This guy traded for Nunez isn't bad. Clevinger is better. Sheffield probably rates higher though he's farther away.
TWINS ACQUIRE
Adalberto Mejia, lhp
Age: 23
Mejia, 23, signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. After a 50-game suspension in 2015 for use of a weight-loss drug, he began the season at Double-A Richmond for a third time before being promoted to Triple-A Sacramento after recording a 1.94 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 11 starts. Mejia’s fastball now sits 92-93 mph and his changeup has made strides and he is able to throw it for strikes. His conditioning has improved as well, and he gets high marks for improved maturity. He profiles as a solid, durable No. 4 starter.
Richmond (EL) AA 3 2 1.94 11 11 65 48 16 14 4 16 58
Sacramento (PCL) AAA 4 1 4.20 7 7 41 42 19 19 5 11 43
Re: Articles
5417Breaking Down The Indians’ Bold Addition Of Reliever Andrew Miller
July 31, 2016 7:14 PM By T.J. Zuppe | 92.3 The Fan
1. SORRY, NOT SORRY
Jonathan Lucroy isn’t coming to Cleveland.
The Milwaukee Brewers catcher chose that path after blocking a proposed deal between the Indians and Brewers centered around the All-Star backstop. And it doesn’t sound like the Tribe’s locker room will be shedding any tears.
“I don’t know the specifics of why he chose to use that no-trade [clause], but he had that in his contract, so that’s his right,” Sunday starter Corey Kluber said. “As far as we’re concerned, we’ll move forward with the guys we do have here.”
And that’s essentially the attitude the rest of the locker room has taken when it comes to Lucroy’s decision. Yes, he has every right to exercise his partial no-trade clause in any way he wants for whatever reasons he wants. Playing time, contract leverage, money, it doesn’t really matter.
If he doesn’t want to come to Cleveland, so be it. But that won’t impact the Tribe’s players in any way, shape or form. They’ve got games to win and people to prove wrong.
Why spend any time feeling deflated over Lucroy’s decision when their newest teammate, Andrew Miller, will be joining them for their upcoming four-game series opener against the Minnesota Twins? After all, it was the Tribe’s decision on Sunday morning to acquire the talented left-handed hurler which really took everyone by surprise.
2. THE PRODUCTION
With Aroldis Chapman off the board, there is not a reliever on the market more dominant, talented and productive than Andrew Miller.
Over the past three years, Miller has been a top three reliever in baseball.
Only Chapman and Dellin Betances have been better over the past three years coming out of the bullpen than the Indians’ newest hurler. Over that time, the lefty has averaged 93 strikeouts and 15 walks over 56 innings per season.
This year, Miller has been just as impressive, owning a 1.39 ERA, 1.77 FIP and 0.772 WHIP. He’s walked just seven batters in 45 1/3 innings. SEVEN! And he’s registered 77 strikeouts in 44 appearances.
Lefties are hitting .191 against him. The righties? .165.
There’s a reason why the Indians had to pay so much to get him (more on that in a bit). His production is off the charts. Like, literally. They had to create new charts just for guys like him.
Since becoming a full-time reliever in 2012, Miller has walked just 88 guys total. Over that same period, he’s struck out 379 in 240 1/3 frames. That’s a 4.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His ability to command the baseball, avoid the walks and punchout the opposition makes him a lethal mix at the end of games.
And what about his postseason numbers? You know. That place Cleveland is desperately trying to reach this October? Well, if you care to read into 8 1/3 career playoff innings, Miller has allowed one hit, zero runs, one walk and has recorded 12 strikeouts.
Basically, if you went into a laboratory with the intention of creating a near-perfect back-end reliever, you’d hope to end up with someone as good as Miller. And given how incredibly important it was for the Indians to add someone capable of providing a shutdown inning at the end of close games, the fit was so obvious it was slap-you-in-the-face worthy.
“In so many ways, I’m not sure there’s a better fit and better complement to our team than Andrew Miller,” Indians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said. “For his ability to be so effective, but his willingness to do anything to help the team and pitch whenever it made sense. I think that speaks to who he is as a person, and we think he’ll fit right in to the fabric of our team.”
3. THE ROLE
So, where will Miller pitch? Other than asking when he’ll make his debut (he’s expected to get in sometime on Sunday night), that’s the most important question being asked about the dominant southpaw. And it’s an interesting question, for sure. But it’s probably the best problem manager Terry Francona has ever had.
Does Francona plug Miller into the ninth? He originally signed with the Yankees to be their closer in 2014. The lefty successfully converted 36 saves in his first season in the pinstripes, emerging as one of baseball’s most lethal ninth-inning hurlers. But then New York acquired Chapman from the Reds in the winter, and Miller was more than willing to switch roles to do what was best for the team.
No doubt, it was that sort of self-sacrifice which makes his upcoming transition to the Indians, a club full of guys willing to look past personal goals for the greater good of the franchise, a smooth and seamless one.
But then there’s Cody Allen, the Tribe’s current closer. While certainly not on Miller’s level, Allen has emerged as one of baseball’s best relievers himself, taking the ball in the ninth inning for Cleveland for over two years. More often than not, the righty has gotten the job done for the Indians. He would absolutely have every right to demand retention of the closer title.
But that’s not really how this Indians team is wired, as Antonetti noted on Sunday morning.
“I want to make a specific mention of Cody Allen,” he said. “I was on the road trip with the team and he came to me and said, ‘Chris, hey, for whatever it’s worth, all I care about is winning. I will do anything to help the team win, so if you feel that there’s some guy out there that can help us and help the bullpen,’ he said, ‘I’ll pitch whenever Tito wants me to pitch.’ And he reinforced that with us today. I can’t tell you how much that means to me and speaks to Cody and his mentality and how much he cares about winning.”
As for who will do what? That’s still to be determined. Francona plans to sit down with Miller, Allen and Bryan Shaw next week to address those sorts of things. But given the way Miller handled the situation in New York and Allen’s willingness to put the team first, there’s no reason to believe a successful strategy can’t be implemented.
The most important factor: Francona now has multiple quality arms to throw at opposing teams when the game hangs in the balance. And with a starting rotation capable of carrying ballgames into the seventh on a nightly basis, the ability to shorten every contest only makes Cleveland that much more difficult to beat.
4. THE CONTROL
The price the Indians paid was severe. And maybe we haven’t stressed that enough.
It’s easy to get caught up in the acquisition of a talent like Miller, but it was absolutely painful for the Tribe to part with young prospect talents like outfielder Clint Frazier and pitcher Justus Sheffield.
Like all deals involving prospects, there’s a really good possibility that Sunday’s deal could become regrettable at some point in the future. Maybe that happens as Frazier is clubbing monster blasts in Yankee Stadium or Sheffield is locking down future Indians lineups.
That’s the risk you run. But it’s important to note a couple of things when examining the four-player package the Indians sent New York, including Frazier, Sheffield, and relievers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.
First: Miller’s addition years of control were absolutely critical. Without the two extra years of Miller beyond 2016, this deal doesn’t get done. In no way would Cleveland be capable paying the same price for just a rental, an issue they faced when discussing a deal involving Chapman with New York.
Miller is owed $9 million in each of the next two seasons. But even if that financial burden presents a potential issue, the Indians could always recoup some of their prospect loss by flipping the lefty in the off-season. Of course, they probably wouldn’t get a package to the level they sent New York on Sunday, but it is possible that he could be used to help off-set the departure of Frazier or Sheffield.
That’s just one option. Or they could just hold on to one of the game’s best relievers. That’s another solid option.
Second: The Indians’ ability to make a deal like this shows the drastic improvement of their farm system over the past several seasons. A collection of good drafts combined with solid development helped enable Cleveland to part with some incredible talents, in part, because they’ve built some depth at all levels. In years past, the front office might not be comfortable with giving up players of that skill level. But with quality depth in many areas, a trade like Sunday’s can become possible.
“I think it really speaks to the job our scouting staff and our development group has done,” Antonetti said. “To be able to not only have a healthy Major League team that has a lot of members of the farm system that are making an impact, but to be able to have the depth in the farm system to make a trade like this and still look up and feel pretty good about the guys that we still have here, I think it speaks to the tremendous work of a great group of people in our scouts and our player development staff. Without their work, we wouldn’t be in a position to make this type of deal.”
5. RAISING THE BAR
Prospects are unproven. That doesn’t mean they should be thrown around recklessly in trades for veterans. And there certainly is a fine line between bold and foolish. But when the time is right, that young talent can absolutely help provide the difference in more ways than one.
The Indians were already a World Series contender; Their 60-42 record, best in the American League, confirms that. But adding a guy like Miller, fixing a spot which has been such a glaring weakness for the Tribe in 2016, pushes those aspirations to a new level.
The expectations have changed. It’s no longer about hoping to make the postseason. It’s now about trying to win it all. Unfortunately, you don’t always get to pick and choose when your championship window opens and closes. There are so many variables along the way.
Grabbing a guy like Miller, however, helps remove a few of those unknown elements from the equation.
July 31, 2016 7:14 PM By T.J. Zuppe | 92.3 The Fan
1. SORRY, NOT SORRY
Jonathan Lucroy isn’t coming to Cleveland.
The Milwaukee Brewers catcher chose that path after blocking a proposed deal between the Indians and Brewers centered around the All-Star backstop. And it doesn’t sound like the Tribe’s locker room will be shedding any tears.
“I don’t know the specifics of why he chose to use that no-trade [clause], but he had that in his contract, so that’s his right,” Sunday starter Corey Kluber said. “As far as we’re concerned, we’ll move forward with the guys we do have here.”
And that’s essentially the attitude the rest of the locker room has taken when it comes to Lucroy’s decision. Yes, he has every right to exercise his partial no-trade clause in any way he wants for whatever reasons he wants. Playing time, contract leverage, money, it doesn’t really matter.
If he doesn’t want to come to Cleveland, so be it. But that won’t impact the Tribe’s players in any way, shape or form. They’ve got games to win and people to prove wrong.
Why spend any time feeling deflated over Lucroy’s decision when their newest teammate, Andrew Miller, will be joining them for their upcoming four-game series opener against the Minnesota Twins? After all, it was the Tribe’s decision on Sunday morning to acquire the talented left-handed hurler which really took everyone by surprise.
2. THE PRODUCTION
With Aroldis Chapman off the board, there is not a reliever on the market more dominant, talented and productive than Andrew Miller.
Over the past three years, Miller has been a top three reliever in baseball.
Only Chapman and Dellin Betances have been better over the past three years coming out of the bullpen than the Indians’ newest hurler. Over that time, the lefty has averaged 93 strikeouts and 15 walks over 56 innings per season.
This year, Miller has been just as impressive, owning a 1.39 ERA, 1.77 FIP and 0.772 WHIP. He’s walked just seven batters in 45 1/3 innings. SEVEN! And he’s registered 77 strikeouts in 44 appearances.
Lefties are hitting .191 against him. The righties? .165.
There’s a reason why the Indians had to pay so much to get him (more on that in a bit). His production is off the charts. Like, literally. They had to create new charts just for guys like him.
Since becoming a full-time reliever in 2012, Miller has walked just 88 guys total. Over that same period, he’s struck out 379 in 240 1/3 frames. That’s a 4.68 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His ability to command the baseball, avoid the walks and punchout the opposition makes him a lethal mix at the end of games.
And what about his postseason numbers? You know. That place Cleveland is desperately trying to reach this October? Well, if you care to read into 8 1/3 career playoff innings, Miller has allowed one hit, zero runs, one walk and has recorded 12 strikeouts.
Basically, if you went into a laboratory with the intention of creating a near-perfect back-end reliever, you’d hope to end up with someone as good as Miller. And given how incredibly important it was for the Indians to add someone capable of providing a shutdown inning at the end of close games, the fit was so obvious it was slap-you-in-the-face worthy.
“In so many ways, I’m not sure there’s a better fit and better complement to our team than Andrew Miller,” Indians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said. “For his ability to be so effective, but his willingness to do anything to help the team and pitch whenever it made sense. I think that speaks to who he is as a person, and we think he’ll fit right in to the fabric of our team.”
3. THE ROLE
So, where will Miller pitch? Other than asking when he’ll make his debut (he’s expected to get in sometime on Sunday night), that’s the most important question being asked about the dominant southpaw. And it’s an interesting question, for sure. But it’s probably the best problem manager Terry Francona has ever had.
Does Francona plug Miller into the ninth? He originally signed with the Yankees to be their closer in 2014. The lefty successfully converted 36 saves in his first season in the pinstripes, emerging as one of baseball’s most lethal ninth-inning hurlers. But then New York acquired Chapman from the Reds in the winter, and Miller was more than willing to switch roles to do what was best for the team.
No doubt, it was that sort of self-sacrifice which makes his upcoming transition to the Indians, a club full of guys willing to look past personal goals for the greater good of the franchise, a smooth and seamless one.
But then there’s Cody Allen, the Tribe’s current closer. While certainly not on Miller’s level, Allen has emerged as one of baseball’s best relievers himself, taking the ball in the ninth inning for Cleveland for over two years. More often than not, the righty has gotten the job done for the Indians. He would absolutely have every right to demand retention of the closer title.
But that’s not really how this Indians team is wired, as Antonetti noted on Sunday morning.
“I want to make a specific mention of Cody Allen,” he said. “I was on the road trip with the team and he came to me and said, ‘Chris, hey, for whatever it’s worth, all I care about is winning. I will do anything to help the team win, so if you feel that there’s some guy out there that can help us and help the bullpen,’ he said, ‘I’ll pitch whenever Tito wants me to pitch.’ And he reinforced that with us today. I can’t tell you how much that means to me and speaks to Cody and his mentality and how much he cares about winning.”
As for who will do what? That’s still to be determined. Francona plans to sit down with Miller, Allen and Bryan Shaw next week to address those sorts of things. But given the way Miller handled the situation in New York and Allen’s willingness to put the team first, there’s no reason to believe a successful strategy can’t be implemented.
The most important factor: Francona now has multiple quality arms to throw at opposing teams when the game hangs in the balance. And with a starting rotation capable of carrying ballgames into the seventh on a nightly basis, the ability to shorten every contest only makes Cleveland that much more difficult to beat.
4. THE CONTROL
The price the Indians paid was severe. And maybe we haven’t stressed that enough.
It’s easy to get caught up in the acquisition of a talent like Miller, but it was absolutely painful for the Tribe to part with young prospect talents like outfielder Clint Frazier and pitcher Justus Sheffield.
Like all deals involving prospects, there’s a really good possibility that Sunday’s deal could become regrettable at some point in the future. Maybe that happens as Frazier is clubbing monster blasts in Yankee Stadium or Sheffield is locking down future Indians lineups.
That’s the risk you run. But it’s important to note a couple of things when examining the four-player package the Indians sent New York, including Frazier, Sheffield, and relievers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.
First: Miller’s addition years of control were absolutely critical. Without the two extra years of Miller beyond 2016, this deal doesn’t get done. In no way would Cleveland be capable paying the same price for just a rental, an issue they faced when discussing a deal involving Chapman with New York.
Miller is owed $9 million in each of the next two seasons. But even if that financial burden presents a potential issue, the Indians could always recoup some of their prospect loss by flipping the lefty in the off-season. Of course, they probably wouldn’t get a package to the level they sent New York on Sunday, but it is possible that he could be used to help off-set the departure of Frazier or Sheffield.
That’s just one option. Or they could just hold on to one of the game’s best relievers. That’s another solid option.
Second: The Indians’ ability to make a deal like this shows the drastic improvement of their farm system over the past several seasons. A collection of good drafts combined with solid development helped enable Cleveland to part with some incredible talents, in part, because they’ve built some depth at all levels. In years past, the front office might not be comfortable with giving up players of that skill level. But with quality depth in many areas, a trade like Sunday’s can become possible.
“I think it really speaks to the job our scouting staff and our development group has done,” Antonetti said. “To be able to not only have a healthy Major League team that has a lot of members of the farm system that are making an impact, but to be able to have the depth in the farm system to make a trade like this and still look up and feel pretty good about the guys that we still have here, I think it speaks to the tremendous work of a great group of people in our scouts and our player development staff. Without their work, we wouldn’t be in a position to make this type of deal.”
5. RAISING THE BAR
Prospects are unproven. That doesn’t mean they should be thrown around recklessly in trades for veterans. And there certainly is a fine line between bold and foolish. But when the time is right, that young talent can absolutely help provide the difference in more ways than one.
The Indians were already a World Series contender; Their 60-42 record, best in the American League, confirms that. But adding a guy like Miller, fixing a spot which has been such a glaring weakness for the Tribe in 2016, pushes those aspirations to a new level.
The expectations have changed. It’s no longer about hoping to make the postseason. It’s now about trying to win it all. Unfortunately, you don’t always get to pick and choose when your championship window opens and closes. There are so many variables along the way.
Grabbing a guy like Miller, however, helps remove a few of those unknown elements from the equation.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Articles
5418BA analysis of the Miller Frazier deal:
[quotes are all from Cashman and they sound like Indians GMs of the past telling us why all the young guys we are acquiring for a Cy Young winner are going to be great some day. I'm still waiting for Rob Bryson and Jason Knapp and many others. But we know there's some serious talent in this package]
The Indians’ run for the American League pennant received a jolt Sunday morning, with Cleveland acquiring lefthanded relief ace Andrew Miller from the Yankees in exchange for four well-regarded minor leaguers: outfielder Clint Frazier, lefthanded pitcher Justus Sheffield, and righthanded pitchers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.
The Indians entered the day with the best record in the American League and strengthened a bullpen that ranked 10th in the majors with a 3.58 ERA by acquiring one the top relievers available at the deadline. The cost, however, was steep, with two Midseason Top 100 prospects and two promising bullpen arms heading to New York.
For the Yankees, it is their second major trade in a week after sending Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs. They currently sit within striking distance of the second American League wild card spot, entering the day 4 1/2 games back, but are making moves for the future.
“This is a market, if interested, if you possess a high-talent closer, you could exploit this market pretty strongly if you were willing,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a conference call with reporters. “That was the dialogue, the hard discussions we were having. The return we could get would really bring back some exciting young talent that we think our fanbase over time will enjoy and help us get where we want to be in the future.”
Frazier was the fifth overall pick in 2013 after being named BA’s High School Player of the Year and has largely lived up to those accolades, earning a Futures Game selection and reaching Triple-A in his third full season. He was ranked the game’s No. 21 prospect in BA’s Midseason Top 100 and the Indians’ No. 1 farmhand at midseason as well. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Logansville, Ga. native brings a tantazlizing power-speed combo with 47 homers and 43 stolen bases in his minor league career. His power is generated more by exceptional bad speed than raw strength, although he is well-cut in his frame. He is an above-average runner who played corner outfield with the Indians because of Bradley Zimmer’s presence, but is a natural center fielder who can play the position ably. If he needs to slide to a corner, his above-average arm allows him to handle right field, and he has used it to generate nine outfield assists this season.
“The bat speed is already legendary,” Cashman said. “He’s got all the tools – he can run, he can hit, he can hit with power, he can play all three outfield positions – he’s a very exciting, high-energy guy that shows up in a dirty uniform. That’s the exciting thing about his mentality. He’s a super-competitive guy.”
Sheffield The 5-foot-10, 196-pound southpaw has a bigger arm than his size would indicate, able to ramp up up his fastball to 96 mph and consistently throwing it a heavy 93-94. That fastball plus a devastating curveball and promising changeup helped him rank No. 69 in our Midseason Top 100 and No. 5 in a deep Indians organization. The 31st overall selection in 2014 has held his own at every level in his pro career despite being more than two years younger than league average at each stop. His command is still in need of refinement, but he projects as a No. 2 starter if everything comes together.
“Anybody who has seen him toe the rubber every five days, this is an electric lefthanded arm…and he is a competitor on that mound,” Cashman said. “Those two primaries (Sheffield and Frazier) are very exciting additions to this franchise. As long as they stay healthy as we move forward I think our fans have a chance to really bond with them.”
Heller In an organization loaded with arms, the 6-foot-3, 205 pound reliever was ranked as having the best fastball in the entire Indians system before this season. A 22nd-round selection out of NAIA Olivet Nazarene is 2013, Miller brings a 96-98 mph fastball that has reached 100 and and mixes a downhill angle with late life. That and a low-to-mid 80s slider have helped him post a 2.77 ERA and 11.8 strikeouts-per-nine innings rate in his career. He most recently had a 2.49 ERA with Triple-A Columbus and should be ready to help the Yankees bullpen soon, likely as a middle reliever at first with a chance to develop into a quality setup option.
“Heller is a high octane fastball,” Cashman said. “You have a chance to potentially see him up with our big league club at some point soon, whether it’s this year or next. He can be a potential setup guy.”
Feyereisen combined with Heller to give Double-A Akron a devastating bullpen combo earlier this season before Heller was promoted to Columbus. Feyereisen, a 6-foot-2, 215 pound Wisconsin native, did not allow a run for the first 31 innings of his pro career after being drafted in the 16th round in 2014 out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a stretch that lasted from the summer of 2014 after he was drafted into May 2015. He uses a 91-94 mph fastball and a low-to-mid 80s slider to do his damage, and has a 1.80 ERA and 11.5 strikeouts-per-nine rate to date while serving as the closer at every level of his pro career. He’s a bit behind Heller, but Feyereisen still projects as an arm in the Yankees bullpen of the future.
“Feyereisen is a guy were excited about,” Cashman said. “We’ve seen him up to 98. Really all the guys we acquired have huge arms or huge tools. We think they’re all going to be huge additions to our club.”
INDIANS ACQUIRE
Andrew Miller, lhp
Age: 31
The No. 6 overall pick on the 2006 draft never panned out as a starter but has been one of the majors’ best relievers for the past five seasons. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound southpaw has a 2.21 ERA with 14.2 strikeouts-per-nine over the last five seasons and is coming off his first All-Star appearance. He showed he can close last year, recording 36 saves for the Yankees, and also be a dominant setup man when called upon. He relies primarily on a 94-96 mph fastball and 83-85 mph slider, both of which generate a high number of swings and misses and play against both righthanded hitters and lefties. He will team up with Cody Allen to give the Indians one of the top 1-2 combos at the back end of the bullpen as Cleveland pushes for a deep playoff run.
“It was hard because we had him under control for the next two years,” Cashman said. “It was extremely difficult and we needed an extreme return to complete and finalize a deal for him and that’s what we feel we got. There were a lot of discussions internally over a player that was difficult to move in Miller.”
[quotes are all from Cashman and they sound like Indians GMs of the past telling us why all the young guys we are acquiring for a Cy Young winner are going to be great some day. I'm still waiting for Rob Bryson and Jason Knapp and many others. But we know there's some serious talent in this package]
The Indians’ run for the American League pennant received a jolt Sunday morning, with Cleveland acquiring lefthanded relief ace Andrew Miller from the Yankees in exchange for four well-regarded minor leaguers: outfielder Clint Frazier, lefthanded pitcher Justus Sheffield, and righthanded pitchers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.
The Indians entered the day with the best record in the American League and strengthened a bullpen that ranked 10th in the majors with a 3.58 ERA by acquiring one the top relievers available at the deadline. The cost, however, was steep, with two Midseason Top 100 prospects and two promising bullpen arms heading to New York.
For the Yankees, it is their second major trade in a week after sending Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs. They currently sit within striking distance of the second American League wild card spot, entering the day 4 1/2 games back, but are making moves for the future.
“This is a market, if interested, if you possess a high-talent closer, you could exploit this market pretty strongly if you were willing,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a conference call with reporters. “That was the dialogue, the hard discussions we were having. The return we could get would really bring back some exciting young talent that we think our fanbase over time will enjoy and help us get where we want to be in the future.”
Frazier was the fifth overall pick in 2013 after being named BA’s High School Player of the Year and has largely lived up to those accolades, earning a Futures Game selection and reaching Triple-A in his third full season. He was ranked the game’s No. 21 prospect in BA’s Midseason Top 100 and the Indians’ No. 1 farmhand at midseason as well. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Logansville, Ga. native brings a tantazlizing power-speed combo with 47 homers and 43 stolen bases in his minor league career. His power is generated more by exceptional bad speed than raw strength, although he is well-cut in his frame. He is an above-average runner who played corner outfield with the Indians because of Bradley Zimmer’s presence, but is a natural center fielder who can play the position ably. If he needs to slide to a corner, his above-average arm allows him to handle right field, and he has used it to generate nine outfield assists this season.
“The bat speed is already legendary,” Cashman said. “He’s got all the tools – he can run, he can hit, he can hit with power, he can play all three outfield positions – he’s a very exciting, high-energy guy that shows up in a dirty uniform. That’s the exciting thing about his mentality. He’s a super-competitive guy.”
Sheffield The 5-foot-10, 196-pound southpaw has a bigger arm than his size would indicate, able to ramp up up his fastball to 96 mph and consistently throwing it a heavy 93-94. That fastball plus a devastating curveball and promising changeup helped him rank No. 69 in our Midseason Top 100 and No. 5 in a deep Indians organization. The 31st overall selection in 2014 has held his own at every level in his pro career despite being more than two years younger than league average at each stop. His command is still in need of refinement, but he projects as a No. 2 starter if everything comes together.
“Anybody who has seen him toe the rubber every five days, this is an electric lefthanded arm…and he is a competitor on that mound,” Cashman said. “Those two primaries (Sheffield and Frazier) are very exciting additions to this franchise. As long as they stay healthy as we move forward I think our fans have a chance to really bond with them.”
Heller In an organization loaded with arms, the 6-foot-3, 205 pound reliever was ranked as having the best fastball in the entire Indians system before this season. A 22nd-round selection out of NAIA Olivet Nazarene is 2013, Miller brings a 96-98 mph fastball that has reached 100 and and mixes a downhill angle with late life. That and a low-to-mid 80s slider have helped him post a 2.77 ERA and 11.8 strikeouts-per-nine innings rate in his career. He most recently had a 2.49 ERA with Triple-A Columbus and should be ready to help the Yankees bullpen soon, likely as a middle reliever at first with a chance to develop into a quality setup option.
“Heller is a high octane fastball,” Cashman said. “You have a chance to potentially see him up with our big league club at some point soon, whether it’s this year or next. He can be a potential setup guy.”
Feyereisen combined with Heller to give Double-A Akron a devastating bullpen combo earlier this season before Heller was promoted to Columbus. Feyereisen, a 6-foot-2, 215 pound Wisconsin native, did not allow a run for the first 31 innings of his pro career after being drafted in the 16th round in 2014 out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a stretch that lasted from the summer of 2014 after he was drafted into May 2015. He uses a 91-94 mph fastball and a low-to-mid 80s slider to do his damage, and has a 1.80 ERA and 11.5 strikeouts-per-nine rate to date while serving as the closer at every level of his pro career. He’s a bit behind Heller, but Feyereisen still projects as an arm in the Yankees bullpen of the future.
“Feyereisen is a guy were excited about,” Cashman said. “We’ve seen him up to 98. Really all the guys we acquired have huge arms or huge tools. We think they’re all going to be huge additions to our club.”
INDIANS ACQUIRE
Andrew Miller, lhp
Age: 31
The No. 6 overall pick on the 2006 draft never panned out as a starter but has been one of the majors’ best relievers for the past five seasons. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound southpaw has a 2.21 ERA with 14.2 strikeouts-per-nine over the last five seasons and is coming off his first All-Star appearance. He showed he can close last year, recording 36 saves for the Yankees, and also be a dominant setup man when called upon. He relies primarily on a 94-96 mph fastball and 83-85 mph slider, both of which generate a high number of swings and misses and play against both righthanded hitters and lefties. He will team up with Cody Allen to give the Indians one of the top 1-2 combos at the back end of the bullpen as Cleveland pushes for a deep playoff run.
“It was hard because we had him under control for the next two years,” Cashman said. “It was extremely difficult and we needed an extreme return to complete and finalize a deal for him and that’s what we feel we got. There were a lot of discussions internally over a player that was difficult to move in Miller.”
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5419Someone at MLB.com
Any reasonable person in Jonathan Lucroy's position would have done exactly what he did, which was to decline a trade to the Cleveland Indians.
Yes, the Indians are in first place in the American League Central and Lucroy's current employers, the Milwaukee Brewers, are in fourth place in the National League Central.
The Tribe was one of the clubs on Lucroy's contractual no-trade list. He offered to waive the no-trade clause if the Indians met certain conditions. As confirmed by MLB.com, Cleveland did not agree to any of the conditions, so Lucroy declined to waive the no-trade clause.
This was, for Lucroy, a matter of equity, long-term security and a rare opportunity for economic leverage.
Lucroy, 30, is playing under a remarkably club-friendly contract, signed before he emerged as an elite catcher. He is now a complete player; offensively, defensively, and as an astute handler of pitchers.
Lucroy is being paid $4 million this year and his current contract concludes with a club option for $5.25 million in 2017. Contrast that with what other elite catchers are being paid this year
Buster Posey, $20 million. Brian McCann, $17 million. Matt Wieters, $15.8 million. Yadier Molina, $14 million.
Wilson Ramos, having a breakthrough season for the Nationals, is earning $5.35 million. Royals All-Star Salvador Perez is earning $2 million, but he is just 26, and in the last three years of a contract that runs through 2021, he is guaranteed $39.6 million. By contemporary standards, Lucroy is grossly underpaid. He asked the Indians for financial incentives and they said no. Lucroy asked them to waive the club option portion of the contract and they said no.
What was equally damaging from Lucroy's point of view was that Cleveland would not guarantee that he would be its everyday catcher next season. That would be when catcher Yan Gomes would return to full health and, presumably, full effectiveness after suffering a shoulder separation.
The last thing Lucroy would need in the final year of his contract would be to have his value deflated by anything less than regular playing time. Given all of these factors, his decision to decline the trade was not particularly surprising. It was, in fact, more in the realm of logical.
Any reasonable person in Jonathan Lucroy's position would have done exactly what he did, which was to decline a trade to the Cleveland Indians.
Yes, the Indians are in first place in the American League Central and Lucroy's current employers, the Milwaukee Brewers, are in fourth place in the National League Central.
The Tribe was one of the clubs on Lucroy's contractual no-trade list. He offered to waive the no-trade clause if the Indians met certain conditions. As confirmed by MLB.com, Cleveland did not agree to any of the conditions, so Lucroy declined to waive the no-trade clause.
This was, for Lucroy, a matter of equity, long-term security and a rare opportunity for economic leverage.
Lucroy, 30, is playing under a remarkably club-friendly contract, signed before he emerged as an elite catcher. He is now a complete player; offensively, defensively, and as an astute handler of pitchers.
Lucroy is being paid $4 million this year and his current contract concludes with a club option for $5.25 million in 2017. Contrast that with what other elite catchers are being paid this year
Buster Posey, $20 million. Brian McCann, $17 million. Matt Wieters, $15.8 million. Yadier Molina, $14 million.
Wilson Ramos, having a breakthrough season for the Nationals, is earning $5.35 million. Royals All-Star Salvador Perez is earning $2 million, but he is just 26, and in the last three years of a contract that runs through 2021, he is guaranteed $39.6 million. By contemporary standards, Lucroy is grossly underpaid. He asked the Indians for financial incentives and they said no. Lucroy asked them to waive the club option portion of the contract and they said no.
What was equally damaging from Lucroy's point of view was that Cleveland would not guarantee that he would be its everyday catcher next season. That would be when catcher Yan Gomes would return to full health and, presumably, full effectiveness after suffering a shoulder separation.
The last thing Lucroy would need in the final year of his contract would be to have his value deflated by anything less than regular playing time. Given all of these factors, his decision to decline the trade was not particularly surprising. It was, in fact, more in the realm of logical.
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5420Since he will no leverage with the Rangers over his contract for next season the only difference for him is that he knows he'll remain a catcher and not be shifted over to 1st base. That does make a difference for his 2018 contract so I don't think he loses in the final analysis.
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5421Bottom line is that he did not want to play in Cleveland. He was willing to roll the dice on being sent to any team where he did not have any leverage once he turned down Cleveland. Brewers already had his replacement ready to go and sitting at hotel. He was not staying with Milwaukee.
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5422Nice Guys Finish First?
Posted by Joseph Coblitz Burning River Baseball The Sports Daily
Aug 3, 2016
When the Indians were looking to trade for Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers, Milwaukee asked for one of three players in return, Clint Frazier, Bradley Zimmer or Francisco Mejia. Given the Indians current depth situation both in the Majors and at the minors, the obvious one name to keep was Mejia, yet he was the first to go. Then, when a deal was finally constructed for Andrew Miller of New York, the Yankees supposedly wanted one of Frazier and Zimmer and one of Justus Sheffield or Tristan McKenzie. In the deal in the end it was Frazier and Sheffield heading to the Yankees.
We don’t know the inside tracks on all these deals or any others the Indians had in the works. Maybe the Miller deal had been set for a week, just waiting on some lower level players and that was why Mejia was offered to the Brewers instead of Frazier. Maybe the Yankees preferred Sheffield, who is likely closer to pitching Major League innings over the more talented McKenzie. However, it is very likely that there is a non-talent reason that the Indians chose to stick with the players they did and why they might not mind giving up Mejia despite the lack of depth at catcher.
During the week before he was traded and untraded, Mejia was kept out of multiple games for the Hillcats. He was in the midst of what is currently a 44 game hitting streak and fresh out of a Futures Game appearance as the World team’s starting catcher, so the reason wasn’t based on a slump, nor were they scheduled days off as he was initially in the lineup. The Indians are extremely close lipped about minor league injuries, but the fact that he has played since and was included in the deal should eliminate any injury worries. Instead, those close to the Hillcats have said it was a disciplinary action and that, while being an extremely talented hitter, Mejia has often had issues with the team.
None of the other players involved in either deal are known for these issues, although Sheffield’s DUI in the off-season along with his dour personality compared to McKenzie’s constant smile could have entered into the equation. As for Frazier and Zimmer, there is no question that the former is much more intense as the bats broken over his knee throughout the years could tell you.
This is nothing and could just be wild speculation, but there appears to be a genuine effort to fill the Indians roster, from rookie ball through the Majors, with likable players. On the current roster, there is no Kevin Millwood, no Chris Perez who is a lightning rod for the fans’ hatred, not just because of their play on the field, but their words off it. If there is someone who can’t enjoy the play of Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis, Mike Napoli and the rest of the 25, they should be sitting in the balcony watching the muppets.
It isn’t necessarily that the Indians are avoiding players who aren’t “nice,” but when they have the option between players they believe equal on the field, they always appear to chose the more friendly. With greater coverage of what players are doing outside of the game than ever, this is an important factor in how the fans percieve the team and, with a player-friendly manager like Terry Francona, it is huge in keeping a great atmosphere in the clubhouse.
Dodgers manager Leo Derocher once said:
Nice guys! Look over there. Do you know a nicer guy than Mel Ott? Or any of the other Giants? Why, they’re the nicest guys in the world! And where are they? In seventh place! Nice guys! I’m not a nice guy – and I’m in first place. The nice guys are all over there, in seventh place.
This is believed to be the origin of the phrase “Nice guys finish last” and it is certainly true that the Indians and baseball as a whole have benefited from many guys who wouldn’t come near qualifying as nice. In the 1990’s, it’s hard to imagine the Tribe making it all the way to the World Series without not-so-nice guys Albert Belle and Jose Mesa. Going back much further, arguably the third best pitcher in Indians history, Sam McDowell, was far from a nice guy and it lead to him ultimately getting traded. Even further, Bob Feller is famous for being one of the least friendly players in baseball, at least until he retired and became a mascot.
The world is a different place now, however. Professional athletes have a spot light on them 24/7 and with so many great players around the game, it’s easier than ever for teams to avoid a player with talent just because he has a bad attitude or is a clubhouse cancer. This includes when the Indians were trading for a left handed reliever from New York. They could have spent less in prospects and money and picked up Aroldis Chapman a week ago, but they preferred Miller, who has more years of team control and did not get in trouble with the law for threatening his wife with a gun this Winter. The $18M Miller will be paid for the next two seasons is much more than the Indians would generally spend on a reliever (they did pay Kerry Wood $20.5M over two seasons) and if the Indians cared about nothing but winning a World Series this year, Chapman would have been the easier move. Instead, they chose to extend the window of contention and take on the player with less baggage.
The Indians want to win a World Series more than anything else, but I applaud them for also wanting to do it “the right way.” They already hold the top record in the AL with a team that was almost exclusively home grown, either through the draft or trades for prospects and the minor league development system seems to be ready with replacements even after the losses to the Yankees. One thing is for sure, whoever is on the Indians is not only going to be talented enough to deserve a spot on a Major League roster, but someone you won’t find morally reprehensible.
Posted by Joseph Coblitz Burning River Baseball The Sports Daily
Aug 3, 2016
When the Indians were looking to trade for Jonathan Lucroy of the Brewers, Milwaukee asked for one of three players in return, Clint Frazier, Bradley Zimmer or Francisco Mejia. Given the Indians current depth situation both in the Majors and at the minors, the obvious one name to keep was Mejia, yet he was the first to go. Then, when a deal was finally constructed for Andrew Miller of New York, the Yankees supposedly wanted one of Frazier and Zimmer and one of Justus Sheffield or Tristan McKenzie. In the deal in the end it was Frazier and Sheffield heading to the Yankees.
We don’t know the inside tracks on all these deals or any others the Indians had in the works. Maybe the Miller deal had been set for a week, just waiting on some lower level players and that was why Mejia was offered to the Brewers instead of Frazier. Maybe the Yankees preferred Sheffield, who is likely closer to pitching Major League innings over the more talented McKenzie. However, it is very likely that there is a non-talent reason that the Indians chose to stick with the players they did and why they might not mind giving up Mejia despite the lack of depth at catcher.
During the week before he was traded and untraded, Mejia was kept out of multiple games for the Hillcats. He was in the midst of what is currently a 44 game hitting streak and fresh out of a Futures Game appearance as the World team’s starting catcher, so the reason wasn’t based on a slump, nor were they scheduled days off as he was initially in the lineup. The Indians are extremely close lipped about minor league injuries, but the fact that he has played since and was included in the deal should eliminate any injury worries. Instead, those close to the Hillcats have said it was a disciplinary action and that, while being an extremely talented hitter, Mejia has often had issues with the team.
None of the other players involved in either deal are known for these issues, although Sheffield’s DUI in the off-season along with his dour personality compared to McKenzie’s constant smile could have entered into the equation. As for Frazier and Zimmer, there is no question that the former is much more intense as the bats broken over his knee throughout the years could tell you.
This is nothing and could just be wild speculation, but there appears to be a genuine effort to fill the Indians roster, from rookie ball through the Majors, with likable players. On the current roster, there is no Kevin Millwood, no Chris Perez who is a lightning rod for the fans’ hatred, not just because of their play on the field, but their words off it. If there is someone who can’t enjoy the play of Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis, Mike Napoli and the rest of the 25, they should be sitting in the balcony watching the muppets.
It isn’t necessarily that the Indians are avoiding players who aren’t “nice,” but when they have the option between players they believe equal on the field, they always appear to chose the more friendly. With greater coverage of what players are doing outside of the game than ever, this is an important factor in how the fans percieve the team and, with a player-friendly manager like Terry Francona, it is huge in keeping a great atmosphere in the clubhouse.
Dodgers manager Leo Derocher once said:
Nice guys! Look over there. Do you know a nicer guy than Mel Ott? Or any of the other Giants? Why, they’re the nicest guys in the world! And where are they? In seventh place! Nice guys! I’m not a nice guy – and I’m in first place. The nice guys are all over there, in seventh place.
This is believed to be the origin of the phrase “Nice guys finish last” and it is certainly true that the Indians and baseball as a whole have benefited from many guys who wouldn’t come near qualifying as nice. In the 1990’s, it’s hard to imagine the Tribe making it all the way to the World Series without not-so-nice guys Albert Belle and Jose Mesa. Going back much further, arguably the third best pitcher in Indians history, Sam McDowell, was far from a nice guy and it lead to him ultimately getting traded. Even further, Bob Feller is famous for being one of the least friendly players in baseball, at least until he retired and became a mascot.
The world is a different place now, however. Professional athletes have a spot light on them 24/7 and with so many great players around the game, it’s easier than ever for teams to avoid a player with talent just because he has a bad attitude or is a clubhouse cancer. This includes when the Indians were trading for a left handed reliever from New York. They could have spent less in prospects and money and picked up Aroldis Chapman a week ago, but they preferred Miller, who has more years of team control and did not get in trouble with the law for threatening his wife with a gun this Winter. The $18M Miller will be paid for the next two seasons is much more than the Indians would generally spend on a reliever (they did pay Kerry Wood $20.5M over two seasons) and if the Indians cared about nothing but winning a World Series this year, Chapman would have been the easier move. Instead, they chose to extend the window of contention and take on the player with less baggage.
The Indians want to win a World Series more than anything else, but I applaud them for also wanting to do it “the right way.” They already hold the top record in the AL with a team that was almost exclusively home grown, either through the draft or trades for prospects and the minor league development system seems to be ready with replacements even after the losses to the Yankees. One thing is for sure, whoever is on the Indians is not only going to be talented enough to deserve a spot on a Major League roster, but someone you won’t find morally reprehensible.
Re: Articles
5423This is the 3rd place I've read rumors of "off field concerns" regarding Frankie Mejia.
I read last week from one of the sources that he has had a turnaround this year though, but who knows.
I read last week from one of the sources that he has had a turnaround this year though, but who knows.
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5424Interesting topic.
In reference to the recent Yasiel Puig situation, they were talking about it. One of the guys said that back in the early 90s, he was talking to Buck Showalter after he had just taken over the Yankees, about Mel Hall.
Showalter said, "If a guy has clubhouse issues, he better be Barry Bonds."
Produce, and they will find a way. Puig now doesn't produce and it's bye bye.
In reference to the recent Yasiel Puig situation, they were talking about it. One of the guys said that back in the early 90s, he was talking to Buck Showalter after he had just taken over the Yankees, about Mel Hall.
Showalter said, "If a guy has clubhouse issues, he better be Barry Bonds."
Produce, and they will find a way. Puig now doesn't produce and it's bye bye.
"I've suffered a great many tragedies in my life....most of them never happened". Mark Twain
Re: Articles
5425Yup!
Puig is a entitled punk. A little taste of riding the minor league bus for a while might give him a little humility.
Nah!!
Puig is a entitled punk. A little taste of riding the minor league bus for a while might give him a little humility.
Nah!!
Re: Articles
5426 Full explanation of how August trades work
Big names among August trade candidates
Markakis, Street, Phillips among players who'd have to first pass through waivers
By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 12:47 PM ET + 14 COMMENTS
As every baseball fan knows, the passing of the non-waiver Trade Deadline doesn't mean the end of wheeling and dealing.
It's just a little more complicated now. Any players who are moved have to be placed on waivers first. Some clubs will put in a claim hoping to fill immediate needs. Some will be trying to block certain players from going to a rival.
• Full explanation of how August trades work
With all that in mind, here's a look at some players who could still be changing uniforms in the next few weeks. The list is heavily weighted toward position players, an indication of how much teams are valuing pitching and how difficult it could be to get arms through waivers.
Nick Markakis, Braves, OF: He's guaranteed $22 million in 2017 and '18, so he would almost certainly clear waivers. And the Braves, despite being in the early stages of a rebuilding process, picked up veteran outfielder Matt Kemp from the Padres over the weekend. Among the teams rumored to have some interest in Markakis before the non-waiver Deadline were the Royals and Orioles ... the team he left to sign as a free agent with Atlanta.
Huston Street, Angels, RHP: He's on a pace to post a career high in both ERA and WHIP. Street also had 40 saves just a year ago, so a team looking for back-of-the-bullpen help could decide that a change in scenery is all the 33-year-old needs. Players with experience closing games are always in demand, and the Angels could see this as an opportunity to shed salary. Street makes $9 million next season and has a $10 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.
Brian McCann, Yankees, C: Before the non-waiver Deadline, the Braves were reportedly interested in bringing back a receiver who made seven All-Star teams with them before leaving as a free agent. McCann would have to waive his full no-trade clause and the teams would have to negotiate how much of his contract the Yankees would pay, but he'd be a recognizable face for fans to root for when the Braves move into their new park next season. McCann will make a total of $34 million over the next two seasons and has a $15 million vesting option for '19, but with the Yanks in full rebuild mode now, a deal doesn't seem so crazy.
Peter Bourjos, Phillies, OF: After getting off to a slow start, he hit his way into the starting lineup and turned himself into a trade chip by batting .323 with an .872 OPS with 22 runs scored in 38 games. Then Bourjos went on the disabled list after injuring his shoulder running into the wall while making a catch. If he comes back and shows he's healthy, his bat and speed could attract interest.
Nick Hundley, Rockies, C: With catcher Tom Murphy, Colorado's No. 11 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, having a solid season at Triple-A Albuquerque, Hundley could be interesting to a contender looking to add depth behind the plate.
Trevor Plouffe, Twins, 3B: He was considered a trade candidate before suffering cracked ribs. Plouffe hasn't played since July 1, but he was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday. He's making $7.5 million this season, is arbitration-eligible next year and can become a free agent in 2018.
Brandon Phillips, Reds, 2B: The biggest question here is whether Phillips, who exercised his no-trade rights to block pending trades to the Nationals and D-backs during the offseason, would agree to a deal now. That uncertainty and the fact that he's 35 and will make $14 million in 2017 make it likely he'd get through waivers.
Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies, LHP: He's not having his best season, which could allow him to slip through waivers. De La rosa is also a 35-year-old veteran with solid credentials who will be a free agent after the season. He'd cost only a prorated portion of his $12.5 million contract plus whatever player or players Colorado got in return.
Geovany Soto, Angels, C: A free agent at the end of the season, he would have been a candidate to be dealt by Monday until he needed surgery to repair a torn right meniscus earlier in the season. Soto could come off the DL in early August, and if he demonstrates that he's fully recovered, he could be in play.
Jeff Francoeur, Braves, OF: The Braves like having this hometown guy around, and there have already been preliminary discussions about bringing him back next season, because the front office understands the need for a strong clubhouse presence on a team that's going young. Still, Francoeur will play at 33 next year, and for the right return, the Braves would have to consider moving him.
Daniel Hudson, D-backs, RHP: There were reportedly three teams with strong interest before Monday for a reliever who started the year strong, but has scuffled somewhat recently. Hudson will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Danny Valencia, Athletics, 3B: The A's have brought up rookie Ryon Healy, who homered in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game last month, which has cut into Valencia's playing time. Still, he's a professional hitter who remains under club control through 2017.
Matt Garza, Brewers, RHP: The 32-year-old has struggled for the past 1 1/2 years. But Garza's track record of success, plus the fact that he allowed just one earned run in five innings against the Pirates on Sunday, could create a market. He'll make $12.5 million in 2017.
Big names among August trade candidates
Markakis, Street, Phillips among players who'd have to first pass through waivers
By Paul Hagen / MLB.com | 12:47 PM ET + 14 COMMENTS
As every baseball fan knows, the passing of the non-waiver Trade Deadline doesn't mean the end of wheeling and dealing.
It's just a little more complicated now. Any players who are moved have to be placed on waivers first. Some clubs will put in a claim hoping to fill immediate needs. Some will be trying to block certain players from going to a rival.
• Full explanation of how August trades work
With all that in mind, here's a look at some players who could still be changing uniforms in the next few weeks. The list is heavily weighted toward position players, an indication of how much teams are valuing pitching and how difficult it could be to get arms through waivers.
Nick Markakis, Braves, OF: He's guaranteed $22 million in 2017 and '18, so he would almost certainly clear waivers. And the Braves, despite being in the early stages of a rebuilding process, picked up veteran outfielder Matt Kemp from the Padres over the weekend. Among the teams rumored to have some interest in Markakis before the non-waiver Deadline were the Royals and Orioles ... the team he left to sign as a free agent with Atlanta.
Huston Street, Angels, RHP: He's on a pace to post a career high in both ERA and WHIP. Street also had 40 saves just a year ago, so a team looking for back-of-the-bullpen help could decide that a change in scenery is all the 33-year-old needs. Players with experience closing games are always in demand, and the Angels could see this as an opportunity to shed salary. Street makes $9 million next season and has a $10 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.
Brian McCann, Yankees, C: Before the non-waiver Deadline, the Braves were reportedly interested in bringing back a receiver who made seven All-Star teams with them before leaving as a free agent. McCann would have to waive his full no-trade clause and the teams would have to negotiate how much of his contract the Yankees would pay, but he'd be a recognizable face for fans to root for when the Braves move into their new park next season. McCann will make a total of $34 million over the next two seasons and has a $15 million vesting option for '19, but with the Yanks in full rebuild mode now, a deal doesn't seem so crazy.
Peter Bourjos, Phillies, OF: After getting off to a slow start, he hit his way into the starting lineup and turned himself into a trade chip by batting .323 with an .872 OPS with 22 runs scored in 38 games. Then Bourjos went on the disabled list after injuring his shoulder running into the wall while making a catch. If he comes back and shows he's healthy, his bat and speed could attract interest.
Nick Hundley, Rockies, C: With catcher Tom Murphy, Colorado's No. 11 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, having a solid season at Triple-A Albuquerque, Hundley could be interesting to a contender looking to add depth behind the plate.
Trevor Plouffe, Twins, 3B: He was considered a trade candidate before suffering cracked ribs. Plouffe hasn't played since July 1, but he was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday. He's making $7.5 million this season, is arbitration-eligible next year and can become a free agent in 2018.
Brandon Phillips, Reds, 2B: The biggest question here is whether Phillips, who exercised his no-trade rights to block pending trades to the Nationals and D-backs during the offseason, would agree to a deal now. That uncertainty and the fact that he's 35 and will make $14 million in 2017 make it likely he'd get through waivers.
Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies, LHP: He's not having his best season, which could allow him to slip through waivers. De La rosa is also a 35-year-old veteran with solid credentials who will be a free agent after the season. He'd cost only a prorated portion of his $12.5 million contract plus whatever player or players Colorado got in return.
Geovany Soto, Angels, C: A free agent at the end of the season, he would have been a candidate to be dealt by Monday until he needed surgery to repair a torn right meniscus earlier in the season. Soto could come off the DL in early August, and if he demonstrates that he's fully recovered, he could be in play.
Jeff Francoeur, Braves, OF: The Braves like having this hometown guy around, and there have already been preliminary discussions about bringing him back next season, because the front office understands the need for a strong clubhouse presence on a team that's going young. Still, Francoeur will play at 33 next year, and for the right return, the Braves would have to consider moving him.
Daniel Hudson, D-backs, RHP: There were reportedly three teams with strong interest before Monday for a reliever who started the year strong, but has scuffled somewhat recently. Hudson will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Danny Valencia, Athletics, 3B: The A's have brought up rookie Ryon Healy, who homered in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game last month, which has cut into Valencia's playing time. Still, he's a professional hitter who remains under club control through 2017.
Matt Garza, Brewers, RHP: The 32-year-old has struggled for the past 1 1/2 years. But Garza's track record of success, plus the fact that he allowed just one earned run in five innings against the Pirates on Sunday, could create a market. He'll make $12.5 million in 2017.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller
-- Bob Feller
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5427CLEVELAND-- Michael Martinez is making his triumphant return to Cleveland, following just over a month away from the team.
After he was released by the Red Sox, Martinez was claimed off outright waivers by the Indians on Thursday.
The 33-year-old utility man appeared in 32 games with the Indians earlier this season, hitting .283 with three doubles, one home run and three RBIs.
He was designated for assignment by the Indians on July 2 and was traded to the Red Sox on July 8 for cash considerations.
Martinez will join the Indians as they begin a road trip in New York against the Yankees on Friday.
He will be added to the 25-man roster and a corresponding roster move will be made.
To make room for Martinez on the 40-man roster, the Indians designated LHP Tyler Olson for assignment.
After he was released by the Red Sox, Martinez was claimed off outright waivers by the Indians on Thursday.
The 33-year-old utility man appeared in 32 games with the Indians earlier this season, hitting .283 with three doubles, one home run and three RBIs.
He was designated for assignment by the Indians on July 2 and was traded to the Red Sox on July 8 for cash considerations.
Martinez will join the Indians as they begin a road trip in New York against the Yankees on Friday.
He will be added to the 25-man roster and a corresponding roster move will be made.
To make room for Martinez on the 40-man roster, the Indians designated LHP Tyler Olson for assignment.
Re: Articles
5430Zack Meisel @ZackMeisel Jul 31
A handful of Indians players spending their morning helping Carlos Carrasco study for U.S. citizenship test. A lot of tough questions.
Zack Meisel @ZackMeisel 2 hours ago
Update: Carrasco has passed his citizenship test.
Carlos Carrasco @Cookie_Carrasco 3h3 hours ago
I'm so happy to say that, with help from family and teammates, I passed my citizenship test!!!
A handful of Indians players spending their morning helping Carlos Carrasco study for U.S. citizenship test. A lot of tough questions.
Zack Meisel @ZackMeisel 2 hours ago
Update: Carrasco has passed his citizenship test.
Carlos Carrasco @Cookie_Carrasco 3h3 hours ago
I'm so happy to say that, with help from family and teammates, I passed my citizenship test!!!