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Cleveland Indians 2018-2019 Offseason Outlook

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It's no big deal that we missed out on Ottavino, Robertson, and every other quality reliever who was available in free agency. We're going to offer Kimbrel a deal he simply can't refuse:
- 1,000 Dollar Dogs (condiments not included: have you seen the price of relish recently???)
- Cody Allen Bobblehead (they're both closers with ginger beards, so he can pretend like it's him)
- His kids can round the bases for free! (since we've had to cut back on our groundskeeping crew, if one of those adorable rugrats wouldn't mind picking up a rake after they're done, it would be gladly appreciated)

Start printing those Kimbrel Tribe jerseys, boys.
 
The Indians threads really bring out the best fans. These are the same people calling into ESPN 850 still complaining about trading C.C. and Cliff Lee.

I wasn't opposed to the CC or Lee trades, and I'd rather adopt a pet coyote than listen or call KNR.
It's extremely frustrating to be complimenting Lindor, JRam, and the rotation with a AAA outfield and bullpen because of budgetary concerns.
They've been gift wrapped a division for the second year in a row; it'd be nice if they were maximizing the opportunity instead of squandering it.
 
Damn, this was the year I thought they’d get balls deep into free agency.

Who could be our next Edwin Encarnacion?
 
Damn, this was the year I thought they’d get balls deep into free agency.

Who could be our next Edwin Encarnacion?

I don't think anyone envisioned this offseason climaxing with Harper at a podium seated next to Antonetti and Chernoff, however, I don't know how you can defend them punting on affordable upgrades and rolling with what they have, sans a minor move or two.
 
What are “affordable upgrades?”
 
What are “affordable upgrades?”

They have saved $21 million in payroll for 2019, and have passed on all of these players:

Michael Brantley: $17 million in 2019
Nelson Cruz: $14.3 million
Jeurys Familia: $8 million
Yasmani Grandal: $18.2 million
Jed Lowrie: $10 million
Andrew McCutchen: $10 million
Adam Ottavino: $9 million
David Robertson: $10 million
Joakim Soria: $6.5 million
 
I don't think anyone envisioned this offseason climaxing with Harper at a podium seated next to Antonetti and Chernoff, however, I don't know how you can defend them punting on affordable upgrades and rolling with what they have, sans a minor move or two.

It’s January 17th and 90%+ of the free agency class is still unsigned.

Calm down a little.

Can’t stress enough how much Machado and Harper are holding up.

Also, if Ottavino was your tipping point, dude was going to NY while he was still in a Rockies uniform...takes 2 parties to make a deal work.
 
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It’s January 17th and 90%+ of the free agency class is still unsigned.

Calm down a little.

Can’t stress enough how much Machado and Harper are holding up.

Also, if Ottavino was your tipping point, dude was going to NY while he was still in a Rockies uniform...takes 2 parties to make a deal work.

Outside of Kimbrel, the remaining free agent relievers are...not great.
We're obviously not players for Harper, Machado, or Pollock, so it's Marwin/Moose or bust for impact bats still on the market.
Not exactly an encouraging outlook.
 
Outside of Kimbrel, the remaining free agent relievers are...not great.
We're obviously not players for Harper, Machado, or Pollock, so it's Marwin/Moose or bust for impact bats still on the market.
Not exactly an encouraging outlook.

If you were hoping for any of those “affordable” guys this winter, plus the ones you listed above, your expectations were way, way off.

Indians have never and probably will never operate that way. Why you would expect them to do it now is something for you to figure out.

And for how “affordable” you think some of those deals are, 3 of them would be in the top 5 in APY deals that the Indians have ever given out in free agency. You need to readjust your ideas on what is affordable with the Indians and add that context.

They have a chance with both Moustakas and Marwin, but that’s because they’re being patient.

And yes. The Indians are going to bank on some buy low relievers having rebound years, a la Cody Allen who is still in the cards, and a buy low or 1 year vet bat to try and plug a hole.

They’re going to add 3, most likely 4 MLB deal guys when all is said and done. So relax for a bit, season doesn’t start tomorrow.
 
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If you were hoping for any of those “affordable” guys this winter, plus the ones you listed above, your expectations were way, way off.

Indians have never and probably will never operate that way. Why you would expect them to do it now is something for you to figure out.

And for how “affordable” you think some of those deals are, 3 of them would be in the top 5 in APY deals that the Indians have ever given out in free agency. You need to readjust your ideas on what is affordable with the Indians and add that context.

They have a chance with both Moustakas and Marwin, but that’s because they’re being patient.

And yes. The Indians are going to bank on some buy low relievers having rebound years, a la Cody Allen who is still in the cards, and a buy low or 1 year vet bat to try and plug a hole.

They’re going to add 3, most likely 4 MLB deal guys when all is said and done. So relax for a bit, season doesn’t start tomorrow.

I never expected the Indians to get Machado, Harper, or Kimbrel, my point is that outside of those guys (obviously not Tribe targets) the market is now relatively bereft of impact relievers or bats.

Based on their statements and actions concerning payroll limits, I'd be astonished if they added 3 or 4 MLB contracts before opening day.
We'll see.
 
I never expected the Indians to get Machado, Harper, or Kimbrel, my point is that outside of those guys (obviously not Tribe targets) the market is now relatively bereft of impact relievers or bats.

Based on their statements and actions concerning payroll concerns, I'd be astonished if they added 3 or 4 MLB contracts before opening day.
We'll see.

Well yeah...there were maybe 10 impact bats and relievers combined this entire offseason. Not exactly talking about a huge crop here...

There are a lot of solid hitters and relievers still left on the market with consecutive stretches of plus play and their prices are coming down fast.

And trust me, the Indians are not sitting on their hands...

I’ll say this again, as if I haven’t said it enough in this section over the years...the Indians do not leak to the media. Anything they say to the media themselves, take it with a grain of salt, cause they’re saying it for a reason. Anything reporters or beat guys say about the Indians isn’t coming from the Indians. Full stop.

So again. Patience...
 
I don't really understand the Indians approach as of this moment. Are they going to spend huge dollars...of course not ...but it looks right now they're going to go for inferior players to fill out the lineup at the bargain basement cost. Unless they still intend to trade Kluber or Bauer for a proven player and prospects we are falling way behind our competition in the AL. Who knows if the White Sox get Machado and a few other moves they might be a problem in the division as well. I'm not getting on Dolan for being cheap etc...but now is the time to go all out while we still have Lindor...I feel our window is maybe 2 years at best.
 
They have saved $21 million in payroll for 2019, and have passed on all of these players:

Michael Brantley: $17 million in 2019
Nelson Cruz: $14.3 million
Jeurys Familia: $8 million
Yasmani Grandal: $18.2 million
Jed Lowrie: $10 million
Andrew McCutchen: $10 million
Adam Ottavino: $9 million
David Robertson: $10 million
Joakim Soria: $6.5 million

Have we really saved 21M? I though the Lindor and Bauer raises were going to take a big chunk of that. Lindor just got close to a 10MM Raise.
 
They have saved $21 million in payroll for 2019, and have passed on all of these players:

Michael Brantley: $17 million in 2019
Nelson Cruz: $14.3 million
Jeurys Familia: $8 million
Yasmani Grandal: $18.2 million
Jed Lowrie: $10 million
Andrew McCutchen: $10 million
Adam Ottavino: $9 million
David Robertson: $10 million
Joakim Soria: $6.5 million

Okay pick a few of those guys you would have signed this year, even if it’s somewhat unrealistic.

Let’s see how they would have fared.
 

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