My thoughts exactly, we all have been Cleveland fans for a while knowing the payroll/contract challenges...and we know the cycle of trading assets, ideally at peak value. Whereas Clevinger/Bauer were closer to 'peak' values, I think Bieber is going to be more of the Kluber route, which is a bit unfortunate because I think the market is ripe for Bieber. Everyone else of similar ability is an 11-12 start rental; Bieber has 40+ starts of value. (Yes, Kluber netted Clase...but even that was dicey for a while with Clase's suspension and DeShields being DeShields.)
The key phrase is "..the front office wouldn't do that to Tito." That's why I am not hopeful of any significant moves. The FO has a deep reverence for Tito and the coaching staff and they wouldn't pull the rug out from under his feel like that. The only time I think that really happened -- just guessing here -- is when Brantley walked after his contract. Tito seemed to get a misty-eyed talking about Brantley afterwards and I always got the feeling that Tito wished the FO would have made a better effort to keep Brantley. Again, just speculation on my part, no real knowledge.
If any major deal is struck, I have a feeling it would need to be a multi-team trade. That opens up the possibility of the Guards getting major league ready talent back in a deal.