Who makes way for each of those spots will be interesting to watch.

[homerawayfromhome]

Some rumblings the Angels are looking for a backup C and some relief P (mlbtraderumors.com). I doubt the Tribe trades Marson yet but the Tribe does have a number of arms they could move. The Tribe will have to decide what to do with the depth Matt Capps is a guy who might get traded or released. He seems to be healthy but likely won't bring back a max return, Capps could however stick around and show he's healthy for a month or two before being traded or released from his contract.

Btw, I expect we will see the Tribe make a move for Chris McGuiness at some point soon, maybe this week. The Tribe seemingly would like to keep him.

The Cards are reportedly looking for a SS something that has not died all offseason is rumors of a potential ACab deal. It seems unlikely but you never know...recent rumors have the Cards pursuing Yunesky Betancourt in a minor move. But it could be intriguing with rumors the Cards also looked into Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris of the Astros. It makes me wonder if they might look to add one and possibly trade another young arm or two in a separate deal.

[GeronimoSon]

Some rumblings the Angels are looking for a backup C and some relief P (mlbtraderumors.com). I doubt the Tribe trades Marson yet but the Tribe does have a number of arms they could move. The Tribe will have to decide what to do with the depth Matt Capps is a guy who might get traded or released. He seems to be healthy but likely won't bring back a max return, Capps could however stick around and show he's healthy for a month or two before being traded or released from his contract.

Btw, I expect we will see the Tribe make a move for Chris McGuiness at some point soon, maybe this week. The Tribe seemingly would like to keep him.

The Cards are reportedly looking for a SS something that has not died all offseason is rumors of a potential ACab deal. It seems unlikely but you never know...recent rumors have the Cards pursuing Yunesky Betancourt in a minor move. But it could be intriguing with rumors the Cards also looked into Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris of the Astros. It makes me wonder if they might look to add one and possibly trade another young arm or two in a separate deal.

Tigers too..but it would unusual for the Indians & Tigers to make a deal within the division.. It's been done before, but, not without impetus from an external source (Jhonny P to the Tigers for Gio Soto and salary relief/performance relief). It appears that once Bruce Rondon was told he was going to be the closer/his job to lose, he got tighter than a snare drum and couldn't perform. After it was revealed Bruce Rondon would be part of a bullpen by committee, his performance improved dramatically.. You'd think that after two plus year of Papa Grande and his high maintenance countenance, Jim Leyland would want a guy who was just a wee bit better at controlling his emotions..

The Cardinals have decided to go into the season with the Wizard of Koz as their SS.. backed up unably by Daniel Descalso. The Cards will also be looking at dumping Ronny Cedeno & eating his contract.. After all this time, the Cards & their Gm has chosen a path that might be best described as a prescription for disaster.. It wouldn't be a HUGE surprise to see trade discussions revisited at some point.. it may be Aviles instead of Asdrubal. depending on how well Ryan "Spring Training MVP" Rayburn opens the new season & if he can hold off the hard charging Juan Diaz.. (Btw.. Diaz was impressive in this year's Big League ST efforts with the glove and his strong arm.. He was also able to hold his own at bat in his few chances.. Half of his hits were for extra bases.. He was very impressive indeed..)

[homerawayfromhome]

I agree, Aviles could get sent off instead of ACab. It would be a less dramatic move to trade Aviles for a young SP than say moving ACab. I'm kind of undecided what kind of value Aviles brings back...could Aviles net Joe Kelly straight up? I still think it will end up ACab being traded at some point, but you never know.

I like the depth Diaz offers the club and he's still young enough to get a bit better. Personally, I think he could end up a utility type...just seems like a guy that could have the ability to man a few other spots. Maybe he gets some time around the INF and OF corners at some point in the future, versatility certainly would not hurt him, but that would seem to a last resort type of move. I expect he will continue to develop as a SS.

[ChadS17]

I agree, Aviles could get sent off instead of ACab. It would be a less dramatic move to trade Aviles for a young SP than say moving ACab. I'm kind of undecided what kind of value Aviles brings back...could Aviles net Joe Kelly straight up? I still think it will end up ACab being traded at some point, but you never know.

I like the depth Diaz offers the club and he's still young enough to get a bit better. Personally, I think he could end up a utility type...just seems like a guy that could have the ability to man a few other spots. Maybe he gets some time around the INF and OF corners at some point in the future, versatility certainly would not hurt him, but that would seem to a last resort type of move. I expect he will continue to develop as a SS.

Highly doubt it. Aviles didn't even net Esmil Rogers straight up.

[homerawayfromhome]

Could be all about timing and need but Id think Kelly is what they'd ask for.

[GeronimoSon]

Could be all about timing and need but Id think Kelly is what they'd ask for.

After watching both Kelly and Lynn struggle with their command.. struggle to maintain their velocity.. struggle to maintain their control in the middle parts of spring training.. IDK that I'd want either right now.. maybe the Indians should wait..

[GeronimoSon]

mlb tr: The long wait is over: the Brewers will sign Kyle Lohse, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Lohse will receive a three-year, $33MM contract, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today....

Okay, this one is for the "What if" before the fact column.. Given the choice of 4 years of Bourn at $ 12MM/yr or 3 years of Lohse at $ 11MM/yr, which would benefit the Indians more?..

Opinions?

[daingean]

mlb tr: The long wait is over: the Brewers will sign Kyle Lohse, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Lohse will receive a three-year, $33MM contract, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today....

Okay, this one is for the "What if" before the fact column.. Given the choice of 4 years of Bourn at $ 12MM/yr or 3 years of Lohse at $ 11MM/yr, which would benefit the Indians more?..

Opinions?

I'm not one that thought that Lohse would be worth the money. I think he's had 2 good seasons but several years of mediocre pitching prior to that. It was my opinion that there was a greater chance that he would tank than have success (51%-49%). I just think too many teams are of the same opinion which is why he wasn't signed. Sure the forfeiture of a draft pick made the prospect of him signing more remote but I think he was holding out for his pay day (which he should at age 33).

Now as for Bourn, I think he's on the downside of his career but still has productivity for a few years. He's got excellent speed and defence and still a productive bat. I think he slumped a bit in the 2nd half of last year because he got home run happy (career high + contract year). I don't think we'll get the Bourn of 2011 but still think we'll get a quality player for the next few years.

I'd value Lohse at $5mil a year (and he won't come to C-Town for that) and Bourn at $9mil a year. The Tribe went to $12mil for Bourn and that's okay. Going $11mil for Lohse is like the Hafner signing (imo) and would hurt this team more than it would help. I'm just not a Lohse fan going forward.

[A.Zajac]

mlb tr: The long wait is over: the Brewers will sign Kyle Lohse, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Lohse will receive a three-year, $33MM contract, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today....

Okay, this one is for the "What if" before the fact column.. Given the choice of 4 years of Bourn at $ 12MM/yr or 3 years of Lohse at $ 11MM/yr, which would benefit the Indians more?..

Opinions?

Bourn > Lohse.

[BrianM]

^ Agree

[criznit2009]

Well EZ is definitely on the hot seat and Huffs is cooler. I have to think that there is/will be some interest in Carrera out there. Seems like a good depth bench guy for an NL team looking to add some speed, being able to back up center field is a plus too.

Not that he is worth much alone, I could still see a cash/PTBNL deal - and actually leaning towards a player. Plus it would be easy to add a non-roster piece if an actual deal could be swung. There is no way he doesn't get claimed by somebody ultimately, and hopefully the F.O can make something out of nothing.

Depending on how the pitchers start flooding out into the open market over the next few sun cycles or so, Huff could stir interest but realistically but I don't see much interest in Huff and even if he is claimed I don't think it matters.

[homerawayfromhome]

The recent signing of Kyle Lohse will add essentially a late first round pick to the Cards already deep farm sysytem this summer. The addition of this draft pick will give the Cards further potential to make a move for a SS and to offset any talent that is necessary to acq. this piece.

[GoTribe028]

Don't see it happening, but I hope the reports of the Indians (among many others) scouting Chris Capuano are true. The few spring training games aired on tv haven't been the most inspiring pitching performances overall.

Long way to go, but this starting staff......

[GeronimoSon]

The recent signing of Kyle Lohse will add essentially a late first round pick to the Cards already deep farm sysytem this summer. The addition of this draft pick will give the Cards further potential to make a move for a SS and to offset any talent that is necessary to acq. this piece.

Homer.. yes. A number # 17 over.. and possibly the next Wacha in the form of a guy like Kohl Stewart, Bobby Wahl or Kevin Ziomek if he sticks around that long... The added bonus money from the draft choice also helps them..

[homerawayfromhome]

Don't see it happening, but I hope the reports of the Indians (among many others) scouting Chris Capuano are true. The few spring training games aired on tv haven't been the most inspiring pitching performances overall.

Long way to go, but this starting staff......

Wouldn't mind seeing the Tribe get him. I've got to. Be honest, I'm concerned...Jimenez, Myers... Need I say more?

[BrianM]

Don't see it happening, but I hope the reports of the Indians (among many others) scouting Chris Capuano are true. The few spring training games aired on tv haven't been the most inspiring pitching performances overall.

Long way to go, but this starting staff......

Wouldn't mind seeing the Tribe get him. I've got to. Be honest, I'm concerned...Jimenez, Myers... Need I say more?

I agree. McCallister has been getting knocked around a bit too. Ubaldo has actually looked pretty good thus far. We just need quality starts throughout the year to get us to our BP, and I think Capuano would be a nice addition to help us get into that 7th inning.

[Edible14]

The recent signing of Kyle Lohse will add essentially a late first round pick to the Cards already deep farm sysytem this summer. The addition of this draft pick will give the Cards further potential to make a move for a SS and to offset any talent that is necessary to acq. this piece.

Homer.. yes. A number # 17 over.. and possibly the next Wacha in the form of a guy like Kohl Stewart, Bobby Wahl or Kevin Ziomek if he sticks around that long... The added bonus money from the draft choice also helps them..

The Cards don't get the #17 pick, if that's what you're implying. They get a pick after the first round, but before the second round. The #17 pick is simply lost by the Brewers. They get, if I'm calculating it correctly, the 28th overall selection, first of the compensatory picks.

[GeronimoSon]

McGuiness has been returned to the Rangers..as he should have been..

[Hermie13]

Verlander just signed a 5 year extension onto the 2 yrs he had left. In Detroit for the next 7 years at $180M. Possibly an additional year for total of $202M...