Paul Hoynes and Terry Pluto at the Cleveland Plain Dealer have the latest on the Tribe….
- In a mailbag, Hoynes explains that the Indians likely didn't consider bringing back Manny Ramirez because they preferred to add a player who could handle the outfield – like Austin Kearns.
- Within the same article, Hoynes says that the Red Sox have approached the Indians multiple times about the possibility of re-acquiring Justin Masterson. The Indians aren't likely to move the right-hander, but Hoynes points out they'd be "silly not to listen."
- Hoynes also adds that he still thinks Jeremy Bonderman could become an Indian, on a minor league deal. However, he doesn't see the team signing Kevin Millwood unless the veteran's asking price goes down.
- In a separate piece, Fausto Carmona tells Hoynes that he's happy in Cleveland and unfazed by trade rumors involving him: "I never read the newspaper in the Dominican Republic. I can't control the situation. A lot of people see something on the Internet and call me and say do you know about this trade? I just tell them I'm ready to play, no matter what the situation."
- Pluto says he's come around on the Orlando Cabrera signing after finding out it was only for $1MM. He notes that, if Cabrera plays well, the Tribe could turn him into a midseason trade chip as they did with Russell Branyan last year.
Think Masterson interest is pretty much over and done with for now on Boston’s part with swing man Aceves and the what appears to be deep BP Epstein has put together. If Cleveland was going to get more than what Masterson was worth, the time was back in December before Wheeler, Jenks, Aceves and even maybe Miller, Reyes were brought onboard.
epstein loves masterson. it will never be over between them!
I never realized how often you comment on here until I saw every third comment read “comment removed” yesterday. hahaha
a disgusting habit, innit
I wish the Rockies get on board for Bonderman. They have done will with reclamation projects and I have always liked him.
If he couldn’t pitch in a pitcher friendly park, what makes you think he can in a hitter friendly park?
This wouldn’t exactly be a huge signing, but Bonderman IS still just 28. No-risk signing, so why not?
For the Indians, I’d say “why bother?” They have a whole bunch of guys in their organization already that they should be looking at in the back end spot of their rotation. Why let them keep languishing at AAA? They really ought to go with guys in the organization and making some of the hard decisions over who stays and who goes.
Signing a Bonderman just delays that process. If they honestly feel some of those guys can’t cut it, they ought to move them on out of the organization. If they believe they have something to offer, let them have a shot.
Red Sox “Hey want to work out a trade that will return Masterson to us?” Indians” sure you still have Victor Martinez?” Red Sox “No.” Indians “there is your answer.”
The Indians Rotatio is pretty much etched in stone
Carmona
Masterson
Talbot
Carasco
and then for the #5 Huff / Gomez / Tomlin / McAllister
And I would to expect to see Alex White sometime after the all star break.
So I do see any reason to bring a stiff has been like Bonderman ( even on a minor league deal ) or a washed up Vet like Millwood ( yes he does eat innings and he does answer the bell when his turn in the rotation comes around but his better days have passed by ) IMO.
Now I’m not saying that this is a outstanding staff but for a rebuilding team that is not going to contend this is fine.
Masterson will never be what the Indians want him to be….neither a starter or a closer. He doesn’t have the temperment nor the experience of success at either role to fall back on. His best role is that of mid-game reliever but the Indians do not have sufficient pitching depth to podition him in that role. The front office in Clevelans would be smart to put Masterson on the trading block and hope to get a player of comparable worth.