Tribe Happenings: Are the Indians going up for sale?

If the Indians are for sale, who does Larry

Dolan sell the team to? (Photo: AP)

Some news, notes, and thoughts from my Indians notebook…

To sell or not to sell

First off, let me just be up front and note that before I get into any of this I am merely speculating. No one from SportsTime Ohio or the Indians has told me anything, I am simply just putting two and two together with some recent events surrounding the Indians.

That having been said, things are starting to get a little interesting with the Cleveland Indians of late. No, not because a new season is on the horizon, but because it looks like there may be some plans in motion to either sell the team or at least take a peek into the market to see who might be interested in buying the team.

Rumors came forth back in July that the Dolan ownership group was taking offers for SportsTime Ohio, their cable TV network and home of over 150 Indians television broadcasts a year. Not surprisingly those rumors have been denied, but where there is smoke there may be fire.

Suddenly in the past week I have been getting emails, texts and calls from all sorts of people with varying connections to me, and they all keep asking the same thing, “Are the Indians being put up for sale?”

I found it odd that with no knowledge of each other that all of these people would suddenly be asking such a question. Something may indeed be up, so here is a brief look at the situation to see if indeed the team could be up for sale.

From the sounds of things, the Dolan ownership may be putting out feelers to potential buyers. While it may not yet be public knowledge that the team is available for sale, the startup process to a long, convoluted process to sell the team may have already started quietly behind the scenes. The new CBA - which has drawn criticism for its unfairness to smaller market teams like the Indians - may be what finally pushed the Dolan ownership into considering offers for the team, and conceivably their cable TV network too.

The best evidence to support a possible looming sale of the Indians is their current payroll structure where not one single player has a guaranteed deal past this season. There are a few players that have club options for the 2013 season and there are some arbitration eligible players, but right now they have absolutely zero commitments in regard to salary for 2013. Nadda. With no long term monetary commitments it would certainly seem to make them more attractive to a potential buyer.

This may also explain what has been a strange offseason where the Indians have been very quiet on the free agent front and limited just about all contract discussions with players to a maximum of two years.

So who could be a potential suitor to buy the Indians? How about Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert?

In addition to the Cavaliers, Gilbert already owns the Lake Erie Monsters minor league hockey team and just recently purchased the arena football team the Cleveland Gladiators. With Quicken Loans Arena chock full of entertainment options between his three teams, he could look to continue to monopolize the sports market in the Cleveland area by purchasing the Indians.

One thing to remember is that before buying the Cavaliers back in 2005, Gilbert had tried to buy the Milwaukee Brewers, so interest in a Major League Baseball team is certainly there. With his new casino opening up later this year in downtown Cleveland, he could look at ways to use his sports teams to tie into it, and having a baseball team in town for 81 games a year might be inviting.

If there ever was an owner that would be a perfect fit for the Indians, it would be Gilbert. Not because he would spend lots of money – I have news for you, his spending will be based on team revenues just like it has with the Dolan’s – but because of the big shadow the Indians would get out from under with the Dolan ownership. I have often shared my feelings how I think Larry and Paul Dolan are misunderstood by the fan base, but Gilbert is a hero in this city right now, and with his money from Quicken Loans, expanding his Flash Seats setup to the Indians, and getting all the teams onto one big giant Cleveland sports network might be too good to be true.

Like I said, it is merely speculation, but with the rumors of SportsTime Ohio being for sale, the Indians very cost-conscious offseason, and Gilbert buying up sports teams in the Cleveland area like a kid in a candy store…anything can happen.

Finally, a first baseman

On Thursday the Indians came to a deal with free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman on a one year contract that will pay him $3 million in 2012. So ends their long offseason courtship of several first basemen, and while Kotchman may not be the sexiest pickup of those that were available this offseason he may end up as the best fit.

Kotchman, 28, played with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and finished 8th in the American League in hitting (.306) and 10th in on-base percentage (.378). He also had 24 doubles, 10 home runs, 48 RBI, and a .800 OPS in his 146 games played.

Last season Kotchman’s batting average, on-base percentage, and total number of games played were all career highs. It may be viewed that he simply had a career year last season, but he also had a very similar year – if not better – in 2007 when he hit .296 with 11 homers, 68 RBI, and a .840 OPS in 137 games. His numbers fell off a cliff from 2008-2010, but he apparently was having vision issues during that time and had a corrective vision procedure before last season. He conveniently responded with a very good season last year.

While a lot of people have been so fixated this offseason on adding a right-handed bat with power to the Indians lineup, one thing that has been greatly overlooked is the huge need for infield defense and a bat that can hit for average and limit strikeouts. That is exactly what Kotchman can do for the Indians this season.

Kotchman will not hit for much power, but what he will bring is exceptional defense at first base and an ability to consistently put the bat on the ball and limit strikeouts (2588 at bats, 289 strikeouts). He has all the pedigree as a former top prospect as for four years running from 2002-2005 he was a Top 25 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America when he was in the Angels’ system.

Kotchman will definitely help improve the Indians' infield defense on the right side, something that was an issue several times last season. Last year he finished the season with a .998 fielding percentage (2 errors in 1201 total chances), leading all Major League first basemen in that category for a fourth consecutive campaign (2008-11). His career .998 fielding percentage (11 errors in 6076 total chances) is the highest in Major League history for those with at least 700 career games at the position.

Even though Kotchman is yet another left-handed hitter, the Indians have the flexibility to sit him against left-handed pitchers and put Carlos Santana at first base when he needs a break from catching. This is a solid pick up, and even though it is not a headline maker he should help the Indians improve in several different areas next season.

Indians, Rays make a trade

On Tuesday the Indians and Tampa Bay Rays completed a small trade where infielder Russ Canzler was sent to the Indians in exchange for cash considerations. The Rays had designated him for assignment on January 27th, but the Indians were able to complete a deal and add him to the 40-man roster to the spot vacated by right-handed pitcher Fausto Carmona who was put on the restricted list last week.

Canzler, 25, was the MVP this past season of the International League at Triple-A Durham where he hit .314 with 40 doubles, 18 home runs, 83 RBI and .931 OPS in 131 games. His right-handed bat is interesting, but what probably attracted him to the Indians is his versatility as last season he appeared in 41 games in right field, 33 games in left field, 40 games at third base and 17 games at first.

Canzler has very little big league experience as he was added to the Major League roster and made his big league debut last September appearing in just three games (1-for-3, 1 RBI). He is a depth option and has some potential as a corner utility player. His defense is very questionable, which is why he was able to be picked up for nothing, and may be a lot like former Indian first base prospect Jordan Brown as a player that could hit but had too many limitations defensively.

Canzler has all three of his options remaining, so he should provide depth at several positions this year at Triple-A and in the big leagues, and he could end up being a good buy low pickup for the Indians.

LaPorta destined for AAA

With the signing of Kotchman, first baseman Matt LaPorta’s ticket has all but been punched to Triple-A Columbus to start next season. The only thing standing in the way of that ticket from being punched is if Kotchman were to get hurt this spring, which if that were to happen then it would open up the door for LaPorta or someone else to be the regular first baseman.

This is a good thing for LaPorta. His performance to date in the big leagues has been spotty and he has not developed at all the past few years. He may have actually regressed as a player. I believe LaPorta still has a chance to become something with the Indians, but I don't get this mantra by some folks that he has to play with the Indians this year. The guy needs tons of work and development, something which simply cannot be afforded at the big league level when a team is trying to win. It is different if a team is in a development year, but that is not the case this year.

LaPorta has one option left. Use it and send him to the minors where the focus is less on winning and all about development. This is really his last chance to get his swing right, his confidence up, and his consistency with both his offense and defense to what it is expected to be. At this time next year he will be out of options and then the Indians will be backed up against a wall to make a decision on him if he is still struggling. At least by sending him to Triple-A for a big chunk of the season they will know they tried.

In no way have I given up on him. I just believe with this being his last option year he needs to go to Triple-A and play every day in an environment where there is no pressure to win and the Indians can be patient to wait for the results to show. Plus, even if he starts the year in Columbus, there is a good chance he will be needed at some point this season because of injuries and performance to other players.

Sign on the dotted line

Indians left-handed reliever Rafael Perez agreed to terms on Friday to a one year $2.005 million contract for 2012 to avoid salary arbitration. He is still under club control in 2013 and is not eligible for free agency until after that season.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera remains the lone unsigned arbitration eligible player on the Indians roster and reportedly has a multi-year offer from the team on the table. He and the Indians are not expected to go to salary arbitration, so sometime early this coming week he will probably either accept the multi-year deal or just take a one year salary offer. Like with Perez, he is also under club control for the 2013 season and not eligible for free agency until after that season.

Parting Shots

As of this writing, the Indians have not yet announced the player to be removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Casey Kotchman. … The Indians had agreed to terms with infielder Julio Lugo on a minor league contract over a week ago, but that deal has fell apart and he is no longer part of the Indians plans in 2012. … This is just a quick note to mention that my new book the 2012 Cleveland Indians Prospect Insider is nearing completion. The book is my annual offering that provides everything you need to know about the Indians farm system and then some, and I hope to have news on its availability very soon. I also plan to unveil a new redesign of my site sometime in the next week. … Lastly, enjoy Super Bowl Sunday. Hopefully your team wins, but most importantly good luck hitting on those squares at the end of each quarter!

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

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Tribe Happenings: Carmona's future is in jeopardy

Carmona's future with the Indians is in

serious jeopardy. (Photo: AP) 

Some news, notes, and thoughts from my Indians notebook….

Identity crisis

By now everyone has heard the news from Thursday which caught the entire Indians’ organization and an entire fan base by surprise.

Indians right-handed pitcher Fausto Carmona had just finished up his stint pitching in winter ball in the Dominican Republic and was getting ready to renew his visa so he could come back to the United States for spring training in a few weeks, something he has done for years without incident. But on Thursday he was arrested by Dominican Republic authorities for using a false identity.

According to a report by ESPN’s Pedro Gomez, a comment made several weeks ago on a popular Santo Domingo radio broadcast by the mother of the real Carmona family is what led to the investigation. Apparently she said that Carmona had been paying the family hush money for years to use their identification, and after the Indians picked up his $7 million option this offseason he did not increase the payments to them. When the Dominican Republic government caught word of the comment on the show they immediately began an investigation and when he arrived at the US Consulate to renew his visa on Thursday they arrested him.

Carmona’s real identity is being reported as Roberto Hernandez Heredia and he is actually 31 years old, which is three years older than he was always believed to be. He has since been released from jail on bail for $13,000, but while the investigation is being completed he has been ordered not to leave the country and his ability to ever get a visa again to come to the United States is in great jeopardy.

Carmona’s future is on hold and there is a distinct possibility he has thrown his last pitch with the Cleveland Indians and in Major League Baseball for that matter. There is a chance his situation could be resolved at some point, but no matter what it looks like he is going to miss at least some time this season while the legal process plays out.

The Indians are gathering information and exploring all of their options on what to do in response to the Carmona situation. As things become clearer as to the timing of the legal proceedings and how long he may be unavailable, the Indians will likely at some point place him on the restricted list. This would allow them to still control his rights, but they would not have to pay him and he would not count against the 40-man roster. It is possible they could attempt to void his contract and let him go, but that appears unlikely.

The Indians signed Carmona back on December 28, 2000, just 21 days after what was thought to be his 17th birthday. Had he been listed at his real age of 20 years old at the time, neither the Indians nor any other Major League club may have bothered to sign him. Also, given his older age, as he progressed up through the minor leagues the Indians may not have been as patient with him.

Carmona broke onto the scene in 2003 at Low-A Lake County when he went 17-4 with a 2.06 ERA in 24 starts and became a top five prospect in the system. This was because of his performance and stuff at what was then perceived as a 19-year old pitcher. Had people known he was 22 years old at the time it would have been much less impressive.

Carmona’s situation brings to light an ever growing problem in the Latin American countries. Players and their families are so desperate to get away from rampant poverty in their countries that identities are often altered to help their chances as a professional baseball player. Every year players that sign professional contracts as alleged 16-17 year olds are voided as teams find through the verification process that they falsified their information, and even for the ones who clear inspection there is always a feeling of uncertainty for teams.

A lot of people may fault Carmona, but he is a product of a bad system. Major League Baseball is doing their best to police the problems with age and name falsification and the rampant use of steroids. On top of that players are often bribed by buscones (street agents) where they are promised food, shelter, training, and help with getting a signing bonus in exchange for a pre-arranged sum of money. There is only so much the league can do to control it.

Carmona is just another example of a system out of control. He is not the only one either as several players have been caught recently – such as Miami Marlins pitcher Leo Nunez a few months ago - and more will be caught in the future as there are probably several players in the big leagues and minor leagues currently playing with false identities.

Filling a rotation vacancy

With Carmona out of the mix for the foreseeable future, the Indians now have to make a decision on what to do with the vacancy they have in their starting rotation. When they had picked up his $7 million option a few months ago and acquired right-hander Derek Lowe in a trade with the Braves, they thought the rotation was set going into the season with those two along with Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, and Josh Tomlin.

Even after trading for right-handed pitcher Kevin Slowey (more on him in a minute) they need to decide if they are satisfied with him and the rest of their internal options to replace Carmona’s spot in the rotation, or if they need to go out and sign a free agent or make another trade.

The pickings are very slim in free agency and on the trade market as anyone of real significance has already been signed or traded. There are some attractive free agent options out there, such as right-handers Roy Oswalt; however, considering the Indians have probably not had much dialogue with him this offseason they would be coming in very late in the game for their services.

One free agent that is out there that they may consider is right-hander Rich Harden. He will not cost a lot and is an injury risk, but when he is healthy he has proven to be an effective starter. The Indians had a lot of interest in him this past August in a trade, and is probably someone they have been in contact with throughout this offseason as starting pitching depth. He may be someone that could be signed to a very small guaranteed deal, or maybe even a minor league deal given his injury history.

The best solution for now is probably to use any available funds to get a bat for the lineup and to just go with their internal options for the rotation. All four of the candidates for the vacant fifth spot have a minor league option, so any one of Slowey, David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez or Zach McAllister can be sent to Triple-A to start the season and remain on hand there until a starting pitching need in Cleveland comes up.

Both Huff and Gomez showed flashes of brilliance last season in Cleveland, so the potential is there for either one to fill the fifth spot well, and were probably the frontrunners prior to the Slowey trade. McAllister could be a sleeper candidate this spring, and lefty Scott Barnes is someone who could be an option later in the year.

Slowey acquired

The Indians moved quickly on Friday and acquired right-handed pitcher Kevin Slowey from the Rockies in exchange for right-handed reliever Zach Putnam. The Indians maintain it was not in direct response to the Carmona situation and that they had been working on such a deal for Slowey all offseason, but the timing of the move was in no doubt catalyzed by the depth the rotation took after the Carmona news.

Slowey, 27, split last season between Triple-A Rochester, the Minnesota Twins and the disabled list. In 14 games (8 starts) with the Twins last season he went 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA (59.1 IP, 78 H, 5 BB, 34 K), and in seven starts at Rochester went 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA (38.0 IP, 44 H, 5 BB, 29 K). He has a career Major League record of 39-29 with a 4.66 ERA (532.2 IP, 606 H, 84 BB, 395 K) in five big league seasons. He won a career high 13 games with a career best 3.99 ERA in 27 starts with the Twins in 2010. The Twins had traded him to the Rockies back in early December.

Slowey is no doubt a solid depth starting option and the deal itself makes sense from the Indians’ perspective. He does not cost much as the Indians only have to pay him $1.5 million this year since the Rockies are picking up the other $1.25 million of his $2.75 million salary for 2012. He also has an option left and is under team control for another season as he is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season.

It may be a buy low opportunity with Slowey, but coming off a very bad season with some health concerns is not going to do a lot to inspire confidence with him in the starting rotation. He no doubt needs to prove he is healthy this spring and even more importantly that he can be effective. If both ring true, then yes, it will be a good deal for the team.

I’m just not a big fan of picking up back of the rotation pitchers like Slowey with average stuff and with some health concerns, especially when I feel that Gomez, Huff and McAllister were ready for an opportunity. Those three will still get strong consideration this spring, but with the Indians paying Slowey more than what they will pay the other three combined, who do you think has a clear leg up for the spot in the rotation?

I’m also sad to see Putnam go. I felt he was on the verge of a Vinnie Pestano-like breakout this year for the Indians and could impact the bullpen in some way this year like Pestano did last year. He was one of the Indians’ top three bullpen prospects, and after his trade and the recent losses of Josh Judy and Cory Burns in other moves the upper levels of the Indians’ farm system is starting to get thin with true bullpen prospects.

Unless you are high on Putnam like me, then you probably like the deal, and in the long run maybe I will too. It is hard to argue against the idea of picking up an inexpensive, proven Major League starter that you get two years of control of in a deal. I just hope sending away Putnam is not a decision the Indians regret in a few years.

Arbitration update

The Indians came to agreements this past week on one year deals with five of their seven arbitration eligible players this offseason. Third baseman Jack Hannahan ($1.135M), outfielder Shin-Soo Choo ($4.9M), right-handed starter Justin Masterson ($3.825M), right-handed closer Chris Perez ($4.5M), and right-handed reliever Joe Smith ($1.75M) all came to terms on Tuesday.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-handed reliever Rafael Perez are the only two that have yet to sign. Right now Cabrera is requesting $5.2 million and the Indians are offering $3.75 million, and Perez is requesting $2.4 million and the Indians are offering him $1.6 million. If the Indians are unable to come to an agreement on a one year deal with either player in the next week they will go to salary arbitration for the first time since 1991; however, they are expected to come to one year deals with both players and keep their salary arbitration streak alive.

For those unfamiliar with how salary arbitration works, the Indians are not in danger of losing Cabrera or Perez for the 2012 season. Both are under team control through the 2013 season; they just need to come to an agreement on what their salary should be. Also, while Hannahan, Choo, Masterson, Chris Perez, and Smith all signed one year deals they are still under control for the 2013 season as well as long as the Indians offer them arbitration next offseason (they will).

Martinez injured

Even with the loss of Carmona for an undetermined amount of time, the Indians actually saw their chances to win the AL Central actually improve this week. The Indians did not go out and make a big signing or trade, instead their chief rival for the division the Detroit Tigers took a big hit when catcher and first baseman Victor Martinez was lost for the year when he tore the ACL in his knee while working out this week.

Martinez was a key cog to a very good Tigers lineup last year as his bat really protected Miguel Cabrera. When Martinez was out of the lineup no one pitched to Cabrera, and the Tigers were 7-10 without him in the lineup last season. The Tigers will now look to add a player to the roster to help offset the loss of Martinez, but it is will be very hard to replace his bat.

The playing field between the Indians and Tigers has been leveled some, and if the Indians are able to pick up a bat for first base it could level it even more. Health is usually the greatest determinant to the success of a team year in and year out. The Indians were unlucky from a health standpoint last year after a good start, so maybe they are finally getting a few breaks.

Signings, singings, and more signings

The Indians were very busy this week once again with the transactions. In addition to the Slowey trade, they also signed outfielder Fred Lewis, right-handed reliever Jeremy Accardo, infielder Gregorio Petit, and outfielder Ryan Spilborghs to minor league deals with an invite to Major League spring training.

Spilborghs is probably the most interesting pickup as played with the Colorado Rockies for seven seasons and in 619 games owns a career big league batting average of .272 with 42 homers, 218 RBI, and .768 OPS. He can play all three outfield positions, is a right-handed hitter, and a career .305 hitter as a pinch-hitter. He may not be on the Major League roster now, but he may very well end up on the Indians 25-man roster when the season starts as the fourth outfielder.

Lewis has lots of Major League experience, and with some good speed, versatility, and pedigree as a former high profile prospect he could enter into the Indians outfield mix at some point this season. In 519 career Major League games he has hit .267 with 27 homers, 136 RBI, 53 stolen bases, and .761 OPS.

Accardo is relief pitching depth that has made 235 appearances at the big league level. In 247.1 innings he owns a career 4.22 ERA and 52 saves. Petit missed last season with a knee injury and is a good defender that is mostly just minor league infield depth.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

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Winter Meetings Rundown: Day 2

Ryan Ludwick (Photo: AP)

UPDATE 8:27PM: Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports that the Houston Astros offered to trade outfielder Carlos Lee to the Indians and pay half of his $18.5 million salary in 2012, but the Indians declined.
_______

Things were a little quieter on Tuesday with regard to the Indians being tied to any free agent or trade rumors during the Winter Meetings taking place in Dallas.

Nothing new has developed with any of the players they were tied to on Monday (Josh Willingham, Derrek Lee, Casey Kotchman, Casey Blake, Mark DeRosa, etc), but they have been linked to some new players as rumors surfaced about their interest in free agent outfielders Andruw Jones, Mike Cameron, and Ryan Ludwick.

On the trade front there is nothing rumored to be going on, though MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian has mentioned that teams have called the Indians inquiring into the availability of closer Chris Perez. Jon Morosi of FoxSports.com has mentioned that the Indians are willing to trade some of their bullpen depth to pick up a first baseman or outfielder.

As I wrote two weeks ago, the Indians would be wise to consider any offer they get for Chris Perez that would help fill a need on the big league roster. His loss would not be as great as some think, especially if he helps fill a need on the Major League roster. Rafael Perez is the other big league bullpen option that I believe they will consider trading in the right deal because of how high they are on lefty Nick Hagadone since they think he is ready for a big league role right now.

The big news of the Winter Meetings continues to be the Miami Marlins pursuit of free agent first baseman Albert Pujols. They reportedly have offered him a 10 year deal in excess of $200 million.

A lot of people are wondering how the Marlins suddenly can spend all of this money this offseason since they have been a bottom payroll team for so long, but the reason is quite simple: a new stadium. With their new state-of-the-art stadium opening up next season they will have massive revenues with a big attendance spike and lots of luxury box suite and TV money they never had before. This will help make them an artificial big market team (like the Indians in the 90s) for a few years until things eventually level out, and they are taking full advantage of it.

Indians fans should pay close attention to what happens with Pujols and the Marlins. If he does end up in Miami then it may make Marlins incumbent first baseman Gaby Sanchez available. Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said on Tuesday that if Pujols is signed that the Marlins may flip Sanchez for a #3 or #4 big league starting pitcher. This would be right up the Indians alley as they have a plethora of middle-of-the-rotation starter types they can afford to trade and also throw in another depth starter or a young reliever for good measure. Sanchez looks like a really good fit for the Indians at first base as while he is not a star he brings a productive right-handed bat they badly need to balance the middle of the lineup.

The Rule 5 Draft is Thursday and at the moment it still looks unlikely that the Indians select a player. With the roster full at 40 players they would need to designate a player in advance of the draft in order to participate in the Major League phase. As I do every year I will have a preview of the draft tomorrow and take a look at the players the Indians run the most risk of losing.

Speaking of clearing space on the 40-man, the Indians finally announced the 40-man move to open a spot for the resigned Grady Sizemore by designating right-handed pitcher Hector Rondon for assignment. Rondon fractured his right elbow in his last winter ball appearance in Venezuela on November 5th and on November 15th had surgery to repair it. He is expected to miss 6-9 months and will miss a good portion of next season. He likely will clear waivers, and if he does the Indians will outright him to the minors. He would be under the team’s control in 2012.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

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Tribe Happenings: Durbin signed, Laffey Traded

The Indians are hopeful Durbin provides some

stability to the bullpen (Photo: AP)



Some news, notes, and thoughts from my Tribe notebook…

Tribe signs Durbin

On Tuesday the Cleveland Indians officially announced the signing of free agent right-handed reliever Chad Durbin.  Reports had surfaced late last week that he was set to sign, and after completing a physical on Tuesday he put the finishing touches on a one year deal with the Indians for $800,000 that includes up to $1 million in incentives.

Durbin, 33, has pitched in parts of 11 major league seasons and in 308 career appearances in the big leagues (75 starts) he is 36-44 with a 5.05 ERA (691.0 IP, 735 H, 98 HR, 302 BB, 453 K).  He pitched for the Indians briefly in 2003 and opened the 2004 season with the team and in 20 total appearances over those two seasons with the Indians he went 5-7 with a 6.75 ERA (60.0 IP, 81 H, 12 HR, 27 BB, 46 K).

While his career numbers are not very impressive, Durbin has seen some recent success after a full time shift to the bullpen in 2008.  He was a solid contributor for the Philadelphia Phillies the past three years where in 194 appearances over the 2008-2010 season he went 11-7 with a 3.62 ERA (226.0 IP, 306 H, 20 HR, 109 BB, 188 K).

It is unknown at this time what role Durbin will pitch in out of the bullpen with the Indians.  The Indians will likely use the right-handed trio of Durbin, Joe Smith and Jensen Lewis in a matchup based formula where any one of them could pitch the seventh or eighth innings as setup options to get to closer Chris Perez.

Durbin is a journeyman pitcher who has average stuff at best, but with the Indians having so many unknowns with the starting rotation going into the season this is a move to try and shore up and provide more stability to the bullpen.  It looks like he is filling the Jamey Wright role from last season as a veteran bullpen arm to bring in for a few months and be a solid contributor while the Indians align the service clocks for their young relievers and finish off their development in Triple-A Columbus to start the season.  Several high profile bullpen prospects like Josh Judy, Zach Putnam, Bryce Stowell, and Vinnie Pestano are all expected to be sprinkled in over the course of the season.

It still begs the question though why the Indians are even bothering with Durbin as right-handed relief is arguably an area of strength for the team.  In what is viewed as a developmental year, wasting time on the likes of a journeyman like Durbin at the expense of letting some of their younger bullpen options pitch at the big league level to evaluate them there appears to be a waste of time and finite resources.

Barring injury, with Durbin in tow six of the seven bullpen spots are locked in as he should join right-handers Perez, Lewis, and Smith along with left-handers Tony Sipp and Rafael Perez in the opening day bullpen.

The lone bullpen opening to start the season will probably be filled by one of several right-handers in camp such as Frank Herrmann, Jess Todd, Joe Martinez, Vinnie Pestano, Justin Germano or Doug Mathis.  Herrmann is probably the favorite at this point to win the job, but there is a long way to go this spring.

Laffey dealt to Mariners

To make room on the 40-man roster to add Durbin, the Indians completed a trade on Wednesday night by shipping left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey to the Mariners for minor league infielder Matt Lawson.

Laffey, who turns 26 next month, pitched in 79 games (49 starts) over his four year career with the Indians going 18-21 with a 4.41 ERA (320.1 IP, 359 H, 128 BB, 155 K).  He appeared to be a near lock to make the Indians roster as a long man in the bullpen or maybe even as the fifth starter.  He still had one option remaining where he could have been sent to the minors if needed, and considering his versatility and him being left-handed, it is sort of puzzling to see the Indians pull the plug on him so quickly, especially for a low upside minor leaguer.  If anything, his departure at least now brings the opening day bullpen and starting rotation a little more into focus.

Lawson, 25, has spent four seasons in the minors in the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners organizations reaching as high as Double-A.  In 405 career games he owns a .283 batting average with 27 homers, 165 RBI, and a .758 OPS.  He was acquired last July from the Rangers as part of the four player package the Mariners received in exchange for Cliff Lee.

The Indians have openly stated that they like the versatility Lawson provides, but in all honesty he is a long shot to make the big leagues and even if he does his staying power is very limited.  He brings a solid bat where he can hit for average, but he lacks much power and his plate discipline is shaky.  His best attribute is his ability to play solid defense, particularly at second base.

Lawson will probably start the season at Double-A Akron and play second base, though could play some third base, shortstop and outfield since his future is as a utility player.  Interestingly, this past offseason he played shortstop in all of his 20 games he played in the Arizona Fall League, so he could potentially be an option to fill the open shortstop void at Triple-A Columbus to start the season.

Laffey's departure is not expected to be the last with regard to the 40-man roster this spring as some other moves could be coming soon, especially when you consider that the Indians may decide to go with waiver claims, trades, or the non-roster guys in camp to fill voids at third base, catcher, backup outfielder, utility man, and maybe even in the bullpen.

Infirmary report

We are about three weeks into spring training and as expected some players have experienced some minor setbacks due to a few bumps and bruises.  Here is a quick rundown how some of the walking wounded are doing in Indians camp:

Outfielder Grady Sizemore has all but been ruled out to start the season with the club after GM Chris Antonetti's remarks earlier in the week saying he probably won't be ready.  He is progressing well as he has been taking part in live batting practice and has really stepped up his conditioning program with more aggressive sprint and agility work.  On Friday he also started to participate in outfield drills by catching fly balls and fielding grounders.  He is still on schedule to begin playing in Cactus League games in about two weeks.

Right-handed pitcher Anthony Reyes had been shutdown since last weekend because of elbow soreness, but on Friday he restarted his throwing program and was throwing out to 90 feet.  If he has no setbacks in his throwing program, he may see some game action soon.  His setback has all but likely removed him from consideration for the vacant fifth starter spot in the rotation.

Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo returned to the field and played right field on Friday.  He had been held out of a few games and only been playing as a designated hitter because he had been out nursing a sore left elbow.

Outfielder Trevor Crowe is still out with a sore shoulder (rotator cuff), but is expected to start throwing again soon.  Because of the injury he will probably open the season on the 15-day disabled list or at Triple-A Columbus.

Outfielder/first baseman Shelley Duncan has been missing in action because he pulled a muscle in his back during batting practice over a week ago.  He may be cleared to play later this week.  He is expected to make the team as a reserve outfielder and backup first baseman.

While not injured, left-hander Rafael Perez was mysteriously absent from game action the past week and many people asked if he was hurt.  I am happy to report he is in good health and was instead back home for the birth of his child.  Right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco will also be absent for a little while as he has also gone home for the birth of his child.

Indians have interest in Johnson

While the Indians have chosen not to comment nor have made any official announcement, they have reportedly come to an agreement with first baseman Nick Johnson on a minor league deal.  The deal would supposedly also include a club option for 2012.

Johnson, 32, is a very good hitter and very good defender at first base.  In his nine year major league career he owns a .270 average with a nice .844 OPS and has slugged 91 homers in 794 games.  He is more of a hitter along the lines of Sean Casey who can hit the ball out of the ballpark, but relies more on pounding gaps and getting on base.  He also exhibits some very good patience at the plate as he walks a lot and limits the strikeouts.  In a lot of ways he is the player Indians fans hoped Jordan Brown would be, but with much more defense.

So how are the Indians able to pickup such a player this late in the game, and on a minor league deal to boot?

Well, Johnson has a lengthy injury history and is coming off two major surgeries to his wrist last year where a lot of teams believe he is pretty much done as far as being an effective player.  The Indians are taking a low risk shot in the dark here where assuming he passes his physical and the signing becomes official he will continue his rehab with the team and if all goes well he could be an option for them late this season.

The medical is a big question mark though, and any expectations of him possibly playing in Cleveland this year should be tempered.  This looks more like a move for 2012, sort of like when they signed Aaron Boone midseason in 2004 where he continued his rehab from a broken foot and became an option for the club the following year.

Departing for Goodyear

I'll be heading out to Goodyear, Arizona on Thursday, so be sure to check out my site and my blog on SportsTime Ohio at STOHD.com for daily updates.

Speaking of Goodyear, anyone reading this who is either already out in Goodyear or who may soon be going out for spring training, the team shop at the ballpark now has my new 2011 Indians prospect book in the store.  So check it out!  You can still purchase it through me here on my site, and it should be available on Amazon.com sometime this week.

Also, while I am here, if you have any Indians questions or comments please e-mail them to me at tlastoria@indiansprospectinsider.com.  I plan to kick up my weekly/bi-weekly IPI Inbox feature next week, so feel free to ask anything that’s on your mind.

Parting Shots

The Indians are using infielder Jared Goedert a lot of different ways this spring.  He is a third baseman, but because of his sub par defensive abilities at the big league level they have been using him at first base and he is expected to see some time in the outfield too. ...  Infielder Cord Phelps may also see some time in the outfield, and if not will probably get some action out there once he is sent down to minor league camp in a week or so. ... Outfielder Austin Kearns was charged with a DUI back on February 12th, which by the advice of his lawyer he just told the team about earlier this week.  The matter is being handled internally. ... Two former fan favorites from the 2004-2005 Indians teams have retired.  Outfielder Jody Gerut and right-handed reliever Bob Howry have called it a career.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

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Tribe Happenings: Long term deals not likely (yet) for signees

Cabrera may be the first player to sign a

long term deal (Photo: AP)

Some news, notes, and thoughts from my Tribe notebook….

Signed, sealed, and delivered

The Indians completed negotiations this week with the final four arbitration eligible players on their roster.

Back in December they inked right-handed relievers Jensen Lewis and Joe Smith to one year deals just hours before the filing deadline date, and then this week they agreed to one year deals with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, right-handed closer Chris Perez, left-handed reliever Rafael Perez, and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

For the 2011 season Cabrera will be paid $2.025 million, Chris Perez $2.25 million, Rafael Perez $1.33 million, and Choo gets $3.975 million. For the two deals reached back in December, Lewis will earn $650,000 and Smith $870,000 this season.

The signings this past week came just hours before the arbitration deadline where if a deal was not reached, the club and player would go arbitration. With the signings of all of the Indians’ arbitration eligible players they avoid going to arbitration for the 20th straight year. The last time they went to arbitration was in 1991 for Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne. With the players under contract, the Indians payroll now sits at around $46.5 million.

Why one year deals?

The signing of all the players to one year deals does not mean long term contract extensions are out of play.

Also, the fact they signed one year deals does not mean that all of these players are free agents at the end of the season as they are all under the Indians control for several more years. The Indians control the rights of Cabrera, Choo, Rafael Perez, and Smith through the 2013 season, and control the rights of Chris Perez and Lewis through the 2014 season.

Going year to year with arbitration eligible players can be beneficial for the team and the players. Teams are able to control long term payroll and not worry about being tied down to a bad long term deal given to a player who struggles after agreeing to the deal. The one year deals also allow the player to hit free agency sooner.

All of that comes at a risk as a player is banking on health and production the next three years instead of taking the financial security of a long term deal, and the team is risking a player continuing to be very productive and becoming very expensive in arbitration and losing him earlier to free agency than they may have had they signed him to a long term deal.

Long term discussions

As the Indians have done in the past with signing the likes of Albert Belle, Charles Nagy, Kenny Lofton and others in the 90s, and then recently Victor Martinez, C.C. Sabathia, Travis Hafner and others, there are some players they will look to sign to long term deals to carry them through their arbitration years and the first one or two years of free agency.

This typically requires give and take by the club and the player, as the player gives up potential future earnings for the security of a guaranteed long term contract while the team gets to buy the first year or two of free agency by taking the risk of a long term guaranteed deal and potentially paying them more through their arbitration years.

At the moment the Indians are not close to a long term deal with any of the players that were arbitration eligible this year. They will continue to go year to year with Lewis, Smith and Rafael Perez due to the volatility of performance that comes from big league relievers.

Due to the presence of mega agent Scott Boras and his high demands along with an inflated outfield market the Indians almost definitely will continue to go year to year with Choo. Do not expect any long term deal to be announced this spring, though things on that front could possibly change later in the season.

The way things stand currently, Cabrera and Chris Perez look to be the most likely fits for a long term deal. Perez will be hard since as a closer his asking price will be high, and as a reliever the Indians may wait at least a half season before becoming more serious in negotiations.

If anyone is signed to a long term deal this spring, Cabrera looks to be the best shot, and that is decent at best. He and the Indians have mutual interest in getting a long term deal done, so there is some momentum there for a potential deal sometime this year, maybe as early as spring training.

Arbitration 101

For those unfamiliar with the arbitration process, you may be wondering what all of this is about and why these players only receive one year deals. The arbitration process for free agents (players with six or more service time) is a little different, but I will explain the process below for players that are arbitration eligible and have less than six years of service time.

Service time is accrued by each day a player is on an active 25-man Major League roster or Major League disabled list (both 15-day and 60-day). Once a player accrues 172 days of service it is considered one year of service time, and then the next count to 172 begins to achieve another year of service time. As these days and years add up a club has control of what they pay them if they are under three years of service time, which usually is at the Major League minimum of $400,000 or slightly above that. For example, as a player with less than three years of service time Choo made $461,000 in 2010.

Once a player has earned at least three full years of service time they become arbitration eligible. What this means is they now have the opportunity to be paid a fair contract and have some leverage to earn a lot more money depending on their performance and the market. Players have three arbitration years until they become eligible for free agency once they accrue six full seasons of service time (unless they are bound by a long term contract).

The arbitration process calls for the Major League team to offer the player arbitration by the December 12th filing date. If the club does not sign the player or offer them arbitration before the filing date, they become a free agent.

For those players that a club offers arbitration to, the club and the player’s representation continue to negotiate a contract. In January the player and the club each submit a salary figure to the league for arbitration, and if neither party can agree to a contract for the upcoming season by January 18th, the case goes before a three-person panel of professional arbitrators in February.

At the hearing, all parties are required to attend and each has one hour to argue its case and 30 minutes for rebuttal. The panel considers the player’s performance and leadership, the team’s record and attendance, and also the comparable salaries of other players with similar service time. The arbitrators then determine what the player will be paid for the upcoming season.

Grover back in the fold

Earlier in the week Mike Hargrove agreed to join the Indians organization this year in a special advisor role. His role will be a versatile one that exposes him to all parts of the organization where he will assist manager Manny Acta’s coaching staff in spring training, join SportsTime Ohio in the booth for several TV broadcasts, and serve as a resource for the many business, community and charitable endeavors of the Indians.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to once again be a Cleveland Indian and am very much looking forward to helping any way that I can,” Hargrove said in a statement this week. “Even when I was away and managing other teams I always had an interest in what was happening with the Indians. All I can really say is that it is good to be home.”

Known as the “Human Rain Delay”, Hargrove has spent 22 years in the Indians organization as a player, coach and manager. He hit .292 in 888 games over seven years with the Indians from 1979-1985, and in 12 big league seasons had an incredible 965 walks to just 550 strikeouts in 6693 plate appearances.

As manager of the Indians from 1991-1999, Hargrove went 721-591 including two American League titles and five American League Central Division crowns. He ranks second all-time in club history in managerial wins behind Lou Boudreau (728), third in managerial winning percentage (.550) and is the only Indians manager to guide the Indians to two American League pennants. He was inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame in 2008.

With the passing of the legendary Bob Feller a few weeks back, one can say the title of Mr. Indian has been passed onto Hargrove as he has always been a fan favorite and actively been a part of the organization in some way for over 30 years.

Shuey named to Kinston hall

Former Indians reliever Paul Shuey (1994-2002) was inducted into the Kinston Professional Baseball Hall of Fame this week. He will be formally inducted at Kinston’s annual Hot Stove Banquet on March 10th. Kinston is the advanced Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

Shuey went to school at Raleigh Millbrook High School (NC), is a former All-American at the University of North Carolina, and after being drafted and signed by the Indians in the first round of the 1992 Draft he played at Kinston in 1993 and 1994. He made 15 appearances for Kinston in 1993 going 1-0 with a 4.84 ERA, and made 13 appearances in 1994 at Kinston going 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA with a team high eight saves before making his Major League debut with the Indians that same year.

Parting Shots

Former Indians catcher Wyatt Toregas has signed a minor league contract with an invite to big league spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In seven seasons in the Indians’ minor league system he hit .262 with 52 homers, 284 RBI, and .736 OPS in 536 games. He made his Major League debut at the end of the 2009 season with the Indians where in 19 games he went 9-for-51 (.176) at the plate. … The Low-A Lake County Captains unveiled their 2010 Midwest League championship rings this week. To see them, go to CaptainsBaseball.com. … Finally, the new 2011 Indians prospect guide I am completing is still targeted to go to press at the end of this month or beginning of February. I will continue to post details on its availability here.

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IPI Inbox: Salcedo Saga Nearing End

It is time for another edition of the IPI Inbox, one which will be broken up into two pieces with part one today and part two tomorrow or Saturday. Today's piece will concentrate more on questions pertaining to the big league team, while the second edition will answer some questions about the farm system.

One quick note and correction to my Russell Branyan piece from over the weekend, and that is to note that in the comments section I made mention that I did not believe Andy Marte would be the one designated for assignment once the Branyan signing is made official. As announced yesterday, the Indians chose to designate infielder Chris Gimenez. I just wanted to clarify that I misspoke and that the Indians very much value Marte because he is their best defender at both first base and third base, and being right-handed it would allow the Indians to play him and Matt LaPorta almost exclusively against left-handers with Branyan and Travis Hafner sitting.

Anyway, to the inbox we go...

Devin R: In the past couple of days, and seemingly out of nowhere, the Braves have been tied to Edward Salcedo -- most recently, mlbtraderumors.com has them finalizing a deal as soon as he passes a physical. They mention his birthday has "recently" been established as July 30, 1991. Where were the Indians when this happened? We had this guy playing in our DR facilities for at least a year (longer, if I remember correctly). He disappears for a couple years because of concerns about his age, and we completely lose touch?

Me: First off, I see you asked Indians.com beat reporter Anthony Castrovince this same question and he provided a spot on response in his mailbag earlier in the week. To recap what Castrovince said, Salcedo has been trying to sign with a major league team for the past three years but has been unsuccessful in those attempts because of an investigation into his identity. While the Braves appear close to signing him, it doesn't mean the investigations into his identity being conducted by both Major League Baseball and the United States Consulate are in the clear.

Now, as to why the Indians have "lost touch" with Salcedo? It is just one of those things where to my knowledge the Indians interest and contact with him completely flat-lined once the identity issues cropped up three years ago. Whether or not he is cleared and his identity is verified no longer matters as they have apparently moved on. Also, Salcedo was never at the Indians' Dominican Republic facilities for a year as any report on that is inaccurate because by rule teams cannot have a player at their academy for more than 30 days. The Indians did have him in for a few short visits and even saw him play in the USA when he participated in a Perfect Game event, but that's it.

Aaron wrote: When reading your comments you said "this [Branyan] signing in no way is blocking anyone of importance." You don't think this will cut into LaPorta's time? Matt is a "true prospect" that is ready (if no setbacks health wise.) How many starts, when healthy, will LaPorta get? I am not for platooning.

Me: I am not for a platoon either in this case. In the right situation where two role players are used to maximize their strengths and limit their weaknesses, I am fine with it, sort of like the "Benuardo" platoon in 2006 with Ben Broussard and Eduardo Perez. But in the case of LaPorta, he is considered an everyday player so will get everyday at bats. What is likely to happen here is while there is no strict platoon, the Indians are going to be cautious with how they use him this year and not just throw him out to the wolves and play every night come hell or high water. The plan is for him to get around 500 plate appearances, but his performance over the course of the season will dictate whether he gets less or more plate appearances.

From the sounds of it, LaPorta will split time in left field with Michael Brantley and also play first base or designated hitter against lefties so the Indians can sit Branyan and/or Travis Hafner. So, while Branyan is expected to be the “regular” first baseman, he shouldn’t really block anyone other than Andy Marte and Chris Gimenez (who are no longer prospects). Branyan is more an insurance option for the Indians so they can be a little more careful in the use of LaPorta and even Michael Brantley who will both be in their first full big league seasons. Whether or not Branyan is the right fit is certainly debatable, and I subscribe to the belief that he is a wasteful signing, but even without signing Branyan his role is one that would have been filled by "someone" this year to help lessen LaPorta's burden, so make of that what you will.

Brian wrote: How in the world are we going to give any of the trio of Ambriz, Sowers, and Talbot a chance if we only have a 6-man bullpen?

Me: This question is in response to my note last week that the Indians may go with a 14-position player and 11-man pitching staff alignment for the 25-man opening day roster. I’ve since changed my stance on that as it appears the Indians may instead go without a true 4th outfielder, so they could still have a 13-position player and 12-man pitching staff alignment.

But, to answer the question, whether they go with a six or seven man bullpen I think the either scenario makes sense and still allows Talbot, Sowers and Ambriz to battle it out for the final spot. The only locks in the bullpen are Kerry Wood, Tony Sipp, Raffy Perez, Chris Perez and Joe Smith. That's five guys. Jensen Lewis is by no means a lock for a spot and has an option left, so he could open the season at Triple-A Columbus. The same goes for Jess Todd, who is all but certain to open the year in Columbus unless several injuries crop up this spring.

With a six man bullpen and Lewis/Todd in Columbus, the last bullpen spot would come down to one of Hector Ambriz, Mitch Talbot, Jeremy Sowers, and Aaron Laffey, with one of Laffey, Talbot, and Sowers being the fifth starter. Ambriz to me is a non-factor as I don't see any way he cracks the bullpen in a long man role over the other three, so to me Ambriz either is sent back to the Diamondbacks or if he impresses the Indians will work out a trade to acquire his full rights and send him to Columbus.

Talbot is the odds on favorite to me to be the 5th starter seeing how the Indians just completed a trade for him this offseason when they sent catcher Kelly Shoppach to the Rays. I actually think Laffey in the short term best fits in the long man role because of his versatility, and we sure are going to need someone reliable in the role to help in the first two months of the season while the rotation hashes itself out. I think Laffey could be in for a role similar to Jake Westbrook's in 2004 where he went in as the long man in the pen, but provided nice insurance for when a starter couldn't go long and eventually he found his way into the rotation full time that year by mid-May. Sowers looks to be the odd man out, though there is a chance he could open the year on the disabled list as the seeds have already been plated for that to occur based on reports he has had some arm discomfort this spring.

If they go with a seven man bullpen, which is likely, then the other spot should be a battle between Lewis, Todd and Ambriz. In this scenario if the Indians really like Ambriz and they can’t complete a fair trade with the Diamondbacks for his full rights, you could see him open in the big league bullpen with both Todd and Lewis in Columbus.

Ken Y. wrote: Will the Indians convert Rafael Perez into a starter?

Me: The Indians have hinted during the offseason that Perez could be moved back into a starter's role at some point this season. While I happen to think it is very unlikely to occur, in the chance it does it would not happen until at least the second half of the season as he needs to be built back up to handle a starter's role, something he has not done since the early part of 2006 in the minor leagues.

Quite frankly, I don't think Perez has the pitches to be a successful starter, so I don't know what the Indians are thinking here other than that they are just keeping their options open. With Perez being out of options they may look at every alternative to keep him on the roster if his bullpen struggles continue well into the coming season. His best pitch is his slider, a pitch which plays up in short stints out of the bullpen, but his fastball is barely average and he lacks any real quality third pitch. So, it doesn't appear starting him makes any sense other than pure desperation in a last ditch attempt to salvage his career with the Indians if he continues to struggle in the bullpen to where maybe stretching him out in the rotation for awhile can fix some of his consistency and command issues.

Eric T. wrote: Tony how far away are [Josh Judy and Zach Putnam] from contributing to the big league team? Could we see them at some point this year?

Me: With both in big league camp, they are most definitely considered big league options at some point this year. Both have vaulted to the top of the Indians depth chart among relief prospects yet to make their major league debut, and both could get that chance this year if things go right.

That said, unless the Indians find themselves in contention which would pressure them to promote them quicker, both will likely not be in Cleveland this year. The Indians just have too many other bullpen options to sort through this season as they look to build some semblance of a bullpen for 2011 and beyond. Anything can happen, but there are roster implications to consider too since Putnam does not need to be "rostered" until after the 2011 season, while Judy will need to be rostered after this season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

With that in mind, and considering there are only 40 major league roster spots, it seems very unlikely Putnam is added to the 40-man until sometime in 2011 unless he is just lights out and the Indians have an urgent need for bullpen help this season. Since Judy needs to be added to the roster anyway this coming offseason, he really could be added at anytime this year. I think in order to avoid possibly wasting an option on either player this year they would not be added to the big league roster until near the end of August or early September, much like what the Indians did with outfielder Michael Brantley last year.

Bruce C.: Does [the Indians GM change] mean anything except new titles?

Me: Shapiro is a good GM. This team was very good from a talent standpoint from 2005-2008, but two of those years they bombed because of a hellacious bullpen. He has surely made his mistakes, but I don't see very many other current GMs doing a better job with the limited resources he has to work with. And anyone that thinks Antonetti will simply be Shapiro clone may want to rethink their position a little bit. Yes, they seem alike in a lot of ways, but so is the case when the understudy is working for his "boss" and really can't open up and do as he chooses until he has control. I mean, Shapiro was viewed as a "Hart Clone" back when he was handpicked to succeed John Hart when Hart stepped down in 2001. Look how different Shapiro turned out to be. So, while it may seem like more of the same, I think we need to see Antonetti in the GM chair first before we can accurately assess whether it will just be business as usual like under Shapiro, or if he may bring something different to the table.

Salcedo photo courtesy of Perfect Game USA

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Sunday Notebook: Lovullo Out, Sarbaugh In?

I'm finally back from my Thanksgiving trip to Des Moines, Iowa and have a few notes to catch up on:

- As reported earlier in the week by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Triple-A Columbus manager Torey Lovullo has left the organization and has signed on with the Boston Red Sox to be the manager of their Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket. When Lovullo was passed over for the Indians managerial opening and then not added to new manager Manny Acta's staff, the writing was on the wall that Lovullo would leave. Lovullo being passed over as the manager was not much of a surprise, but he looked to be a shoe in to be named to Acta's staff. When that did not occur, it was obvious he needed to look in a new direction for a better opportunity and that is what he did with Boston. While Lovullo was certainly disappointed in not being added to the big league staff, from what I have heard it was an amicable parting.

- The Plain Dealer reports that Joel Skinner and Mike Sarbaugh are the two likely candidates to replace Lovullo as the Triple-A manager, though I would be very surprised if Sarbaugh is not named the new manager. The Indians are high on Sarbaugh, and he has been very successful as he has moved up the managerial ranks in the Indians farm system. He has been in the organization for 20 years, six of those as a manager. He has managed his teams to championships in three of his six years, winning in 2004 with short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley, 2006 with High-A Kinston, and in 2009 with Double-A Akron. An announcement of the coaching staffs for the Indians minor league system may be announced later this week.

- Right-hander Jake Westbrook made his first rehab start last night in Puerto Rico. No word yet on his exact pitch count, but it was probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-35 pitches. For the game he went 1.2 innings and allowed 1 run on 3 hits, 1 walk, and had 0 strikeouts. Of his five outs he recorded, four were of the groundball variety which is a good sign.

- Earlier in the week, left-hander Rafael Perez made a start in the Dominican Republic where he went 4.0 shutout innings allowing 1 hit, 3 walks, and had 5 strikeouts. Being stretched out to four innings made it look like he was being looked at as a possible starter for 2010, but that is not the case. The Indians are simply starting him to help him develop more consistency with repeating his delivery and slider as well as improving the command of his fastball. As many know, he was a starter in the minor leagues up until his bullpen conversion which started in 2006, so he certainly has experience in the starting role; however, the Indians are still committed to him in the bullpen.

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Rafael Perez

Rafael Perez: Left-handed Pitcher

Age: 24 Height: 6’3” Weight: 185 Bats: Left Throws: Left

Stats & Stuff: Perez is a product of the Indians scouting efforts in the Latin American countries, as he signed as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2002. In his first season in the Indians system in 2003, Perez was named the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year after posting a 9-3 record with a 1.70 ERA and .220 BAA for short-season rookie level Burlington. He moved up a notch in 2004 to Lake County and went 7-6 with a 4.85 ERA in 22 starts, and then really broke through in 2005 going a combined 12-8 with a 2.62 ERA at Kinston and Akron. Last year, he went a combined 4-8 with a 2.76 ERA and held opposing batters to a .213 BAA in 25 appearances (12 starts) at Akron and Buffalo. In brief action with Cleveland, Perez was 0-0 with a 4.38 ERA in the 12.1 innings he pitched, and he held batters to a .204 BAA.

The Good: Perez throws a powerful 92-94 MPH live fastball with great action. As he grows into his body more and fills out his frame the Indians feel he could add more velocity to his fastball. His slider is rated as the best in the entire system, and many scouts feel it will be a devastating pitch in a major league bullpen. Last year at Buffalo, Perez continued to gain confidence in the bullpen and improved his fastball command. In his brief stint with the Indians in 2006, the organization loved what he showed at Baltimore when he was first called up.

Perez’s arm slot and 3/4 delivery creates uneasiness for left-handed hitters where they can’t dig in against him. Late in 2005, for the first time in his career Perez was used out of the bullpen and he was dominant. In his seven relief appearances he posted a 1.26 ERA in 14.1 IP, and allowed only 11 hits and struck out 11. Situation-wise, Perez has owned left-handers. At Akron in 2005, left-handers hit only .133 (8 for 60) off of him, and last year combined at Akron and Buffalo left-handers only hit .122 off of him (12 for 98). In addition, lefties only had a .210 SLG% against him at Akron, and a .115 SLG% at Buffalo. Those numbers against left-handers are what make Perez such an exciting relief prospect.

The Bad: Perez is still transitioning to the relief role. Last year, the Indians worked with him in developing a more regimented routine in getting prepared for game action coming out of the bullpen so he warms up quicker. Things were speeding up on him some during his brief stay in Cleveland, and some of his problems in Cleveland were a result of mechanical breakdowns, and a lack of getting proper leverage on hitters with his pitches. Also, his ball was not on the required downhill plane and was being left out arm side.

The Outlook: When the Indians first signed Perez, they viewed his future in the major leagues as a left-handed reliever in the bullpen. Even though the Indians projected him as a reliever, last year the Indians continued to start him in order to stretch him out and keep starting pitching options open for the organization. While the door is not closed on him being a starter in the major leagues, the Indians have a great need for left-handed relief pitching this year and beyond. With how dominant he has been against lefties the past few seasons, for now his need is in the bullpen. Perez should compete with Tony Sipp and Juan Lara for a job as the Indians second left-hander in the bullpen, and is a heavy favorite to win the job.

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