Cleveland Indians 2018-2019 Offseason Outlook

[Derek]

I don't understand the short sightedness of the ownership however. They had the opportunity to create some buzz with this team, with the Cavs folding like a lawn chair after Lebron left. And they have done....nothing. There is a vaccuum they could have filled with some marginal signings. They didn't need to get Harper or Machado, but they could have at least gone after 2nd tier talent.

I think you have it backwards. If anything, going outside the norm to make a splash in FA this year would be short-sighted.

 

[Kiddo]

Marwin is just another mediocre outfielder that really wouldn't have added that much to our team.

 

[Huber.]

Man, you guys are adding a lot by having your circle jerk. Congrats on the sex!

I’m not really sure how it’s productive go and quote posters like this. This is why this section is dead most of the time.

He specifically asked for quotes.

 

[Lee]

I like Marwin, but a 30 year old guy whose best year was actually two years ago and played in the most protected lineup (possibly) in the American League? He hit .247 with a .324 OBP.

I mean people are down on Kipnis, but he hit .230 last year with a .315 OBP and it was his worst year in a long time and only 2 years older. At this point Kipnis is on a one year 13 mill contract, The first year of Marwin is 12 mill.

So we are saying Marwin is a team friendly deal, but a player coming off a similar year at the plate signed for 1 more year only for slightly more money and historically a much better hitter is a horrible deal?

I am not a baseball guru like some of you, but it just doesn't seam Marwin was the right deal. There are plenty of players left, trades that will happen by deadline, etc. But I outside of extreme versatility of Marwin vs some versatility for Kipnis I don't see much difference and people loved to complain about Kipnis. Sure Kipnis bats left, but I don't believe that matters as much for every day players. He will bat no matter who is pitching typically.

 

[BimboColesHair]

I don't understand the short sightedness of the ownership however. They had the opportunity to create some buzz with this team, with the Cavs folding like a lawn chair after Lebron left. And they have done....nothing. There is a vaccuum they could have filled with some marginal signings. They didn't need to get Harper or Machado, but they could have at least gone after 2nd tier talent.

I don’t think they’re being shortsighted.

For years we heard how fans would come back when the team consistently wins and spends.

They’re doing both currently, at all-time levels for their franchise, and have been more and more for over half a decade now, but that sentiment is proving to be a crock of shit excuse on our part as fans.

The winning and spending growth rates grew at a rate that significantly out paced the growth rate of attendance. Flat out. That is a reason what is happening is happening. The franchise did not expect to be where they are currently. And at the end of the day, the Indians are a business. It sucks as a fan to see the business side rear it’s ugly head.

But again, attendance and money are only part of the reason, not the full reason.

 

[AZ_]

The biggest myth in Cleveland is that fans will get excited about the team if they spend on free agents.

 

[sportscoach]

To all who claimed that the Indians weren't cutting payroll, and that they would pounce on an opportunity if "the price was right" Marwin Gonzalez just signed for 2/$21 million.

Feel free to issue a mea culpa, shills.

The Indians weren't going to sign anyone over 8 mil this off season. Twins actually over paid for him slightly actually to be honest as well.

 

[sportscoach]

I don't understand the short sightedness of the ownership however. They had the opportunity to create some buzz with this team, with the Cavs folding like a lawn chair after Lebron left. And they have done....nothing. There is a vaccuum they could have filled with some marginal signings. They didn't need to get Harper or Machado, but they could have at least gone after 2nd tier talent.

They weren't being short sighted to be honest, and do not compare the Cavs to the Indians. The Cavs have one of the better owners when it comes to spending. He don't care how much he has to pay to get a winner, but when Lebron was here they did sell out the seats. The Indians haven't been selling seats, and if wasn't for good product sales and the fact they have very high TV ratings, they would have had to cut completely from this roster. The owner has been spending and the team has been producing but the fans no longer show up so its going to hurt the budget.

 

[Steve_424]

I'm torn on this offseason. On one hand, I get that fans haven't shown up and that effects the bottom line. On the other, they could certainly afford to spend more - they are just choosing not to.

I totally get not bidding on the Harpers and Machados of the world. However, you have some of the best starting pitching you've had in team history, you have two generational bats locked in a few more years, and you can't sign one guy to a guaranteed major league contract? With these contract end dates of your core?

Kluber - 2021
Bauer - 2021
Hand - 2021
Lindor - 2022
Ramirez - 2023
Carrasco - 2023
Clevinger - 2023

I would have been more aggressive, especially in a free agent market ripe for bargains. I'm holding out hope that there's a move left, or that they'll swing a big move or two at the deadline, but I'm nervous they're taking a weak AL Central for granted and won't see the Twins coming before it's too late.

 

[sportscoach]

I'm torn on this offseason. On one hand, I get that fans haven't shown up and that effects the bottom line. On the other, they could certainly afford to spend more - they are just choosing not to.

I totally get not bidding on the Harpers and Machados of the world. However, you have some of the best starting pitching you've had in team history, you have two generational bats locked in a few more years, and you can't sign one guy to a guaranteed major league contract? With these contract end dates of your core?

Kluber - 2021
Bauer - 2021
Hand - 2021
Lindor - 2022
Ramirez - 2023
Carrasco - 2023
Clevinger - 2023

I would have been more aggressive, especially in a free agent market ripe for bargains. I'm holding out hope that there's a move left, or that they'll swing a big move or two at the deadline, but I'm nervous they're taking a weak AL Central for granted and won't see the Twins coming before it's too late.

Literally this season is going to ride upon the backs of guys like Bauers, Allen, Luplow etc. We need guys in that lineup to step up and earn themselves future everyday spots. I don’t care who does it, it just needs to be done

 

[NorthCoastBias]

View: https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1099352776281337857

 

[AZ_]

Span in LF isn’t a horrible idea.

One year, low market. $5m or less.

 

[BimboColesHair]

Not a big secret that the Indians are looking for someone who can handle LHP to help in the OF.

 

[Derek]

Span is still a solid bat, and getting him out of CF (at least full-time) would do wonders for his defensive metrics.

 

[CBBI]

Not a big secret that the Indians are looking for someone who can handle LHP to help in the OF.

Not sure Span really is that guy though.

Last year he was really good against LHP, but that seems to be more of a one-year fluke than who he really is. He's had several really awful seasons against LHP in the past and his career numbers v. LHP are well below average.

He's almost certainly a better stick overall than Naquin, but I just don't know if he really helps the LHP problem. All signs point to this past year being an aberration.