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Corey Kluber trade talks are most intense with NL clubs now, sources say. #Padres, #Dodgers, #Phillies, #Brewers, #Reds involved to varying degrees. @MLBNetwork @MLB

If a team is trading for a two time CY winner, they better be prepared to give up a lot. Yesterday, I read that the Padres want Kluber but that their two top prospects were off the table. I say that if you want Kluber, NOBODY is off the table, or we walk away. Indians own 3 years of control with Kluber. You can't give that away ... in fact, you're probably crazy to consider trading him at all.

IIRC the Padres have some nice pieces in the farm system. That might be a good partner

yeah and its obvious we are in rebuild. Only thing i can see as being an issue with Kluber is his pathetic post season numbers..thats got to give teams pause thinking they are getting a guy that can help them get there. But regardless, it should be quite the haul if he is traded, or i'd wait till during the season when teams would be a little more desperate

Not exactly awe inspiring news but...


Indians acquire C Plawecki in trade with New York Mets

The Associated Press
TOM WITHERS (AP Sports Writer)
The Associated PressJan 6, 2019, 3:06 PM

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Indians have acquired catcher Kevin Plawecki in a trade with the New York Mets.

The three-time defending AL champions sent right-hander Walker Lockett and infielder Sam Haggerty to New York in exchange for Plawecki, who played in 78 games - 64 starts - for the Mets last season. Plawecki batted .201 with seven homers and a career-high 30 RBIs.

The Indians were in the market for a catcher after trading All-Star Yan Gomes to the Washington Nationals in December. Plawecki will likely platoon with Roberto Perez.

Plawecki spent six weeks last season on the disabled list with a broken left hand. He threw out 23 percent (16 for 70) of potential base stealers and had two four-RBI games.

The 27-year-old played at Purdue and was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012 before the Mets drafted him with the No. 35 overall pick.


https://sports.yahoo.com/indians-acquire-c-plawecki-trade-york-mets-200656308--mlb.html

Yankees signed a reliever I was hoping the Indians might try to get. Adam Ottavino signed a 3 year $27M contract with NY. Yankees bullpen is now officially ridiculous, with Ottavino joining Aroldis Chapman, Zach Britton, Dellin Betances, and Chad Green. Better get to the Yankee starters early if you want to beat them. The Red Sox have very little choice now but to give FA Craig Kimbrel whatever he's asking for, IMO. The Indians should probably consider a 1 year "show-me" contract for Cody Allen, because our bullpen is thin.

https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/01/17/yankees-sign-reliever-adam-ottavino-to-a-three-year-deal/

Indians re-sign LH reliever Oliver Perez. He was lights out last year, so good move. Now, about those corner infield and outfield spots ... come on Antonetti. Go get Jose Martinez from St Louis in a trade, for starters.

https://www.mlb.com/news/oliver-perez-signs-with-indians/c-303143340

Martinez would be a real nice addition. But what would you be willing to give St Louis for him?

I think it would take a starting pitcher, like Kluber or Bauer, which I really don't want to do. I would rather part with our top prospect SP Tristan McKenzie and another prospect, but I don't think the Indians brass would agree with me on that. If we were to trade Kluber or Bauer for J Martinez, I would also want a prospect like OF TJ O'Neill, and I would want STL to agree to take Kipnis and his $14M contract off our hands. Meh, its all just spitballing, but we've reached my sports dead zone time of year, and I'm just trying to get through January and February in the Great White North.

Indians' equipment trucks left for Goodyear, AZ on Thursday - an early harbinger of spring, which is a cheerful thought.



Tito's motor scooter went with it, deflating rumors that Tito was leading a gang of motor scooters (Heck's Angels) out Route 66 ...



Pitchers and catchers reports in about 3 weeks. Bring it on.

Francisco Lindor is out with a calf strain for 7-9 weeks. He's expected to miss most or all of spring training, and possibly the first week or two of the season. Not exactly the news I was looking for on the Indians, but at least it didn't happen during the season. Now we just have to hope it isn't a recurring problem, like with Chisenhall.

https://www.mlb.com/news/francisco-lindor-expected-back-in-7-to-9-weeks/c-303704872

Marwin Gonzalez in Cleveland? Don't rule it out

Feb. 8: The Indians might have the most uncertain outfield situation in the Majors, and they may now be forced to enter the regular season without All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is expected to be held out of game action for seven to nine weeks due to a right calf strain.

Cleveland is still arguably the favorite in the American League Central, but the team has a great deal of question marks. Meanwhile, the Twins have improved this offseason, and the up-and-coming White Sox could add Manny Machado to the mix. The division race should be a much tougher fight than it was in 2018, with the Tribe won it by 13 games.

The Indians made several moves to trim payroll this offseason, so a major addition may not be forthcoming. But if Cleveland does want to dip into the free-agent market for some insurance, there just so happens to be someone available who can play the outfield and provide depth at shortstop … looking at you, Marwin Gonzalez.

So, could the Indians find some extra cash to sign the ultra-versatile Gonzalez? Cleveland projects to open the campaign with a payroll below $120 million, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. The team began 2018 at roughly $134 million, meaning there is likely room to ink the 29-year-old, even if the Tribe wants to stay below last year's Opening Day mark.

https://www.mlb.com/news/marwin-gonzalez-rumors/c-302316766

I can’t do the block C, too many teams incorporate a C. Can we reach out to the Native American community, to help come up with some sort of “indian” logo? I actually like the attention chief wahoo brought to native Americans, because they are an important aspect of America. Where we came from, and where we want to go.

We should meet in the middle from chief wahoo, some sort of homage to native Americans.

I don't like the block C at all. At least go with a cool C of some sort.

I dont believe enough native Americans care or even have time to care. Too busy trying to make a life with as little turmoil, outside interference and stressors as possible. Exactly like the rest of us...

Manny Machado to the Padres. This is HUGE news down here. The Padres never spend money on anything and have been irrelevant forever.

Not sure I want to see him go. Get a bunch for him if we do. Is he some kind of cap issue?

Sorry, I don't know who you're referring to.

Its extremely annoying to me that Gonzalez signed with the Twins today ... 2 years, $21M. Especially after the Twins already signed another guy I liked, Nelson Cruz. I don't know if the Twins can pitch, but with Gonzalez, Cruz, Rosario, Kepler, Sano, et al, I bet they're going to mash at the plate.

Indians vs Reds today at 3:00pm on STO. Go Tribe!!!

They're getting warmed-up for:

Indians sign 1B/DH Hanley Ramirez to a minor league deal. He could add some right-handed pop to the middle of the lineup, if he's healthy.

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/02/...eal-report.html

Trevor Bauer. Good stuff....

It’s official, the @Indians have signed @HanleyRamirez to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to Major League Camp. The 35 year-old has a career .290 BA with 269 HR’s and 909 RBI in 1,652 games with three different Major League teams. 3x All-Star with 2 Silver Sluggers

https://twitter.com/AlPawlowski/status/1100429270978121728

j/c:

The Indians are going to sign a veteran outfielder before the season starts

Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians are going to sign a veteran outfielder before the season starts. You may be laughing at that statement, but it’s true.

Their roster is as unproven as it has been in a long time. The Indians’ outfield is filled with young players – including Greg Allen, Jordan Luplow, Tyler Naquin and Jake Bauers. The front office wants to get a look at some of the youngsters, which makes complete sense. They’re also favored to win a fourth-straight division championship. Is it wise to rely on Allen and Luplow, who have a combined 364 big-league at-bats?

The Indians have a smart front office. They know a backup plan is necessary. What happens if their corner outfielders both hit .200 in April? They’re hoping that Bauers proves to be a competent left fielder. What happens when two of these young outfielders go down with an injury? The Indians’ margin for error is smaller than ever. If every fan knows that, don’t you think the front office knows it?

They don’t have depth in the outfield and the players they do have are unproven. Bradley Zimmer and Leonys Martin both have their question marks. There’s no way the Indians are going to roll the dice and on inexperience when they can sign an outfielder that has something to offer on the field and can mentor their younger players. There are plenty of veterans who fit that mold.

In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds outfielder Matt Kemp admitted he was surprised at the quality outfielders that are available.

“There’s a lot of good guys sitting at home right now that don’t have jobs,” Kemp said. “Guys like Denard Span, Adam Jones, Carlos González. It’s a shame because those guys can really help a team win games.”

Adding a player like Span, Jones or González is the perfect backup plan for the Indians. We’re talking about low-cost options that would be able to mentor players like Allen, Luplow and Bauers. The exact type of signing that ownership would agree to, despite their budget concerns.

It would give the Indians another option at designated hitter. Hanley Ramirez may have success and become the everyday DH, but the 35-year-old signed a minor-league deal for a reason.

Why would the Indians pass on signing one of these veterans, if one could be had at a reasonable price? They have a weakness and there are low-cost options available that could help. Martin may play well in center field. Allen may prove to be a great, young outfielder. Luplow or Bauers could have breakout campaigns and help lead this team to a fourth-straight division title. Those things could happen, but does anyone think all of them are going to happen?

The Indians aren’t naïve enough to think they can go into the season without adding to their inexperienced outfield. Their dream scenario includes Bauers proving to be a competent left fielder, so they can put Carlos Santana at first base. That sounds great, but what happens if Bauers struggles?

They could wait and see how the young players fare before bringing in a veteran. Why wait to bring in a backup plan? Wouldn't it be smart to sign González, Span or Jones now so they can get acclimated and comfortable? It would also give them more time to help develop the young players on the roster.

Adding a proven outfielder is a no-brainer. The Indians don’t have to do it this week, but signing a veteran that can help in a multitude of ways is exactly what a well-run organization would do. Say what you want about the Tribe, but they know how to build a winner.

Everyone understands they have to see what they have in Allen, Bauers and Luplow, but committing to unknown commodities, without a backup plan is bad business. The Indians are good at what they do, which is exactly why they’ll sign a veteran outfielder between now and the start of the regular season.

https://923thefan.radio.com/articles/cleveland-indians-will-sign-veteran-outfielder

Shane Bieber - looking good this spring.

Can you spell P-O-T-E-N-T-I-A-L?

j/c..

Indians signed Carlos Gonzalez to a minor league contract. Another platoon OF ... yippy-ki-yay.

j/c...

The Indians just released the option to purchase tickets to the All-Star game and Home Run Derby to season ticket holders.

As I went to buy my seats, they are requiring you to purchase (2) tickets per seat to the Play Ball Park ($80), a commemorative program per ticket ($12 each) and a ticket per seat to the Celebrity and Legends Softball ($145 each) all as part of the All-Star package.

$290+ fees (my two tickets) to go and watch a 91 year old Tommy Lasorda, Dan Cortese and Downtown Julie Brown play softball seems like a crime.

I'll quit whining now. People will be better off buying tickets on the secondary market.

Corey Kluber will start Opening Day for the Indians.

The rest of the rotation will be:
2. Bauer
3. Carrasco
4. Clevinger
5. Bieber

https://twitter.com/MandyBell02/status/1109586308958244864

If I was an odds maker, I'd put the odds at 10% that Danny Salazar makes 10+ starts this year.



Maybe 20%. He was just placed on the 60-day disabled list (which was completely expected and in line with his rehab and return by the all-star break)

If Salazar pitches in the Majors this year and returns to his previous form, the Indians will be incredibly "Starting Pitcher rich".

Hanley likely to make Indians for Opening Day
Francona: 'If we stay put, I mean, Hanley’s on the team'

https://www.mlb.com/indians/news/hanley-ramirez-likely-makes-indians-roster

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It all comes down to Hanley Ramirez.

The Indians have finalized 24 pieces of their 25-man roster. On Sunday, Indians manager Terry Francona said that the only decision left to make is whether Ramirez will make the team. As of now, the 35-year-old will be on the Tribe’s Opening Day roster as long as the team doesn’t make any more additions.


“If we stay put, I mean, Hanley’s on the team,” Francona said. “If there’s another move on the outside made, it could affect Hanley and we told him that.”

Ramirez will DH in Cleveland’s final game in Arizona before the team heads to Texas. The 14-year-veteran slashed .278/.316/.528 through his first 12 spring games (36 at-bats) with three doubles, two homers and eight RBIs.

Assuming no other acquisitions occur, the Indians starting outfield will likely be Jake Bauers in left, Leonys Martin in center and Tyler Naquin in right. Francona said he isn’t sure how Greg Allen and Jordan Luplow will mix in just yet.

“I don’t want Naquin and Bauers to just be strictly platoon guys because I don’t think it’s healthy for them,” Francona said. “…We’ll see. We don’t want anybody ever just sitting, but [Allen] has the ability to pinch-run, to do things like that.”

After bringing in Brad Miller on Sunday morning, the infield will consist of Carlos Santana at first, Jose Ramirez at third and a mix of Eric Stamets, Max Moroff and Miller at short and second until Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis -- both working through calf strains -- return to the lineup.

“Between Moroff, [Miller] and Stamets, we have three middle infielders and guys that can move around, but we may mix and match a little bit,” Francona said. “Some of that probably depends on how guys are swinging.”

The rotation was officially announced on Saturday, although it was the one part of the roster that could be predicted. Corey Kluber will start Opening Day, and the rest of the order will be Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber. They will work with Roberto Perez and Kevin Plawecki behind the plate.

The bullpen was finalized on Sunday when the Tribe optioned Nick Wittgren to Triple-A. Brad Hand, Oliver Perez, Adam Cimber, Dan Otero, Tyler Olson, Neil Ramirez and Jon Edwards will make up the Indians ‘pen on Opening Day.

“We knew some of those conversations at the end, they get tough,” Francona said of his meeting with Wittgren. “And we were talking about it this morning in our meeting. The way our guys handled themselves was probably beyond what you could really expect. … And the way they handled themselves, the way they carried themselves, we really appreciate it and have no doubt that they will play a big part of what we do.”

Mandy Bell covers the Indians for MLB.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MandyBell02.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians have filled a hole at second base.

They signed free agent Brad Miller to a big-league contract. He’ll start at second in their final Cactus League on Sunday afternoon against the White Sox at Glendale, Ariz. The Indians will leave Arizona after the game, play two games against the Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Tex., before flying to Minneapolis to open the regular season Thursday against the Twins at Target Field.

Miller is expected to open the regular season at second base in place of injured Jason Kipnis. The Tribe’s veteran second baseman will open the season on the injured list with a strained right calf. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, hindered with the same injury, will open on the injured list as well.

That means manager Terry Francona’s opening day lineup against the Twins could have Eric Stamets at short and Miller at second.

Miller, 29, is coming off a big spring with the Dodgers. The left-handed hitter batted .385 (10-for-26) with two homers and three RBI in 12 games. He opted out of his contract on Thursday.

Last year Miller played with the Rays and Milwaukee. He hit a combined .230 (57-for-230) with seven homers and 29 RBI. He posted a .724 OPS in 75 games.

“I know this is a really good team with great pitching," said Miller. “I’m glad I’m playing behind them now. It’s going to be fun to get to know everybody. I think it’s a perfect fit.”

Miller has played in the big leagues with Seattle, the Rays and Milwaukee. He was Seattle’s second round pick in 2011. Miller’s best year came in 2016 when he batted .243 (133-for-548) with 30 homers and 81 RBI for the Rays.

In Miller’s career he has played every defensive position except pitcher and catcher. He’s seen most of his action at shortstop (375 games) and second base (156 games).

“Brad is a left-handed bat who has done some pretty good damage against right-handed pitching,” said manager Terry Francona. "Between Max Moroff, Eric Stamets and Miller we have three middle infielders who can move around. We may mix and match a little bit.

“At this late stage of the spring, I thought our (front office) guys did a really good job of finding someone who can help us. That’s not an easy thing to do."

But what happens when Kipnis is ready to return?

“I wouldn’t have signed here if it was temporary,” said Miller. "I had other opportunities that were pretty significant as well. For me my attitude is the same as it was this spring with the Dodgers. I’m trying to make it pretty easy on them by how I play. I know what I’m capable of. I feel healthy. I feel like myself.

“I’m very hungry and opportunistic right now. I don’t really think about what they’re thinking now. I plan on showing with my play that a winning team needs to have me in there.”

Francona said they talked to Miller about the possible scenarios that could happen when the Indians return to health

“The last you want to do is bring someone in here under false pretenses,” he said. “He told me he believes in himself. I love that. But we feel an obligation to lay it out -- almost the worst case scenario.”

To make room for Miller on the 40-man roster, Danny Salazar was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

In another move the Indians optioned right-hander Nick Wittgren to Class AAA Columbus. That sets the opening-day bullpen with Brad Hand, Adam Cimber, Dan Otero, Jon Edwards, Neil Ramirez, Tyler Olson and Oliver Perez.


https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/03/...econd-base.html

What a frickin' screw job.

Jose Ramirez had to be carted off the field after fouling a ball off his left leg.

Ramirez appeared to foul the ball off the inside of his knee and he immediately went down in a heap. He remained on the ground for a while before eventually being carted off. The star infielder will surely be sent for X-rays and the Indians should have an update on his status later Sunday.

SOURCE: Paul Hoynes on Twitter
Mar 24, 2019, 3:58 PM


https://www.rotoworld.com/