Tribe's Shapiro talks to Gonzalez - Luis
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter
General Manager Mark Shapiro, in his search of a veteran hitter, had lunch Friday afternoon with outfielder Luis Gonzalez and his agent, Gregg Clifton, in Phoenix.
Gonzalez, 39, hit .271 with 15 homers, 52 doubles and 73 RBI for Arizona this year. In September, the Diamondbacks told Gonzalez, the most popular player in franchise history, that they would not exercise his $10 million option for 2007.
Shapiro was in Phoenix watching several Indians prospects play in the Arizona Fall League.
"I think it was very positive," said Clifton. "Luis was impressed with Mark, and I think Mark was impressed with Luis."
The Indians need a second baseman, closer and a couple of setup men. Shapiro also wants a veteran hitter, who can help out at a corner outfield position or first base.
"Mark didn't say this, but they had such a good 2005, and then took a step back in 2006," said Clifton. "I think they're looking for a guy who can show them the way if they hit another bump in a road. Somebody who can say, 'Guys, I've been through this before.'
"Luis relishes the veteran role. And it's not like he can't play. He had over 70 extra-base hits. . . . And he's very motivated after what happened this year with the Diamondbacks."
Moises Alou is another veteran hitter the Indians like. They have been linked to a rumored trade for Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield.
Baltimore, Texas, Cincinnati and San Francisco are among the teams who have shown interest in Gonzalez.
Teams are not allowed to make bids on free agents until Nov. 12.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter
General Manager Mark Shapiro, in his search of a veteran hitter, had lunch Friday afternoon with outfielder Luis Gonzalez and his agent, Gregg Clifton, in Phoenix.
Gonzalez, 39, hit .271 with 15 homers, 52 doubles and 73 RBI for Arizona this year. In September, the Diamondbacks told Gonzalez, the most popular player in franchise history, that they would not exercise his $10 million option for 2007.
Shapiro was in Phoenix watching several Indians prospects play in the Arizona Fall League.
"I think it was very positive," said Clifton. "Luis was impressed with Mark, and I think Mark was impressed with Luis."
The Indians need a second baseman, closer and a couple of setup men. Shapiro also wants a veteran hitter, who can help out at a corner outfield position or first base.
"Mark didn't say this, but they had such a good 2005, and then took a step back in 2006," said Clifton. "I think they're looking for a guy who can show them the way if they hit another bump in a road. Somebody who can say, 'Guys, I've been through this before.'
"Luis relishes the veteran role. And it's not like he can't play. He had over 70 extra-base hits. . . . And he's very motivated after what happened this year with the Diamondbacks."
Moises Alou is another veteran hitter the Indians like. They have been linked to a rumored trade for Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield.
Baltimore, Texas, Cincinnati and San Francisco are among the teams who have shown interest in Gonzalez.
Teams are not allowed to make bids on free agents until Nov. 12.
