A few Thursday updates out of the AL Central:
- Indians GM Chris Antonetti left the Winter Meetings feeling as if he was just a couple text messages from making a deal, writes Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It could happen very quickly," said Antonetti. "There are some things we could be relatively close on. As we've said a bunch of times, the timing may change and it will take weeks for it to happen."
- Hector Rondon cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Indians' Triple-A affiliate, tweets MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.
- The Detroit Free Press tweets that GM Dave Dombrowski said the Tigers didn't make an offer to free agent Kelly Johnson, who ultimately accepted arbitration from the Blue Jays.
I’m just so happy I will see Raburn and Santiago platoon second all year. /end sarcasm.
I wouldn’t be terribly shocked if the Tigers made a trade.
I was really shocked no one gave KJ a 2 year deal.
Failure by Dombrowski to make an offer to Kelly Johnson is just that. A failure. The notion that Ryan Raburn can play second base, even for an inning, is patently absurd. I like Raburn, and I’d be happy to see him in the lineup, as long as his league worst defense never sees the infield again, ever. EVER!
Agreed. If he can get his bat in order in the first half then he’d honestly be better than Delmon in LF both offensively and defensively. Interested to see if the Tigers will make some trades in the coming weeks.
I’ve never understood why Delmon Young has become a fan favorite, yet everybody hates on Raburn. Raburn makes a lot of errors in the outfield, but he has pretty good range and a cannon for an arm. Plus he can actually take a walk, unlike Delmon…
They didn’t want to pay Kelly Johnson what he would’ve gotten in arbitration. I’m not too broken up about that.
If they sign him, there is no arbitration. KJ is not the only answer at second base, just the best free agent option. What irks me is the irresponsible talk of leaving Raburn at second base- he’s not qualified to play in the infield, ever. Ever.
The Tigers are waiting to make the bigger move in a trade or an international signing. Once those moves get done, not signing a free agent 2B will be the better decision thus far
said Antonetti. “There are some things we could be relatively close on. As we’ve said a bunch of times, the timing may change and it will take weeks for it to happen.”
This above statement is what all Indians fans have heard the last 8 years
The main problem this off season is Travis Hafner is still sucking the money pull dry at 13 mil Fausto Carmona maybe a 80% ground ball pitcher but that does not translate into wins for this mentally challenged starter at 9 mil.
Then for some unknown reason instead of letting Grady walk and sign Willingham or Cuddyer with the 7.5 monies that would have been saved and the 3 mil they have to spend they bring Sizemore back at 4 mil + incentives some that he will hit if he only plays a half season.
For a team with a 70 to 75 Mil payroll this team is loaded with under achievers and guys who were suppose to be top prospect that were brought in in deal that saw CC and Lee dealt.
The Indians Bullpen is the only bright spot one of the best in all the majors but holding together a bullpen like this comes at a price. With Aby elig guys Closer Chris Perez should end up at arouns 4 to 4.5 mil for 2012 Raffy Perez arouns 2 to 2.5 mil Joe Smith will most likely get a bump to 1.5 to 2 mil Tony Sipp around 1.5 mil
I thought that Cleveland would move Chris and Raffy Perez with Pestano closer ready and Hagadon another piece of the Victor Martinez deal with Boston ready for prime-time.
My thoughts is at least with moving the 2 perez’s should fill a couple needs with prospects and with 3Mil available and the monies saved here should add up to either a Cuddyer or Willingham signing.
How if they could pull signing one of the above and pull off a Rumored deal with Cincy for Alonso a deal which is thought to include closer Chris Perez & Set up guy Tony Sipp + others for Yonder Alonso This plus one of the above free agent signings would solve all the Indians Offensive issues if Grady is able to be a servicable player for 2012. :)
It’s easy to see.. you don’t like”
Grady Sizemore
Travis Hafner
Fausto Carmona
The Grady Sizemore signing is a risky deal. At $ 9 MM or $ 5 MM, Grady Sizemore has to be, at least, somewhat like the player he was from 2006 through 2008. A one and done deal gives the Indians (and their 17-28 year old female demographic) one more year in the sun. Instead of departing the Northcoast for greener pastures elsewhere, as so many do (Albert Pujols, Manny Ramirez, CC Sabathia, et al), Grady chose to stay.. For that, he gets a warm round of applause as a fan favorite. Is it a good gamble?. In short, HELL YES…
Travis Hafner, one of the few power hitters on the Indians, perhaps the ONLY true power hitter, showed glimpses of the old PRONK in the 2011 season. He finished the 2011 season without needing surgery and begins the last guaranteed portion of his contract in 2012. If PRONK returns to being the straw that stirs Chief Wahoo’s drink, expect his 2013 option to be picked up…
Fausto.. what is there to say about Fausto.. he’s AJ Burnett in a smaller market.. Inconsistency is what he’s shown.. and inconsistency is what there is to expect.. oh, and being on the hill with the pill every fifth day..
As you’ve correctly stated, the bullpen is the strength of the club.. yet you want to move two pieces (the closer and one of the three left handed set up guys).. Does that make sense?..
Willingham/Cuddyer/FA’s: Willingham his best season ever in the lonely confines in Oakland. He’s a “meh” defender (at present, it’s unknown if he’s allergic to leather or not), but could be better than who the Indians have in LF.. As the second highest paid player on the team, more would be expected. Michael Cuddyer looks like he’s heading back to the Twins. In general, free agents haven’t fared all that well with the Indians. The Indians should pass on exploring this avenue for talent acquisition, in perpetuity.
Yonder Alonso: As a trade target, sure, it looks like he’d be a good fit for the young Wahoos. The Reds appear to need a 3B, a Closer and, perhaps a BOR/MOR.. A trade between the two teams.. doesn’t seem to be a fit..
Sad about Rondon and his elbow issues. He had the look and stuff to be as good as he wanted. Hopefully he will be able to come back and be himself again..