The 2020 Cleveland Indians

[ncinthenext3]

You have to get something in return for it to be a steal.

So far, both teams have been ripped off.

 

[Obscured By Clouds]

So far, both teams have been ripped off.

I mean, we saved $15 million.

 

[CATS44]

In the end the net result is that the Indians saved $15.6 mil this season plus the $1 mil buyout next winter.

Part of that money, about $8.75 mil was used to sign Hernandez and Domingo.

In return we get virtually nothing this year..Deshields being a 4th OF type who duplicates what we already have.

We also will have Clase down the road for a long time at a low cost...and an option on Domingo.

Due to extreme misfortune for Kluber and Texas, the Indians appear at this moment to have come out far ahead.

 

[CATS44]

Interesting move to start Plutko tonight in order to move Bieber to the opener vs Minny.

But there is a hitch.

Plutko did not face Chicago last year, but he did start twice against the White Sox in 2018. In his career his worst numbers by far have been against them.

Hopefully, because of the minute sample size, this means nothing.

Hopefully....

 

[Obscured By Clouds]

In the end the net result is that the Indians saved $15.6 mil this season plus the $1 mil buyout next winter.

Part of that money, about $8.75 mil was used to sign Hernandez and Domingo.

In return we get virtually nothing this year..Deshields being a 4th OF type who duplicates what we already have.

We also will have Clase down the road for a long time at a low cost...and an option on Domingo.

Due to extreme misfortune for Kluber and Texas, the Indians appear at this moment to have come out far ahead.

What happens if the season gets canceled? Does Clase suspension start again next year?

 

[jup]

Look, I'm not one to say that the end result changes the deal. It's not like we knew Kluber was going to get hurt, or that Clase was going to get hit with a PED suspension. But, things like injury are risks you factor into the evaluation.

I think the Indians were pretty darn clear about this.

You pick up an option for $17 million and then immediately dump that player for what seemed to be questionable value (trade wise). Not the normal thing teams do when they pick up options. That in itself tells you pretty much all you need to know, even without insight into what was going on in the training room for the last couple years.

 

[CATS44]

If the choice is to let a player go for nothing or sign him and then get something, that's not exactly rocket science.

After consideration, I dont know why it isnt done more often.

Obviously, in situations like Kips, it doesnt work.

 

[LL3]

I think the Indians were pretty darn clear about this.

You pick up an option for $17 million and then immediately dump that player for what seemed to be questionable value (trade wise). Not the normal thing teams do when they pick up options. That in itself tells you pretty much all you need to know, even without insight into what was going on in the training room for the last couple years.

It seemed somewhat clear at the time, but I know there was a good bit of angst at the trade return. The Tribe made an evaluation...Rangers must have known they were buying risk, too. There was upside for the Rangers who desperately needed pitching, but they knew they were not buying primo Kluber.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

If the choice is to let a player go for nothing or sign him and then get something, that's not exactly rocket science.

After consideration, I dont know why it isnt done more often.

Obviously, in situations like Kips, it doesnt work.

I mean, it's not done more often because it's not feasible to do with a player who's an unrestricted free agent.

Is there something here I'm missing?

Why would a player sign somewhere just to be traded?

Why would a team trade for a player who just signed for more money than they were willing to pay?

 

[ncinthenext3]

I mean, we saved $15 million.

I was referring to on the field production for the players directly involved, but I like @CATS44's take on this as well. My glass is now half full.

 

[jup]

I mean, it's not done more often because it's not feasible to do with a player who's an unrestricted free agent.

Is there something here I'm missing?

Why would a player sign somewhere just to be traded?

Why would a team trade for a player who just signed for more money than they were willing to pay?

If you are missing it so am I.

Kluber wouldn't have been let go for nothing, he had an option with a buy out I believe.

In addition, there is always the chance you take if you sign them that you can not trade them. Or have to pick up so much of their salary that it becomes unfeasible to trade them and you get stuck.

I think that is what the reference to Kipnis is probably about.

 

[LL3]

If the choice is to let a player go for nothing or sign him and then get something, that's not exactly rocket science.

After consideration, I dont know why it isnt done more often.

Obviously, in situations like Kips, it doesnt work.

I mean, it's not done more often because it's not feasible to do with a player who's an unrestricted free agent.

Is there something here I'm missing?

Why would a player sign somewhere just to be traded?

Why would a team trade for a player who just signed for more money than they were willing to pay?

It would have to be one of those rare occurrences where an option is in a sweet spot of viability/trade-ability

Edit: In Kluber's case, he still had further options...which may be of value.

 

[CATS44]

The Tribe had three choices..

Decline the option and pay the buyout...at which point he would be free to sign with anybody.

Pick up the option.

Pick up the option and trade him.

There has to be the right set of circumstances for a sign and trade like this, but it happens in other sports.

Like the Tribe, the team has excess..cheaper excess...the player is well worth his salary on the open market, and the team is looking to shed payroll (or looking to reposition payroll.)

All those applied to Kluber and the Tribe. The FO saved some money while also filling the hole at 2B, while also picking up a high end bullpen prospect, and a lightning in a bottle hope as a RH power bat.

 

[DCTribefan]

The FO saved some money while also filling the hole at 2B, while also picking up a high end bullpen prospect, and a lightning in a bottle hope as a RH power bat.

First time I ever heard DeShields described as a RH power bat or lightening in a bottle.

 

[LL3]

First time I ever heard DeShields described as a RH power bat or lightening in a bottle.

Guessing that was referencing the signing of Domingo...no offense to Delino, who is lightning quick.