The 2015 Cleveland Indians

[macbdog]

I would look at what the Tigers gave up for Price as a minimum. As it stands, Drew Smyly has been just as good as Price since the deal, but more obviously he was a mlb-ready arm that TB felt they could immediately plug in and get results. That would be what a team that has a controllable, young arm would want to start with. So begin with Bauer, Salazar, or Carrasco, and I have a feeling the team would ask for one of the first two rather than Carrasco who is heading into arbitration already. Since the Tribe does not have any upper-tier starting pitching to add on after that, they probably have to go with a position player. Tribe may have to lump something together here, the other team may want Jose Ramirez. I would assume the last piece would be a young, projectable raw talent- a Francisco Mejia or Clint Frazier, although Mejia as a switch-hitting C prospect would entice the other team more. Team might also be able to avoid dealing a Bauer or Salazar if they swap out with Lindor or Chisenhall. But I think what TB got for Price is a starting point for what a team would want for anyone with two years of control.

I think the Tribe is better off going into the season with Kluber, Bauer, Carrasco and Salazar as 1-4 then let the last spot be fished out by House, Tomlin, McAlister and a FA tryout or two (maybe give Marcum another shot, or whoever else shakes out here). Tomlin is out of options, so he cannot be AAA depth. Pretty sure the same goes for McAlister. Team will also have Joseph Colon as a possiblity at some point next year if he stays on track. Nick Maronde is also in that equation. Cody Anderson could also play a role depending on how he comes out of the gate next year. This could also be a prime spot for the Tribe to swap bad contracts- a Swisher or a Bourn for a struggling starter on a similar deal and see what Callaway can do with them.

The Tribe will almost have to deal from their limited depth to add this starter behind Kluber- so in the end I just don't see a net gain. If there was a point where you trust your young starting pitching- right now is it. They have each had their chance, had their slipup and have made it back. Usually when a guy makes that 2nd comeback and establishes himself they are here to stay. I think the Tribe has to bank on that now. Of course, if Salazar's arm falls off then it could change but as of right now? I think the club may need to use those assets on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Stark]

I'd love to deal Swisher/Bourn for a struggling pitcher and hope that Callaway can work some more magic with him.

 

[Steve_424]

Ubaldo Jimenez, Ricky Nolasco, and Edwin Jackson are some bad contracts that could be traded for Bourn or Swisher. The Indians have interest in Jackson before he signed with Chicago.

It's hard to say where they add a bat (or two) without knowing if Swisher or Bourn can be moved. Victor Martinez is the obvious free agent target should Swisher be moved.

 

[elcheato]

Ubaldo & Nolasco have contracts longer than both Bourn and Swisher, and I don't see the need to trade for a struggling player who is on an even worse contract than Swisher or Bourn. The Indians can't afford to do that.

Also want nothing to do with Edwin Jackson. Just have to live with Swisher and Bourn, unless they're willing to eat most of their remaining contracts in a trade.

 

[MirORich]

If we hang on to our current contracts plus any Arb/extension raises, how much money do we believe Dolan will authorize for the 2015 Team Salary?

 

[Steve_424]

Ubaldo & Nolasco have contracts longer than both Bourn and Swisher, and I don't see the need to trade for a struggling player who is on an even worse contract than Swisher or Bourn. The Indians can't afford to do that.

Also want nothing to do with Edwin Jackson. Just have to live with Swisher and Bourn, unless they're willing to eat most of their remaining contracts in a trade.

Obviously would depend on A) What they think they'll get out of Swisher/Bourn going forward, and B) If they think they could turn around a guy like Ubaldo or Nolasco. I'm not necessarily advocating making the moves, I'm just saying these are the types of guys they'd explore in a trade. I'd be shocked if they trade Swisher/Bourn in a salary dump.

 

[Steve_424]

If we hang on to our current contracts plus any Arb/extension raises, how much money do we believe Dolan will authorize for the 2015 Team Salary?

Spending $20-30 M would put them at about where they were to start this season.

 

[macbdog]

Spending $20-30 M would put them at about where they were to start this season.

Do note Carlos Carrasco should be up for arbitration I think. So is Kluber and Shaw. Team may also look into a longterm deal for Allen, although I don't see that adding a big bump to his 2015 payrolll figure. Plus don't the extensions all kick in? Can't imagine the team saw a bump in revenue at least for game days. I don't really see them having 20m to go out and spend based upon current salary needs but I could be wrong. 15m may be enough to sign Nelson Cruz to a longterm deal...

 

[Steve_424]

Do note Carlos Carrasco should be up for arbitration I think. So is Kluber and Shaw. Team may also look into a longterm deal for Allen, although I don't see that adding a big bump to his 2015 payrolll figure. Plus don't the extensions all kick in? Can't imagine the team saw a bump in revenue at least for game days. I don't really see them having 20m to go out and spend based upon current salary needs but I could be wrong. 15m may be enough to sign Nelson Cruz to a longterm deal...

Carrasco, Chisenhall, Rzepczynski, and Shaw are all up for arbitration. Kluber, however, is still a year away.

That $20-30 M number does not include arbitration raises but does include salary increases for current players. I'd guess they'll spend about $20 in free agency or in adding salary via trade.

 

[EdMonix11]

Carrasco, Chisenhall, Rzepczynski, and Shaw are all up for arbitration. Kluber, however, is still a year away.

That $20-30 M number does not include arbitration raises but does include salary increases for current players. I'd guess they'll spend about $20 in free agency or in adding salary via trade.

Although Kluber isn't up for arbitration, you bet your ass they're looking to sign him long term this offseason..... and that should be priority #1.

 

[tristan+kyrie=$]

If this team can somehow manage to get rid of Swisher and bring in Victor for the middle of the order, I feel this team can win the division....Detroit is going to fall I feel and KC will lose Shields who is their horse

 

[AZ_]

Finding a team to take Swisher will be next to impossible.

Simply can't even entertain it at this point.

He'll either be the DH or right-fielder in a platoon with David Murphy ($6M). Which is a bummer, they have to figure out a way to get creative and insert another bat into the lineup.

A healthy Bourn, Kipnis, Santana and Brantley are a really good start to a competitive lineup.

 

[Bkerr02]

Finding a team to take Swisher will be next to impossible.

Simply can't even entertain it at this point.

He'll either be the DH or right-fielder in a platoon with David Murphy ($6M). Which is a bummer, they have to figure out a way to get creative and insert another bat into the lineup.

A healthy Bourn, Kipnis, Santana and Brantley are a really good start to a competitive lineup.

You could even add Gomes in there also with Bourn kip Brantley and Santana.

 

[macbdog]

So the idea is to offload Swisher, take on someone else's bloated contract.... then go out and hand 14-18m a year to a DH? Folks need to wise up here, Victor has had an oustanding year and if he doesn't get silly on the length of a deal, he is going to get top dollar for one year from the Yankees. They are already the rumored desitnation. And again, it begs the question- should a team on a limited budget be spending that much money, even for one year, on a DH who has hit more HRs this year than the previous two combined. If the club was looking at a discount, or at least 10m or less, it would make sense, but not for what he is facing.

 

[AZ_]

One guy I could see the Indians going after is Josh Willingham.

Right-handed power bat, coming off a relatively poor season but park factor could have played a big role before picking it up with KC.

Won't be in line for a multi-year deal.