2012-2013 Indians Red Hot Offseason Thread (Bourn signed post 1940)

[JMcCurry08]

Multiple AL clubs in play for Kendrys Morales as it appears Halos want to hold on to both Trumbo & Bourjos.possible destinations? TB Hou Cle

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 15, 2012

After missing all of 2011, he came hit .273 and 22 HRs, for the right price he would be a good addition. He plays 1st and right field

[Huber.]

Wouldn't they rather get rid of Wells?

[b00bie]

Wouldn't they rather get rid of Wells?

Got to move what you can.

That contract is an abortion.

[Huber.]

Got to move what you can.

That contract is an abortion.

Although not many people would bite, you would think someone would take a chance if they would eat 80% of it.

[The Voice]

Whatever happened with Swisher? Did he sign somewhere else or is he still undecided?

[JMcCurry08]

Whatever happened with Swisher? Did he sign somewhere else or is he still undecided?

He's meeting with teams next week, but it's probably wise we look at other options though.....unless we're gonna throw a ridiculous offer at him

[Huber.]

He's meeting with teams next week, but it's probably wise we look at other options though.....unless we're gonna throw a ridiculous offer at him

Too bad he is visiting Cleveland in the winter where the sun shines 2 times a month. If only MLB free agency took place in the Summer/Fall.

[b00bie]

Too bad he is visiting Cleveland in the winter where the sun shines 2 times a month. If only MLB free agency took place in the Summer/Fall.

Unfortunately the team plays during that time of year, which is a worse selling point.

[SRStark20]

Back on Soriano, can he really even play the field anymore? He's got to be around 36 or 37 years old now... He'd probably end up being more of a full-time DH guy. Unless we can get him for next to nothing, I'd pass on it.

[MoFlo]

Whatever happened with Swisher? Did he sign somewhere else or is he still undecided?

As has been posted, he's meeting with teams next week. One of those teams is the Indians.

It's believed by many that he prefers the limelight. Lastoria believes he's been using the Indians to drive up a market on himself, which makes sense, since there pretty much wasn't a market for him before Hamilton recently signed.

It's basically a long shot at this point that he signs with us, unless Francona works some magic.

[b00bie]

Back on Soriano, can he really even play the field anymore? He's got to be around 36 or 37 years old now... He'd probably end up being more of a full-time DH guy. Unless we can get him for next to nothing, I'd pass on it.

The Indians would be one of the few teams in the American League which have a full-time DH spot available right now.

[MoFlo]

On Morales, not sure how much the Tribe would offer to nab him:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

Lots of people asking about Morales in my timeline. I'm mildly interested, but he's in last yr of arb, a FA after season, & a Boras client.

Also:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

According to @Ken_Rosenthal the Indians have checked in with the Dodgers about starters Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang.

[macbdog]

Not sure where to put this, but Paul Hoynes mentioned in his latest article on Bauer- which can be found here- that the Tribe is also going to a long-toss program for their young pitchers:

Bauer joining the Indians coincides with an organizational change regarding the training of their pitchers. Starting this spring, the Indians will introduce a program featuring more and more long toss. Previously, the Indians didn't let their pitchers play catch beyond 120 feet for fear of injury. The new program was in the works last summer, but it still fits in well with Bauer's arrival.

Also found the comments by Charles Nagy, the AZ pitching coach, to be pretty enlightening. I don't have a problem with him doing his own thing training-wise and mechanically- I agree with much of what he has to say there- but the thing that could really get him in trouble is if he isn't studying and preparing for bigleague hitters. I could care less if he is shaking off the catcher, what I care about is if he is failing to scout for his opponent. His stuff is good, but it isn't that good that he can afford to not do this. He isn't throwing a 100mph fastball and a slider that starts out behind the batter's head, he can't do things like a Randy Johnson or Justin Verlander.

[MoFlo]

Lastoria with another Q&A:

Re: Morales in RF:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@cainer124 I wouldnt think so. I dont believe he has played out there in years. More a 1B/DH type.

Re: Antonetti getting a DH:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@JoeTribe_2012 I think the Indians only get a DH if they can't get a big FA pickup like Swisher. If so, get lower profile RF and then DH.

Re: Capuano & Harang:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

Agreed. Harang is OK but not guy he was 2-3yrs ago. Cap is more interesting to me RT @GoTribe028 Pass on Harang...a little intrigued by Cap.

Re: Not being able to sign Melky:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@JaradReganoGuy what do you mean? Indians were in discussions with him. He simply chose Toronto. Can't help that.

Re: Swisher signing elsewhere before visiting with Tribe:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@GoTribe028 yeah, will be interesting what placement in the visit process the Indians have. could be last and never get to see him lol

Re: Tigers eventually regretting Sanchez contract:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@wahoowillie13 completely agree. Lots of pissed off execs. Agents of course love it because MOR guys are gonna get PAID.

Re: If Jackson is better than Sanchez:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@Jmelo21 Than Sanchez? No, prob not. But that said, I think he's a solid MOR guy. But will cost good coin.

Re: Kevin Millwood:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@terrym0516 no thanks.

Re: Tribe being in on Edwin & not being able to sign Swish b/c of it (and the chances both sign):

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@216Brian they actually have offers out to both and are prepared to sign both

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@216Brian praying probably wont help.

Re: Shipping Stubbs to MIA for Logan Morrison:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@eric_urban I actually think Stubbs is the better player and fit on this team.

Re: Trading CP for Morales:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@kingharis @wenbickert underselling Perez big time

Re: Drennan saying Tribe should have offered Choo & Cabrera for Shields:

Tony Lastoria‏@TonyIPI

@GoTribe028 that doesnt get the deal done. He's off on that one big time. Rays wanted young controllable players. Not soon to be FAs.

[jonmchugh]

@Buster_ESPN: The Indians are making a push in their effort to land Nick Swisher.

Whatever that means. Odds are he ends up in Texas.