Cleveland Indians Offseason News, Notes, and Rumors

[AZ_]

Well guys, if Doug says All-Star...I believe him.

Seriously though, the Reds have Votto locked up through arbitration and stand a reasonable chance of competing during that time.

I understand the need to get Yonder Alonso on the field and add young talent by trading him...but the price for a guy like that with team control is exponentially higher that any other rental.

The Indians would need more than Kipnis to get that deal done, they just don't have the bullets for it...even if Votto did actually show up on the block.

 

[macbdog]

Kipnis' ceiling is not the top hitter at 2nd base.. He will never pass Robinson Cano, and it's doubtful he will reach Dustin Pedrioa's status.

And if it's so easy to pick up a decent 1B with power, why haven't the Indians had one in forever?

Dustin Pedroia's ceiling when he was in his first year in the bigs wasn't the ceiling Dustin Pedroia ended up meeting. I don't think he is exactly someone you want to point to in saying that Kipnis can't eventually get there, b/c no one ever saw PEDs becoming a 70 XBH guy. What I do know about Jason Kipnis is that he has, much like Pedroia, spent his entire pro career up until now exceeding all expectations placed on him and in a very short period of time. I fail to see why Kipnis needs to be doubted for anyone to justify wanting Joey Votto.

All that is besides the point, though- if the team wants to go get a Joey Votto, or fans feel he is what is needed, fine- but you can't be robbing the bigleague club to add him. And the Reds are looking for a front-line starter, not a 2B to play behind Brandon Phillips. Nor are they looking for AA starters like Drew Pomeranz or a guy like Alex White, really. I think the Reds would seriously entertain Ubaldo for Votto, though it would put the Tribe in the same issue as if they had saved and dealt Pomeranz/White for Votto- the front of the rotation is still an issue. Votto's deal is neither for long or club friendly, either- I would rather they just throw that 30M over the next two years at one of the solid bats that everyone is in love with (Napoli, Willingham, Cuddyer). And that is saying something, b/c I am not a fan of any of those 3 at their probable going rate.

 

[Chris]

I don't doubt Kipnis might be pretty good, but I know the odds are heavily heavily HEAVILY against him impacting this team anywhere in the same stratosphere of a player like Joey Votto.

 

[elcheato]

How are we doubting Kipnis to justify our 'want' for Votto? Because we don't believe he will become the best 2nd baseman in the MLB? If he becomes a better player then 2nd baseman like Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, and even Ben Zobrist, I'll gladly admit I was wrong. Could even toss Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips onto that list..

I don't think anyone has actually said we will get Votto or think it's possible, we're just pointing out because Doug was so against it, if we had to trade Kipnis for Votto, we would do it because it's an absolute no brainer.

 

[CBBI]

If Kipnis is involved, I don't do the trade even he did sign an extension. I believe Kipnis is going to be that good. Even better than that good. If it's any other players beside Kipnis? Yep. With an extension signed, I surely do it. Votto is damn good.

I'm completely convinced you're trying to troll B00bie (and everyone else) with statements like this.

 

[bigjmac0815]

Can we stay on topic with the offseason thread and not argue whether Kipnis is gonna be better than Votto or not

 

[AZ_]

Can we stay on topic with the offseason thread and not argue whether Kipnis is gonna be better than Votto or not

Short argument...

 

[RealKingofCleve]

Short argument...

Yea, he's not even much of an upgrade over an average 2nd baseman like Orlando Cabrera

 

[AZ_]

Yea, he's not even much of an upgrade over an average 2nd baseman like Orlando Cabrera

Which is EXACTLY what I always said.

 

[bigjmac0815]

Yea, he's not even much of an upgrade over an average 2nd baseman like Orlando Cabrera

I never said Kipnis isnt an upgrade, but lets give him a full season to see if he's really for real

 

[Steve_424]

Back to news and notes...Jordan Bastian said the Indians will likely "kick the tires" on Michael Cuddyer.

 

[BMAN]

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111017&content_id=25693414&vkey=news_cle&c_id=cle What he's talking about.

 

[Chris]

Can't wait ...

 

[DougHeil]

The Indians dumped Jerad Head and Mitch Talbot off the 40 man. They are now free agents.

Not surprising. A good thing.

38 now on the 40 man with 4 players on the 60 DL.

Quite a few more will have to be dropped once the 4 come off, and also to make room for any new players acquired via trade or FA.

 

[macbdog]

Back to news and notes...Jordan Bastian said the Indians will likely "kick the tires" on Michael Cuddyer.

This just sounds so passive aggressive- are the Indians so afraid of Michael Cuddyer rejecting them that instead of telling him of their interest, they are just going to make a preemptive strike and vandalize his car? Has the Tribe FO become as neurotic as the Cleveland fan base? :chuckles: