IF they knew they had Brantley coming back full time, the OF is full, but since they cannot be sure, they may need to make a play for Rajai.
Then again if MIchael turns out to be ready to go, they would then have to dump an OF. Almonte would be the one on the bubble.

IF they really think Yandy is ready for the majors, and he sure seems to be, then signing Napoli or someone like him would also create a roster surplus.

I still do not understand the lack of mentioning Urshela. Good defender and starting to hit. Is he worth anything in a trade? If we need Ramirez in Left,he could start at 3b. Diaz is capable of playing more positions.

So despite getting the maximum post season revenue and a significantly increased season ticket base, Dolan still does not play with the intermediate sized markets.

Reports are Indians made strong push for Holliday and Beltran. They are still looking for a big bat.

Careful what you wish for. Worst case scenario is we miss out on all the talented dudes and overpay to keep Napoli.

We probably have too many major league ready third basemen. Urshela's always been rated a terrific defender. Should be some market for him. For a lefty reliever?

Guys, all day long there have been rumors that the Indians have been sniffing around Edwin Encarnacion. And now Paul Hoynes writes that they are indeed negotiating with him!

He says of course it could fall apart but it does have traction.

Article is at Cleveland.com

I just posted it in Articles.

Obviously this is not the Indians modus operandi so I'm not going to allow myself to get too excited. But it is a pleasant fiction for time being.

Encarnacion would be a big catch.

Don't count your chickens before they sign on the dotted line.

At the Winter meetings in 2000, the Indians left town with an apparent agreement with Manny Ramirez. Before John Hart's plane landed in Cleveland, Boston swooped in and signed Manny.

The only way I could see EE is maybe on a Cespedes type contract, LAST year.

He signed a 3 year deal with an opt out after the first year.

Watched the interview yesterday with the new Minny GM, our former assistant (name?), and noted that his first big deal was for Jason Castro.

OK, sorta reminded me of a Roberto Perez/Yan Gomes type???

People seeing, after the WS, the value of top defensive catchers again.

Hey...maybe Lucroy had a point after all about Tribe catchers?

and boy am I glad the Lucroy deal fell through. the package included our No. 1, No. 6 and No. 10 prospects this winter as well as our best AAA reliever.

Right??? Careful what you wish for.

Meanwhile Lucroy is in his walk year.

Mark Trumbo - OF - Orioles

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Indians have talked to free agent slugger Mark Trumbo.
Heyman also confirms that Cleveland has been in contact with other big free agent bats like Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista, and Mike Napoli.

Trumbo carries serious defensive limitations, but he did lead the major leagues in homers this past season with 47. The 30-year-old reportedly turned down a four-year, $52-55 million offer from the Orioles two weeks ago and countered at four years, $75-80 million.

Sounds like just due diligence to me.

Hoping someone falls into their laps like last year with Napoli.

Of interest though Heyman said on MLB Network that he heard an executive estimate that going to the World Series was about a $15-20 million cash bump for a team.

Lots of big bats on the market, but nobody is giving away the store to sign these guys. Pitching is still the priority for most teams. Sale a prime example. Tribe may sign a slugger but may wait for the market to whittle down and take what's left.

Too bad they can't find a high minor league player that's stuck behind a Major leaguer. Is there another Jim Thome out there?