Re: Articles
3302Matt LaPorta says his hip pain is gone: Cleveland Indians Insider
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
on February 10, 2013 at 6:44 PM, updated February 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM Print
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The pain has subsided in Matt LaPorta's left hip.
He no longer wakes in the morning and wonders if he'll be able to walk, much less play baseball. He can sleep through the night and bend over and tie his shoes if needed.
The hip hurt LaPorta all last season, but he didn't have surgery until Oct. 18.
"As an athlete, you just want to push through it," he said. "I wanted to push through it to get back to the big leagues."
Things change quickly in baseball. When the Indians traded CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in 2008, LaPorta, 28, was the big-ticket prospect they insisted on getting in return. He's spent parts of the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Indians, but has never hit the way they thought he would.
LaPorta is in camp this year as a spring-training invitee after being designated for assignment on Nov. 20. When he was dropped from the 40-man roster, he was still on crutches from the October surgery, went unclaimed by the 29 other teams in the big leagues and was assigned to Class AAA Columbus.
"That's just the business of the game," said LaPorta.
This is probably LaPorta's last chance with the Indians. The DH spot is wide open even with the Saturday night's signing of Jason Giambi, 42.
"Any chance I get to put a uniform on is an opportunity," said LaPorta. "I'm still here and getting healthy. The main thing is to get healthy. I don't want to put the cart before the horse."
October's surgery was the second LaPorta has had on his left hip in the past three years. The first was for a torn labrum. The second removed bone fragments from the joint.
"What happened was after the first surgery was that my bone, as a reaction to them going in there, grew more bone," said LaPorta. "It's rare, but it happens. It was like have a square peg in a round hole.
"It was rubbing and some pieces were breaking off. They got stuck in there and I couldn't move my leg as freely as I would have liked."
LaPorta hit .264 (99-for-375) with 19 doubles, one triple, 19 homers and 62 RBI in 101 games at Columbus. In 22 games with the Tribe, he hit .241 (14-for-58) with two doubles, one homer and five RBI.
"The doctor told me 'I don't know how you functioned on an every-day level let alone play baseball,' " said LaPorta. "I knew something wasn't right dating back to last spring.
"There would be days I'd wake up and tell my wife, 'I don't know if I'm going to be able to walk today. I don't know how I can play.' Somehow, I just managed to make it through and do OK."
LaPorta said the Indians knew his hip was bothering him, but he never really told them to what extent. He said he should be ready to play in Cactus League games by mid-March.
No show: With the exception of left-hander Edward Paredes, all Indians pitchers and catchers required to report to camp Sunday did so. Paredes, a spring-training invitee, is having visa problems in the Dominican Republic.
Paredes, who pitched in the Mariners' organization last year, was signed as a minor league free agent.
Numbers: The Indians, with the addition of spring-training invitees Giambi and Daisuke Matsuzaka, will have 64 players in camp. Matsuzaka has agreed to a minor league deal, but must pass a physical.
As soon as news broke that Matsuzaka had signed with the Indians, Japanese journalists started showing up at the Indians' training facility in Goodyear. Matsuzaka, however, is not expected to report until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Fine print: Brett Myers signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Indians to pitch in their rotation. The deal came with an $8 million club option for 2014, but what was not known at the time is that Myers can vest that option if he pitches 200 innings.
If he doesn't reach 200 innings, the Indians can decide if they want to exercise the option or not.
Finally: Showtime has approached the Indians about being its featured team on "The Franchise" for this season, but don't look for that to happen. "I'd say that's unlikely," said GM Chris Antonetti. . . . Kenny Lofton, Carlos Baerga and Mike Hargrove are scheduled to be guest instructors this spring.
Here's a quick look at one of the new faces on the Indians' coaching staff.
Name: Mickey Callaway.
Position: Pitching coach.
Playing career: Callaway was Tampa Bay's seventh-round draft pick in 1996. The 6-2, 200-pound right-hander pitched professionally for 14 seasons. He made it to the big leagues for parts of five seasons with the Rays, Texas and Angels. Callaway was part of the Angels World Series championship team in 2002.
Coaching career: This is Callaway's first year as a big-league pitching coach. He coached three years in the minors for the Tribe with stops at Class A Lake County in 2010 and Class A Kinston in 2011 before becoming minor league pitching coordinator in 2012.
Background: Callaway and his family live in Germantown, Tenn. He was named the Tennessee High School Player of the Year in 1992 and played for Team USA in the 1992 Goodwill Games. He went to the University of Mississippi and was the interim coach at Texas A&M International in 2008.
-- Paul Hoynes
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
on February 10, 2013 at 6:44 PM, updated February 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM Print
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The pain has subsided in Matt LaPorta's left hip.
He no longer wakes in the morning and wonders if he'll be able to walk, much less play baseball. He can sleep through the night and bend over and tie his shoes if needed.
The hip hurt LaPorta all last season, but he didn't have surgery until Oct. 18.
"As an athlete, you just want to push through it," he said. "I wanted to push through it to get back to the big leagues."
Things change quickly in baseball. When the Indians traded CC Sabathia to Milwaukee in 2008, LaPorta, 28, was the big-ticket prospect they insisted on getting in return. He's spent parts of the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Indians, but has never hit the way they thought he would.
LaPorta is in camp this year as a spring-training invitee after being designated for assignment on Nov. 20. When he was dropped from the 40-man roster, he was still on crutches from the October surgery, went unclaimed by the 29 other teams in the big leagues and was assigned to Class AAA Columbus.
"That's just the business of the game," said LaPorta.
This is probably LaPorta's last chance with the Indians. The DH spot is wide open even with the Saturday night's signing of Jason Giambi, 42.
"Any chance I get to put a uniform on is an opportunity," said LaPorta. "I'm still here and getting healthy. The main thing is to get healthy. I don't want to put the cart before the horse."
October's surgery was the second LaPorta has had on his left hip in the past three years. The first was for a torn labrum. The second removed bone fragments from the joint.
"What happened was after the first surgery was that my bone, as a reaction to them going in there, grew more bone," said LaPorta. "It's rare, but it happens. It was like have a square peg in a round hole.
"It was rubbing and some pieces were breaking off. They got stuck in there and I couldn't move my leg as freely as I would have liked."
LaPorta hit .264 (99-for-375) with 19 doubles, one triple, 19 homers and 62 RBI in 101 games at Columbus. In 22 games with the Tribe, he hit .241 (14-for-58) with two doubles, one homer and five RBI.
"The doctor told me 'I don't know how you functioned on an every-day level let alone play baseball,' " said LaPorta. "I knew something wasn't right dating back to last spring.
"There would be days I'd wake up and tell my wife, 'I don't know if I'm going to be able to walk today. I don't know how I can play.' Somehow, I just managed to make it through and do OK."
LaPorta said the Indians knew his hip was bothering him, but he never really told them to what extent. He said he should be ready to play in Cactus League games by mid-March.
No show: With the exception of left-hander Edward Paredes, all Indians pitchers and catchers required to report to camp Sunday did so. Paredes, a spring-training invitee, is having visa problems in the Dominican Republic.
Paredes, who pitched in the Mariners' organization last year, was signed as a minor league free agent.
Numbers: The Indians, with the addition of spring-training invitees Giambi and Daisuke Matsuzaka, will have 64 players in camp. Matsuzaka has agreed to a minor league deal, but must pass a physical.
As soon as news broke that Matsuzaka had signed with the Indians, Japanese journalists started showing up at the Indians' training facility in Goodyear. Matsuzaka, however, is not expected to report until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Fine print: Brett Myers signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Indians to pitch in their rotation. The deal came with an $8 million club option for 2014, but what was not known at the time is that Myers can vest that option if he pitches 200 innings.
If he doesn't reach 200 innings, the Indians can decide if they want to exercise the option or not.
Finally: Showtime has approached the Indians about being its featured team on "The Franchise" for this season, but don't look for that to happen. "I'd say that's unlikely," said GM Chris Antonetti. . . . Kenny Lofton, Carlos Baerga and Mike Hargrove are scheduled to be guest instructors this spring.
Here's a quick look at one of the new faces on the Indians' coaching staff.
Name: Mickey Callaway.
Position: Pitching coach.
Playing career: Callaway was Tampa Bay's seventh-round draft pick in 1996. The 6-2, 200-pound right-hander pitched professionally for 14 seasons. He made it to the big leagues for parts of five seasons with the Rays, Texas and Angels. Callaway was part of the Angels World Series championship team in 2002.
Coaching career: This is Callaway's first year as a big-league pitching coach. He coached three years in the minors for the Tribe with stops at Class A Lake County in 2010 and Class A Kinston in 2011 before becoming minor league pitching coordinator in 2012.
Background: Callaway and his family live in Germantown, Tenn. He was named the Tennessee High School Player of the Year in 1992 and played for Team USA in the 1992 Goodwill Games. He went to the University of Mississippi and was the interim coach at Texas A&M International in 2008.
-- Paul Hoynes
Re: Articles
3303Jason Giambi, Daisuke Matsuzaka join players trying to win spot on Cleveland Indians roster
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
on February 10, 2013 at 9:09 PM, updated February 11, 2013 at 9:06 AM Print
Goodyear, Ariz. -- To Indians manager Terry Francona, a spring training roster is divided into three groups. The Indians' 64-man roster is no different.
Group 1 consists of players who have job security and are in camp to prepare for the 162-game regular season. Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera, Mark Reynolds, Nick Swisher, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis are among them.
Group 2 is made up of prospects from the farm system who are in camp to learn all they can about the big leagues before they are sent to the minors to start their seasons. It includes Danny Salazar, Trey Haley, T.J. House, Juan Diaz, Tim Fedroff, Giovanni Soto, Roberto Perez and Jesus Aguilar.
Group 3 contains players who must treat spring training as the regular season. They have come to camp for one reason -- to make the big-league club. Scott Kazmir, Matt Capps, Rich Hill, Matt LaPorta, Ben Francisco and Ryan Raburn are some of them.
In the past two days, two more names have been added to Group 3 -- Jason Giambi and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. Giambi came to terms on a minor-league deal Saturday night. Matsuzaka, pending a physical, agreed to a minor-league deal Sunday morning. Giambi, 42, will earn a base salary of $750,000 if he makes the club. Matsuzaka will make $1.5 million, with incentives that could boost the deal to $4 million if he makes the final 25-man roster.
"Giambi will come in and compete to make the team," said General Manager Chris Antonetti. "He's an experienced, left-handed bat with power. He's universally respected throughout the game, not only for his accomplishments on the field, but for the teammate he is and the leader he's evolved into."
If Giambi makes the club, it will be as a part-time DH and pinch hitter.
Antonetti and Francona wouldn't talk about Matsuzaka since he still has to pass his physical. Francona managed Matsuzaka in Boston, and the move has been discussed in the Tribe's front office for the past couple of months.
Matsuzaka, 32, will be competing for the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2011 and went 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA in 11 starts with the Red Sox last season. Matsuzaka, one of the top pitchers in Japanese history, is 50-37 in the big leagues.
Masterson, Jimenez and Brett Myers own three spots in the rotation. Zach McAllister comes to camp favored to win the fourth, but the fifth job is wide open. Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, David Huff, Scott Kazmir and Matsuzaka are the leading candidates.
"Right now, our starting rotation represents opportunity," Antonetti said. "I think we have some very talented guys. They all have a different story to tell. Some are older guys looking to bounce back, others are younger guys looking to take a step forward, and we're going to have some competition for the last two spots."
Francona feels Antonetti has added enough veteran arms to make sure none of the Indians young starters gets a free pass into the rotation.
"We want our young guys to do well," he said. "We also want them to earn it. We want them to knock the door down and claim a spot. I think we're in a position for that to happen."
Indians pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear on Sunday. They will undergo physicals today and meet with Antonetti and Francona. Their first workout is Tuesday.
"Every day, I get a little more excited," Francona said. "I'm going to put my uniform on for the first time [today]. I've already put on my hat about 1,000 times."
Francona said besides making the playoffs, spring training is the best part of the season.
"I love spring training," he said. "Everybody is upbeat. The glass is supposed to be half full. You get to set the tone for exactly what you want to do."
Shortstop Cabrera has apparently given Francona another reason to love spring training. Cabrera, whose conditioning has been questioned during the past two years, has come to camp slim and trim.
"All of the reports have been very favorable," Antonetti said. "If he's not in the best shape he's ever reported in, he's close to it."
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
on February 10, 2013 at 9:09 PM, updated February 11, 2013 at 9:06 AM Print
Goodyear, Ariz. -- To Indians manager Terry Francona, a spring training roster is divided into three groups. The Indians' 64-man roster is no different.
Group 1 consists of players who have job security and are in camp to prepare for the 162-game regular season. Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera, Mark Reynolds, Nick Swisher, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis are among them.
Group 2 is made up of prospects from the farm system who are in camp to learn all they can about the big leagues before they are sent to the minors to start their seasons. It includes Danny Salazar, Trey Haley, T.J. House, Juan Diaz, Tim Fedroff, Giovanni Soto, Roberto Perez and Jesus Aguilar.
Group 3 contains players who must treat spring training as the regular season. They have come to camp for one reason -- to make the big-league club. Scott Kazmir, Matt Capps, Rich Hill, Matt LaPorta, Ben Francisco and Ryan Raburn are some of them.
In the past two days, two more names have been added to Group 3 -- Jason Giambi and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka. Giambi came to terms on a minor-league deal Saturday night. Matsuzaka, pending a physical, agreed to a minor-league deal Sunday morning. Giambi, 42, will earn a base salary of $750,000 if he makes the club. Matsuzaka will make $1.5 million, with incentives that could boost the deal to $4 million if he makes the final 25-man roster.
"Giambi will come in and compete to make the team," said General Manager Chris Antonetti. "He's an experienced, left-handed bat with power. He's universally respected throughout the game, not only for his accomplishments on the field, but for the teammate he is and the leader he's evolved into."
If Giambi makes the club, it will be as a part-time DH and pinch hitter.
Antonetti and Francona wouldn't talk about Matsuzaka since he still has to pass his physical. Francona managed Matsuzaka in Boston, and the move has been discussed in the Tribe's front office for the past couple of months.
Matsuzaka, 32, will be competing for the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2011 and went 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA in 11 starts with the Red Sox last season. Matsuzaka, one of the top pitchers in Japanese history, is 50-37 in the big leagues.
Masterson, Jimenez and Brett Myers own three spots in the rotation. Zach McAllister comes to camp favored to win the fourth, but the fifth job is wide open. Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, David Huff, Scott Kazmir and Matsuzaka are the leading candidates.
"Right now, our starting rotation represents opportunity," Antonetti said. "I think we have some very talented guys. They all have a different story to tell. Some are older guys looking to bounce back, others are younger guys looking to take a step forward, and we're going to have some competition for the last two spots."
Francona feels Antonetti has added enough veteran arms to make sure none of the Indians young starters gets a free pass into the rotation.
"We want our young guys to do well," he said. "We also want them to earn it. We want them to knock the door down and claim a spot. I think we're in a position for that to happen."
Indians pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear on Sunday. They will undergo physicals today and meet with Antonetti and Francona. Their first workout is Tuesday.
"Every day, I get a little more excited," Francona said. "I'm going to put my uniform on for the first time [today]. I've already put on my hat about 1,000 times."
Francona said besides making the playoffs, spring training is the best part of the season.
"I love spring training," he said. "Everybody is upbeat. The glass is supposed to be half full. You get to set the tone for exactly what you want to do."
Shortstop Cabrera has apparently given Francona another reason to love spring training. Cabrera, whose conditioning has been questioned during the past two years, has come to camp slim and trim.
"All of the reports have been very favorable," Antonetti said. "If he's not in the best shape he's ever reported in, he's close to it."
Re: Articles
3304Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
on February 09, 2013 at 11:45 PM, updated February 10, 2013 at 9:39 AM
I'm always a romantic when I hear these words: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training. That's what they will do Sunday as the Tribe opens spring training in Goodyear. Let us pause from making out our mock drafts (I know, it's coming April 25) to think Tribe.
As spring training opens, I wonder:
1. If Carlos Carrasco is really healthy and really throwing 94-96 mph, as the Indians said he was in the Arizona Fall League. Before he blew out his elbow in 2011, he was showing real promise as a starter.
2. If Drew Stubbs can at least hit .240 without striking out a million times -- and play the type of dynamic center field that the Indians' claim.
3. If Brett Myers -- who didn't start a game last season -- can make it work as the No. 3 guy in the rotation.
4. If David Huff can make it in the bullpen, because that's where he can help this team. He's out of minor-league options.
5. If Asdrubal Cabrera really is in decent shape, as I've been told. He already is in Goodyear, as is manager Terry Francona.
6. If Trevor Bauer can become a viable starter right now, or needs more time in Class AAA.
7. If Mark Reynolds will hit 35 homers with 90 RBI while striking out 200 times, or if it's closer to 25 with 65 RBI.
8. If the outfield of Michael Brantley, Nick Swisher and Stubbs will be as good defensively as it appears on paper.
9. If 2B Jason Kipnis can emerge; he gave lots of hints in that direction last season.
10. If Ubaldo Jimenez ... well ... can do something.
About Jim Thome and Mike Aviles ...
The Indians kept saying they were open to the return of Travis Hafner or Thome.But Hafner signed with the Yankees for $2 million plus incentives. Thome is still looking for a team. The Tribe's stance was they might bring in an aging DH on a minor-league deal.
Thome, 42, is naturally looking for a guaranteed roster spot. Hafner's signing probably made Thome think there's a team somewhere willing to pay at least $1 million and ensure that he opens the season.
For the last few years, the Indians have quietly talked about moving away from a full-time DH -- unless the guy was an impact hitter. That is the plan for 2013. Aviles was given a 2-year, $6 million deal not to be the DH -- although he may fill that spot at times -- but because he can play three infield positions and some left field.
Here are some things the Tribe is thinking:
1. Cabrera made the All-Star team in the last two seasons, then faded in the second half. He played 151 and 143 games, and the Indians believe he can be more productive at bat with more days off in the field. Over 2011 and 2012, he hit .290 before the All-Star break, .248 after. Aviles could fill in at short, with Cabrera sometimes serving as the DH.
2. Kipnis played 152 games, and he batted .277 (.765 OPS) in the first half, .233 (.651) afterward. Aviles can play some second base while Kipnis rests or serves as a DH. Kipnis batted only .215 vs. lefties last season.
3. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall has hit only .227 (.184 last season) against lefties in his brief major-league career, .271 vs. righties. He also struggled against lefties in the minors. So Aviles can play third base against tough lefties.
4. Aviles is a career .291 hitter vs. lefties, and batted .286 against them last season. So he helps the Tribe, along with playing a very respectable shortstop and second base.
on February 09, 2013 at 11:45 PM, updated February 10, 2013 at 9:39 AM
I'm always a romantic when I hear these words: Pitchers and catchers report to spring training. That's what they will do Sunday as the Tribe opens spring training in Goodyear. Let us pause from making out our mock drafts (I know, it's coming April 25) to think Tribe.
As spring training opens, I wonder:
1. If Carlos Carrasco is really healthy and really throwing 94-96 mph, as the Indians said he was in the Arizona Fall League. Before he blew out his elbow in 2011, he was showing real promise as a starter.
2. If Drew Stubbs can at least hit .240 without striking out a million times -- and play the type of dynamic center field that the Indians' claim.
3. If Brett Myers -- who didn't start a game last season -- can make it work as the No. 3 guy in the rotation.
4. If David Huff can make it in the bullpen, because that's where he can help this team. He's out of minor-league options.
5. If Asdrubal Cabrera really is in decent shape, as I've been told. He already is in Goodyear, as is manager Terry Francona.
6. If Trevor Bauer can become a viable starter right now, or needs more time in Class AAA.
7. If Mark Reynolds will hit 35 homers with 90 RBI while striking out 200 times, or if it's closer to 25 with 65 RBI.
8. If the outfield of Michael Brantley, Nick Swisher and Stubbs will be as good defensively as it appears on paper.
9. If 2B Jason Kipnis can emerge; he gave lots of hints in that direction last season.
10. If Ubaldo Jimenez ... well ... can do something.
About Jim Thome and Mike Aviles ...
The Indians kept saying they were open to the return of Travis Hafner or Thome.But Hafner signed with the Yankees for $2 million plus incentives. Thome is still looking for a team. The Tribe's stance was they might bring in an aging DH on a minor-league deal.
Thome, 42, is naturally looking for a guaranteed roster spot. Hafner's signing probably made Thome think there's a team somewhere willing to pay at least $1 million and ensure that he opens the season.
For the last few years, the Indians have quietly talked about moving away from a full-time DH -- unless the guy was an impact hitter. That is the plan for 2013. Aviles was given a 2-year, $6 million deal not to be the DH -- although he may fill that spot at times -- but because he can play three infield positions and some left field.
Here are some things the Tribe is thinking:
1. Cabrera made the All-Star team in the last two seasons, then faded in the second half. He played 151 and 143 games, and the Indians believe he can be more productive at bat with more days off in the field. Over 2011 and 2012, he hit .290 before the All-Star break, .248 after. Aviles could fill in at short, with Cabrera sometimes serving as the DH.
2. Kipnis played 152 games, and he batted .277 (.765 OPS) in the first half, .233 (.651) afterward. Aviles can play some second base while Kipnis rests or serves as a DH. Kipnis batted only .215 vs. lefties last season.
3. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall has hit only .227 (.184 last season) against lefties in his brief major-league career, .271 vs. righties. He also struggled against lefties in the minors. So Aviles can play third base against tough lefties.
4. Aviles is a career .291 hitter vs. lefties, and batted .286 against them last season. So he helps the Tribe, along with playing a very respectable shortstop and second base.
Re: Articles
3305Michael Bourn, Indians reach four-year, $48 million deal
Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports9:02p.m. EST February 11, 2013
The Cleveland Indians suddenly have joined the big spenders and agreed on a four-year, $48 million contract with Michael Bourn, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the contract negotiations.
The two people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the contract will not be finalized until Bourn completes a physical.
Bourn, the last marquee free-agent player to sign, was also being courted by the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. The contract could be worth $60 million over five years if Bourn has 550 plate appearances in 2016.
Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports9:02p.m. EST February 11, 2013
The Cleveland Indians suddenly have joined the big spenders and agreed on a four-year, $48 million contract with Michael Bourn, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the contract negotiations.
The two people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the contract will not be finalized until Bourn completes a physical.
Bourn, the last marquee free-agent player to sign, was also being courted by the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. The contract could be worth $60 million over five years if Bourn has 550 plate appearances in 2016.
Re: Articles
3306Source: Bourn agrees to Indians deal
Michael Bourn was an All-Star for the Braves last season.
The Indians stunned the baseball world Monday night, reaching agreement with the free-agent outfielder on a four-year, $48 million contract, according to a major league source.
Bourn, 30, also will be guaranteed a fifth year at $12 million if he reaches 550 plate appearances in 2016, bringing the potential value of his package to $60 million.
The addition of Bourn will mark the Indians' second major free-agent signing of the offseason. Earlier, the team agreed with outfielder Nick Swisher on a four-year, $56 million contract.
Bourn will lead off for the Indians and play center field. Swisher will be in right and Michael Brantley in left, leaving Drew Stubbs as a likely fourth outfielder. A trade of Brantley or Stubbs also is possible.
The Indians have been active the entire winter, also adding Stubbs and right-hander Trevor Bauer in trades, right-hander Brett Myers and first baseman Mark Reynolds as free agents and designated hitter Jason Giambi and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on minor league deals.
Bourn lingered on the market after his previous team, the Atlanta Braves, had made him a one-year, $13.3 qualifying offer, subjecting him to draft-pick compensation.
Some teams were reluctant to lose a pick for Bourn and pay him market value. But the Indians, after signing Swisher, were uniquely positioned to strike.
The Indians hold the No. 5 pick overall, and teams in the top 10 cannot lose their first rounder. Swisher cost them their second-rounder, and Bourn will cost them their next pick — one of the new, competitive-balance selections, approximately No. 71 overall. The Indians will retain their third rounder, approximately No. 80 overall.
Michael Bourn was an All-Star for the Braves last season.
The Indians stunned the baseball world Monday night, reaching agreement with the free-agent outfielder on a four-year, $48 million contract, according to a major league source.
Bourn, 30, also will be guaranteed a fifth year at $12 million if he reaches 550 plate appearances in 2016, bringing the potential value of his package to $60 million.
The addition of Bourn will mark the Indians' second major free-agent signing of the offseason. Earlier, the team agreed with outfielder Nick Swisher on a four-year, $56 million contract.
Bourn will lead off for the Indians and play center field. Swisher will be in right and Michael Brantley in left, leaving Drew Stubbs as a likely fourth outfielder. A trade of Brantley or Stubbs also is possible.
The Indians have been active the entire winter, also adding Stubbs and right-hander Trevor Bauer in trades, right-hander Brett Myers and first baseman Mark Reynolds as free agents and designated hitter Jason Giambi and right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on minor league deals.
Bourn lingered on the market after his previous team, the Atlanta Braves, had made him a one-year, $13.3 qualifying offer, subjecting him to draft-pick compensation.
Some teams were reluctant to lose a pick for Bourn and pay him market value. But the Indians, after signing Swisher, were uniquely positioned to strike.
The Indians hold the No. 5 pick overall, and teams in the top 10 cannot lose their first rounder. Swisher cost them their second-rounder, and Bourn will cost them their next pick — one of the new, competitive-balance selections, approximately No. 71 overall. The Indians will retain their third rounder, approximately No. 80 overall.
Re: Articles
3307Mets Made Four-Year Offer To Bourn
By Steve Adams [February 11 at 8:35pm CST]
News of Michael Bourn's four-year, $48MM deal with the Indians is still fresh in the air, but the Tribe wasn't the only team to extend him such an offer. Two sources have confirmed to Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the Mets also made a four-year offer, which Sherman adds was also in the $48MM range but contained no options (Twitter links).
Of course, the Mets had far more hurdles to clear than just years and dollars. The team currently holds the No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft -- the first pick that is unprotected from free agent compensation. General manager Sandy Alderson and his staff felt that because they finished with one of baseball's ten worst records, they were deserving of draft pick protection. However, the Pirates have a compensation pick due to their failure to sign No. 8 overall selection Mark Appel last season, which pushed the Mets out of the Top 10. The Mets were said to be pursuing an exception to the new CBA that would allow them to retain the No. 11 pick.
A Major League source told Sherman's colleague, Mike Puma, that the Mets were "definitely" Bourn's first choice, but the draft pick compensation issue would have taken two-to-three weeks to resolve. The two sides were down to small details such as the hotel rooms in which Bourn would stay on road trips, according to Puma (All links to Twitter).
Sherman adds that the Mets elected not to initiate the arbitration process to resolve the draft pick issue because they wanted a finalized agreement in place first. Having an agreement in place would keep agent Scott Boras from gaining extra leverage and drive up Bourn's price (Twitter links).
Ultimately, the allure of a fifth year and the certainty of Cleveland's offer looks to have enticed Bourn to pass up on his preference to play in the Big Apple.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#S9yXjG6R7F1ZK281.99
By Steve Adams [February 11 at 8:35pm CST]
News of Michael Bourn's four-year, $48MM deal with the Indians is still fresh in the air, but the Tribe wasn't the only team to extend him such an offer. Two sources have confirmed to Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the Mets also made a four-year offer, which Sherman adds was also in the $48MM range but contained no options (Twitter links).
Of course, the Mets had far more hurdles to clear than just years and dollars. The team currently holds the No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft -- the first pick that is unprotected from free agent compensation. General manager Sandy Alderson and his staff felt that because they finished with one of baseball's ten worst records, they were deserving of draft pick protection. However, the Pirates have a compensation pick due to their failure to sign No. 8 overall selection Mark Appel last season, which pushed the Mets out of the Top 10. The Mets were said to be pursuing an exception to the new CBA that would allow them to retain the No. 11 pick.
A Major League source told Sherman's colleague, Mike Puma, that the Mets were "definitely" Bourn's first choice, but the draft pick compensation issue would have taken two-to-three weeks to resolve. The two sides were down to small details such as the hotel rooms in which Bourn would stay on road trips, according to Puma (All links to Twitter).
Sherman adds that the Mets elected not to initiate the arbitration process to resolve the draft pick issue because they wanted a finalized agreement in place first. Having an agreement in place would keep agent Scott Boras from gaining extra leverage and drive up Bourn's price (Twitter links).
Ultimately, the allure of a fifth year and the certainty of Cleveland's offer looks to have enticed Bourn to pass up on his preference to play in the Big Apple.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#S9yXjG6R7F1ZK281.99
Re: Articles
3308Shapiro was likely so enamored with his persona portrayed in Moneyball that he wanted to seek his own Giambi...not Jeremy, the gambler and party player, who made it into the movie.
I theorize Mark's scouts previously told him to sign Manny, but Mark refused saying he would never endorse signing a known steroid user, so he went out and got a Giambi.
Dice K?
How is that screwball thing still working?
Bourn is a conspiracy waiting to happen....
Aviles? I think I have bet on him a few times as a jockey at various race tracks in America.
Swisher? Hey, he's my cousin of some degree.
Bauer? I guess The Tribe hopes he is the "Lincecum" Shapiro once took a swing and missed at. Even though he was easily jettisoned as trade fodder by his prior team
If nothing else, The Tribe has heightened fan awareness and media exposure as Spring Training approaches.
Good job for the front office on that front.
If over 50% of these draws to the equivalent of an inside straight hits, this could be a helluva year.
Plus, with Francona in the dugout, cold beer in the locker room!
I theorize Mark's scouts previously told him to sign Manny, but Mark refused saying he would never endorse signing a known steroid user, so he went out and got a Giambi.
Dice K?
How is that screwball thing still working?
Bourn is a conspiracy waiting to happen....
Aviles? I think I have bet on him a few times as a jockey at various race tracks in America.
Swisher? Hey, he's my cousin of some degree.
Bauer? I guess The Tribe hopes he is the "Lincecum" Shapiro once took a swing and missed at. Even though he was easily jettisoned as trade fodder by his prior team
If nothing else, The Tribe has heightened fan awareness and media exposure as Spring Training approaches.
Good job for the front office on that front.
If over 50% of these draws to the equivalent of an inside straight hits, this could be a helluva year.
Plus, with Francona in the dugout, cold beer in the locker room!
Re: Articles
3309There is certainly enough beer in you, Otis. Thanks for your enlightening post on Shapiro.
Does anyone here not know how Otis feels about Shapiro ? If not, wait a minute and I am sure he will post another hundred posts about it.
Does anyone here not know how Otis feels about Shapiro ? If not, wait a minute and I am sure he will post another hundred posts about it.
Re: Articles
3310Indians To Sign Michael Bourn
By Steve Adams [February 12 at 7:36am CST]
TUESDAY: Bourn will take his physical tomorrow and the Indians will introduce him at a Thursday press conference, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (Twitter links). Bourn will earn $7MM in 2013, $13.5MM in 2014 and 2015, and $14MM in 2016.
By Steve Adams [February 12 at 7:36am CST]
TUESDAY: Bourn will take his physical tomorrow and the Indians will introduce him at a Thursday press conference, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (Twitter links). Bourn will earn $7MM in 2013, $13.5MM in 2014 and 2015, and $14MM in 2016.
Re: Articles
3311If the team offsets 7 million of salary (Cabrera) then the Indians will have spent a little more then last year.
Re: Articles
3312Indians Notes: Bourn, Theriot, Stubbs
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [February 12 at 8:16am CST]
It’s been an uncharacteristically busy offseason for the Indians, who are typically modest spenders in free agency. They added Nick Swisher, Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds earlier in the winter and agreed to sign Michael Bourn to a four-year, $48MM contract last night. Here’s the latest from Cleveland...
To the surprise of many, the Indians responded to an increase in TV-related revenue by spending aggressively on free agents. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes that the Indians are suddenly a must-see team, even if their pitching staff does have shortcomings.
The Indians and Rangers are still in the mix for free agent infielder Ryan Theriot, Rosenthal reports (on Twitter). Theriot’s main concern is playing time, and he could have trouble getting into the lineup in Cleveland and Texas.
Drew Stubbs is "eminently available" and "very likely the odd man out" in the Cleveland outfield, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote last night that it doesn't appear Stubbs or Michael Brantley will be moved.
It's believed that three of the final four teams in on Bourn had top ten draft picks that would have been protected, Heyman reports.
MLBTR’s Steve Adams compiled some more signing reactions last night.
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [February 12 at 8:16am CST]
It’s been an uncharacteristically busy offseason for the Indians, who are typically modest spenders in free agency. They added Nick Swisher, Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds earlier in the winter and agreed to sign Michael Bourn to a four-year, $48MM contract last night. Here’s the latest from Cleveland...
To the surprise of many, the Indians responded to an increase in TV-related revenue by spending aggressively on free agents. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes that the Indians are suddenly a must-see team, even if their pitching staff does have shortcomings.
The Indians and Rangers are still in the mix for free agent infielder Ryan Theriot, Rosenthal reports (on Twitter). Theriot’s main concern is playing time, and he could have trouble getting into the lineup in Cleveland and Texas.
Drew Stubbs is "eminently available" and "very likely the odd man out" in the Cleveland outfield, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote last night that it doesn't appear Stubbs or Michael Brantley will be moved.
It's believed that three of the final four teams in on Bourn had top ten draft picks that would have been protected, Heyman reports.
MLBTR’s Steve Adams compiled some more signing reactions last night.
Re: Articles
3313Bourn an upgrade, odd fit in Cleveland
from Keith Law
Michael Bourn doesn't quite fill a need for the Cleveland Indians, but he immediately becomes one of the team's best players, primarily because of the value of his glove in center.
The team already had Drew Stubbs and Michael Brantley, two competent center fielders, under contract for this year, but Bourn is better than either of them and takes over the center field job, pushing them to left field or the trade block. Assuming no one is dealt, this probably pushes Nick Swisher to first base, hurting his value slightly, and Mark Reynolds to DH, which does the same.
from Keith Law
Michael Bourn doesn't quite fill a need for the Cleveland Indians, but he immediately becomes one of the team's best players, primarily because of the value of his glove in center.
The team already had Drew Stubbs and Michael Brantley, two competent center fielders, under contract for this year, but Bourn is better than either of them and takes over the center field job, pushing them to left field or the trade block. Assuming no one is dealt, this probably pushes Nick Swisher to first base, hurting his value slightly, and Mark Reynolds to DH, which does the same.
Re: Articles
3314Here's a headline and some adjectives you don't see often associated with the Tribe:
Big-spending Indians hook free agent Bourn
(Reuters) - Big-spending Cleveland Indians continued their bold off-season by acquiring free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, the team said on Monday.
Big-spending Indians hook free agent Bourn
(Reuters) - Big-spending Cleveland Indians continued their bold off-season by acquiring free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, the team said on Monday.
Re: Articles
3315Question would be why would Reynolds value drop if he is a DH ? He is not a good defensive first baseman. He was brought here to hit home runs, strike out, and hit left handers.