Morrison worries me as he's never come close to producing like he did last year. Imagine he's looking at something similar to what Trumbo signed for last year (3 yrs, $37.5m)
Trumbo had a much better track record of production, though. TB had no reason to NOT offer him a qualifying offer unless they honestly worried that he would accept it- I think his market is narrow for the exact reason you mentioned. Trumbo also had his old team bidding for him- TB will not be doing that. I just see Morrison as one of those guys who sees a bunch of one-year or two year deals from all of his suitors, and makes his decision more on fit than necessarily the last dollar. This lineup, sans Santana and Bruce, and table setters in the lineup before him, would be an ideal setup even if it is Cleveland.Morrison worries me as he's never come close to producing like he did last year. Imagine he's looking at something similar to what Trumbo signed for last year (3 yrs, $37.5m)
Trumbo had a much better track record of production, though. TB had no reason to NOT offer him a qualifying offer unless they honestly worried that he would accept it- I think his market is narrow for the exact reason you mentioned. Trumbo also had his old team bidding for him- TB will not be doing that. I just see Morrison as one of those guys who sees a bunch of one-year or two year deals from all of his suitors, and makes his decision more on fit than necessarily the last dollar. This lineup, sans Santana and Bruce, and table setters in the lineup before him, would be an ideal setup even if it is Cleveland.
But after that, if the Indians look to play the market for a guy initially asking for too much, circling back to Bruce makes sense...especially if they trade a few pieces...
Would be utterly bizarre IMO to pick up Brantley's option then turn around and trade Kipnis. They must feel they can get something substantial in return if they dealt him. I guess we find out if this FO knows how to make a trade like that. They made a great deal in Bruce but haven't got to see this particular group make any deal other than the LuCroy (imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth over this now had he accepted) and Miller deals.Who do you think is a candidate? Kipnis seems to fit the puzzle with his salary and our infield situation.
Who do you think is a candidate? Kipnis seems to fit the puzzle with his salary and our infield situation.
I don't think there is a chance they trade Kipnis, especially after a down year when his value is at its lowest.
But there is a logjam from AAA to the MLB with similar OF types. Lonnie, Almonte, Zimmer, Naquin, Allen...too many bodies, not enough spots...could see them sending out one or 2 of those guys in a trade. Wouldn't be surprised to see Almonte and Naquin moved.
Same goes for Urshela and Gonzalez. Out of options, Diaz is the superior prospect to Urshela, Gonzalez has more position flexibility...I think one of those guys could be traded as well.
Lot of ways the Indians could go this off season to fill in holes. Money to spend, blocked young players who could be moved, a good farm, and a bunch of impending free agents in the next year or 2 makes this potentially a very interesting off season.
Very real chance the Indians throw all of their chips into the middle of the table this off season.
Do you see any possible 1st baseman we could grab with a rule 5 pick/via waivers? Moving Brantley/Chisenhall to 1st base would make way for Kipnis in the OF. I feel we need to keep a Diaz up since he is just too good of a prospect to keep at AAA same with Zimmer. That is if we don't sign Santana of course.
My dream scenario is re-signing Santana and trading for Marcell Ozuna.
S-SS-Lindor
S-3B-Ramirez
L-LF-Brantley
R-DH-Encarnacion
R-RF-Ozuna
S-1B-Santana
L-2B-Kipnis
R-C-Gomes
L-CF-Zimmer