RHP Pestano, 26, 1-2, 2.32, 2-6 in saves:

Those save numbers for Vinnie and all the middle relievers are misleading. If a pitcher blows a lead in the 7th he gets a "blown save" but if he maintains the lead he earns only a "hold". Hoynes should publish the hold totals, too. And the statskeepers should restrict Blown Saves for last inning relievers, and keep Hold/Blown Hold numbers separately. Someone probably does that already.

Or just stop keeping records of those useless bits of info altogether, but in the absence of that I like your suggestion, Civ.

Indians may have to lower expectations from division champion to wild-card participant with lack of off-season activity
Published: Monday, January 30, 2012, 1:51 PM Updated: Monday, January 30, 2012, 1:57 PM
By Sporting News

By Anthony Witrado
Sporting News

While several teams spent the last three months collecting free agents and trading to make their clubs better heading into spring training, several others have done little or nothing to improve.

For those teams, that means lowered expectations heading into the new season.

The clubs that already had fairly low hopes have made sure improvement will be nearly impossible with their inactive offseasons. And for the teams that ended last season with promise, the ceiling has dropped considerably for one or more reasons.

So, as January closes and spring training report dates creep closer, let’s gauge those ceilings. A 10 on the expectation scale is “division title or bust,” a 5 signals “contend into September,” and a 1 means “when does spring training 2013 start?”

Cleveland Indians
Last season started out promising as the Indians went 18-8 and were in first place as late as July 20. Things quickly came tumbling down after that, and the team was dealt a new setback this month when starter Fausto Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false identity. He is on the MLB restricted list.

It wasn’t as if Carmona was the ace of the staff, though. If he is lost – the pitcher, whose real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia, had a 5.25 ERA last season – it’s not a huge loss.

What hurts more is the team’s lack of movement this winter, whiffing on free agents and trades targets to improve the lineup. Also, the division rival Detroit Tigers got better, at least offensively, by signing Prince Fielder. The Tigers now are the overwhelming favorites to win the division again.

Cleveland might have to lower its sights from division champion to wild-card participant, but the franchise still has plenty of hope it can reach the postseason.

Expectation level: 6.

Milwaukee Brewers
Everyone knew once the final out was made to end the Brewers’ season expectations would take a hit. Losing one of the game’s best power hitters, Fielder, will do that, and the Brewers were 99.9 percent certain the slugger would leave via free agency.

Fielder signed with the Tigers last week, but Milwaukee also could lose the National League’s MVP, Ryan Braun for the beginning of the season. Braun tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone in October and his appeal of a 50-game suspension likely will be denied.

The Brewers improved pitching last season, but it is not nearly good enough to carry a team. If Milwaukee is going to repeat their 96-win season, starters Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf need to outperform their 2011 numbers thanks to the suddenly thin offense.

Coming off a division championship, hope for the Brewers is still high. But, realistically, expectations have taken a severe hit – maybe more of a hit than any other team in baseball.

Expectation level: 4.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Owner Frank McCourt is about to be gone, which is a positive. But because of his financial troubles the Dodgers were not able to seriously compete for any impact free agents. In fact, they couldn’t even keep the one they had in righthander Hiroki Kuroda.

The team still has Matt Kemp, one of the game’s most productive position players last season, and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. But beyond those guys, they need huge improvements from Andre Ethier, James Loney and the rest of the rotation.

Expectation level: 3.5.

Chicago White Sox
General manager Kenny Williams has waived the white flag, but only with his arm halfway extended because it seems he can’t decide whether the White Sox are in a rebuilding mode or not.

Two of their best starters from last season – Mark Buehrle and Edwin Jackson – are gone and the offense, which was a major disappointment last season, is only getting older. So, there is no ace and the lineup doesn’t put much fear into anyone. All bad.

Expectation level: 3.

Seattle Mariners
They traded away one of the best young arms in baseball, Michael Pineda, but got one of the more promising hitters, Jesus Montero, in return. That leaves the team with promising offensive players like Montero, Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak and young pitchers like Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen and James Paxton who could help Felix Hernandez form a solid rotation.

Those pieces provide promise and hope for the future, but they won’t lead to much in terms of winning in 2012.

Expectation level: 2.

Oakland A’s
GM Billy Beane came into the winter with the intention of gutting the team of its young pitching, which was some of the best in the business, and he succeeded. Gone are Gio Gonzalez, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey.

So what are the A’s doing? Well, they are hoping to get rid of guys who will surely demand high salaries (relative to Oakland’s payroll) and replace them with prospects who could be impact players by the time the A’s move to San Jose, assuming that ever happens.

Expectation level: 1.

Baltimore Orioles
Manager Buck Showalter was supposed to bring more success to the Orioles last season. The hope was there and Baltimore got off to a 6-1 start before losing their next eight.

The offense struggled and the young pitching that was supposed to eventually bring the team back to prominence fell flat on its baby face. Last season was supposed to be a real start to the comeback and this season was supposed to be the time Baltimore set their sights on a .500 season. But they didn’t land an impact free agent or trade for anyone, and the road to the top of the division is once again blocked by the teams above them – the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays – all having improved.

Expectation level: 1.

What hurts more is the team’s lack of movement this winter, whiffing on free agents and trades targets to improve the lineup.

What's new!

Franchise still has plenty of hope it can reach the postseason

It does? Why?!

I don't know what you guys are complaining about. Check this out. What more could you want?

.

Indians acquire International League MVP Canzler

The Sports Xchange 24 minutes ago

The Cleveland Indians have acquired Russ Canzler, last season's International League MVP, from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash.

Canzler played both corner outfield positions, third base and first base, while batting .314 with 18 homers and 83 RBIs at Triple-A Durham. He made his major league debut for the Rays Sept. 11.

The 25-year-old led the International League in doubles (40) and slugging percentage (.530), finished second in runs (78) and third in hits (149).

Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2004, he signed with Tampa Bay as a minor league free agent before last season.

Canzler sounds too good to be picked up for just cash, especially if he has an option left. What's the knock on this guy?

Indians acquired 1B Russ Canzler from the Rays for cash considerations.

Canzler was designated for assignment by the Rays last week in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for infielder Jeff Keppinger. The 25-year-old posted a promising 314/.401/.530 batting line with 18 home runs, 40 doubles and 83 RBI in 131 games last year at Triple-A Durham and could certainly factor into Cleveland's plans for 2012. He can play first base, third base and corner outfield.
Source: Marc Topkin on Twitter Jan 31 - 10:05 AM

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minor ... nzle001rus

stats for new guy.

Canzler has not in the past 3 years made a Baseball America Top 30 prospect list for his teams. He finally appears on the depth chart for the Rays for 2012 as their 3rd best 1B prospect but behind two other guys who also don't reach their top 30.

His acquisition by the Rays last winter as a minor league free agent means he was then no more than your classic winter ragpick.

So maybe he can reach Shelley Duncan level of success someday but a Casey Blake career seems much more unlikely since he has concentrated on 1B and LF at higher levels.

If Marson doesn't hit enough to play regularly and we need Santana behind the plate most of the time, Canzler could I guess be a reasonable alternative to LaPorta. At least he's right handed.

Even Tony Lastoria isn't terribly excited.

Indians acquire Canzler from Rays
12:05 PM Tony No comments

Russ Canzler
On Tuesday morning the Indians announced that they acquired infielder/outfielder Russ Canzler from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. The Rays had designated him for assignment on January 27th after they signed infielder Jeff Keppinger, and he is now on the Indians 40-man roster. He assumed the spot vacated by 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. Last season he hit .314 (149-for-474) with 40 doubles, 4 triples, 18 home runs, 83 RBI and .931 OPS in 131 games. He was a midseason and postseason All Star and led the the league in doubles (40) and slugging pct. (.530), finished tied for second in runs (78), third in hits (149), fourth in batting average (.314), fifth in RBI (83) and second in on-base pct. (.401) and total bases (251). He showed some versatility last season as he appeared in 41 games in right field, 33 games in left field, 40 games at third base and 17 games at first. He made his Major League debut with the Rays in September and went 1-for-3 in 3 games (1RBI, 1BB).

Canzler was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round of the 2004 Draft out of Hazleton Area High School (PA). After a seven year minor league career with the Cubs he signed with the Rays last offseason as a free agent. For his minor league career he is a .280 hitter (698-for-2490) with 172 doubles, 23 triples, 84 homer and 405 RBI in 738 games.

Canzler is a depth option and has some potential as a corner utility player. While his 2011 season and MVP are nice to see, they mean very little as he is not valued highly in the industry. His defense is questionable, and the fact the Cubs let him go as a free agent last year and now the Rays let him go for only cash show how limited his future may be. He could be a late bloomer like a Casey Blake, or just another defensive challenged offensive player stuck in Triple-A like Jordan Brown.

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. With that in mind, even with his impressive performance the past two years expectations should be tempered and he should be viewed nothing more than a depth option until he shows otherwise.

Jeez...25years old... cheap to aquire....cheap to keep( three options left)... no problem hitting minor league pitching...how bad can his defense be?....no big expectations....what's not to like?

Best move of the off-season.

Sounds like Shelly Duncan II in my opinion.

Worth a shot.

I agree with Seagull, I think this move made more sense than others.

Also should motivare LaPorta.

Around the Horn: Indians' starting rotation
For Tribe, run at playoff berth begins on mound
By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | 01/06/12 2:42 PM EST

Roughly six weeks remain until the start of Spring Training. The sound of baseballs popping in gloves. The smell of freshly trimmed outfield grass. It's all right around the corner. That makes this a good time to go Around the Horn, taking a look at the Indians' roster. We'll start this six-part series by examining the Tribe's starting rotation.

CLEVELAND -- It has been said countless times, but the old baseball adage remains relevant as another season approaches.

"Any good team," Indians starter Justin Masterson said, "it starts with the pitching."

Masterson reminded of that truism at the end of 2011, when Cleveland wrapped up a second-place finish in the American League Central. The Indians saw improvement with their rotation during that campaign, but know that more is needed from the group to potentially fight for a playoff berth in 2012.

There are plenty of questions up and down the entirety of Cleveland's youthful roster, but the starting staff will likely set the tone for the year ahead. The Indians have made moves to solidify the front five, hoping to field a cast that can carry the club in times when other aspects of the team falter.

For the past few years, the Indians have held Spring Training competitions for multiple rotation jobs. This season, Cleveland will head into camp with its five starters identified, barring any injuries or setbacks. That puts the Tribe in a position to open the 2012 season with the type of depth that has been missing of late.

"There's a comfort level with the five guys that we have," Indians manager Manny Acta said at the Winter Meetings in December. "I would say there's a comfort level now that we feel that we will have eight guys, at least, in camp, and we all know you need minimum of seven to eight just to go through the season."

As things currently stand, the Indians' five-man rotation projects to include Masterson -- a prime candidate to start on Opening Day -- along with Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Tomlin, Fausto Carmona and Derek Lowe. Jimenez and Lowe were acquired through July and October trades, respectively.

Cleveland's rotation does, however, have its work cut out for it if the group wants to rise to the upper ranks of the American League.

In 2011, Indians starters combined to go 53-61 with a 4.51 ERA, which ranked 10th in the league. The club cycled through 10 starters and had four land on the disabled list for stretches. Carmona (7-15, 5.25 ERA) labored as the team's season-opening No. 1 starter, Jimenez was inconsistent after joining Cleveland in July, and Carlos Carrasco was lost to a serious right elbow injury.

The Indians are hoping for a reversal of fortunes in 2012.

"If you can have some consistency in the rotation," Tomlin said, "it just puts everybody in a better spot. It puts the bullpen in a better spot, knowing you're going to get consistent innings out of [starters]. It gives that kind of ease for hitters, knowing these guys are going to go out and battle and keep us in the game.

"If we can do our job of getting it to the bullpen with the lead, I feel like we're going to win a lot of games."

This winter, Carmona and Jimenez have been training in the Dominican Republic, and taking part in some winter ball, in preparation for the 2012 season. If Carmona can return to his 2010 form, when he posted a 3.77 ERA, and Jimenez can come close to his '10 showing, when he won 19 games for the Rockies, the Tribe should be in great shape.

"With Fausto," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said earlier this winter, "we're constantly working with him to get more consistent with the start to his delivery, and his mentality. If he can get more consistent with his delivery and executing pitches, and continue his development and understanding of how to attack hitters, there's no reason to think he couldn't be successful next year."

The Indians believe Jimenez's offseason program will benefit him, too.

"It's very important," Acta said of having Jimenez pitch some this winter. "He feels that it's going to get him in the best shape possible for Spring Training, and he has experience with that. His best season with the Rockies, he pitched winter ball."

Also promising for the Indians is the fact that the team saw Masterson and Tomlin each achieve 12 wins in 2011. If it weren't for spotty run support (especially in Masterson's case) and a right elbow injury for Tomlin, both pitchers might have enjoyed even more success last year. They will certainly get their chance in 2012.

"I really like what we've got going on," said Masterson, who had a 3.21 ERA over 216 innings in 2011. "Just as a team in general, I like the base that we have. ... It excites us -- just like this year. I think what kept us in it was the pitching staff."

The addition of the 38-year-old Lowe -- a third sinkerballer on Cleveland's staff, along with Masterson and Carmona -- in the October trade with the Braves gives the Indians a little more predictability. Lowe is coming off a subpar season, in which he went 9-17 with a 5.05 ERA, but he has a history of avoiding injuries and eating innings.

Consider that Cleveland will be without 2011 starters Carrasco (Tommy John elbow surgery), Alex White (traded to Colorado in the Jimenez deal) and Mitch Talbot (signed to play in Korea) next year. Last season, that trio combined to go 11-15 with a 5.18 ERA over 203 1/3 innings with the Indians.

Over the past three years with Atlanta, Lowe has averaged 13 wins with a 4.57 ERA over 192 innings per year. The veteran right-hander has also averaged more than 200 innings and 33 starts every season for the past decade in the big leagues. If he bounces back from last year's showing, that is the kind of reliability that the Indians have needed.

"We feel like we were able to add a quality durable Major League starter to our rotation," Antonetti said at the time of the trade. "He has demonstrated durability. He has pitched on some very good teams, and we feel he has a leadership ability that could rub off on some of our starters."

Beyond that, by adding Lowe, the Indians have created a situation where starters David Huff, Jeanmar Gomez and Zach McAllister -- all with big league time under their belts -- could begin the season with Triple-A Columbus. Then, if the rotation does run into any issues, an experienced arm is only a phone call away.

"That's depth," Acta said.

And it makes for a rotation that will be integral for the season ahead.