Would love to see Straw included in any trade.

I guess I posted in minor matters but BA suggests Tanner Burns RHP at Akron last year is one of the most likely pitchers to be drafted next week.
Our NO. 19 prospect on MLB.com a 1.5 round pick who has been good but not great in the minors; missed some time in 21 and 22 with injuries. Transitioned to the bullpen later part of last year; could fit some team's bullpen as a Rule 5 pick. Nothing overwhelming about him, Fastball about 90-93

The only guy on the roster who should be have been removed to either make room for Burns or for Frias [our No. 25 prospect] was that stiff 1B/DH Alfonso Rivas acquired for no identifiable reason to fill no identifiable need [a 27 year old LH with no track record of anything positive]

Looks like the Guardians tried to sneak Oscar Gonzalez through waivers to open a roster spot for rule 5. Did not work. Yankees claim Oscar.

While we are talking Rule 5. FO could always select one of their own guys.

They never thought much of Oscar and neither did other teams; he was Rule 5 eligible twice and no one picked him at a bargain basement price. When they put him on waivers all teams with worse records than the Yankees could have picked up if they wanted him.
He seems like a good guy so it would be nice if he succeeds, even in NY, but someday somehow he's going to have stop swinging at anything that's thrown to him.

They thought enough that they tried to sneak him through waivers.

Did they try to sneak him through? Or were they just dumping him?
I can see an argument for the "sneak" theory in that right now many teams have full rosters or are holding just enough spaces for Rule 5 picks or upcoming free agent signings.

Pretty sure if they were dumping him they would have told the media he was designated for assignment. Since they did not tell anyone it would only seem to be correct that they tried to sneak him through. Not one site knew he was available.

GOOD POINT

All quiet on the Winter Meetings front.

G's have been pretty good lately at saying nothing.

Ace reporters speculate based on nothing.

Then something pops up that no one expected.

Wake me when something happens.

at espn and mlb just a lot of rumors.
Atlanta traded a few guys for Jared Kalenic a couple days ag o and Wade Miley reupped with the Brewers.
And Ohtani thinks Toronto is a nice place.
That's about all.
Of some potential interest to Cleveland fans:
Dec. 4: Cardinals intent on dealing from outfield depth

If ATL is trying to put together a package for Bieber, they now have an outfielder, Kelenic, to throw in.

Think Kwan can be traded for the right price ?

I guess anyone can be traded for the right price other than Ramirez. I really would like to keep Kwan forever. I like his defense, his on-base skills, his baserunning, what appear to be his smarts and a degree of leadership. Is he a great player? No and he is unlikely to develop much power but I think he should be team cornerstone.

And as I've noted before since Cleveland has only ever won a World Series with a player manger, Steven seems the best to fit the role for the current team.

Times have changed and that last roster spot these days is too valuable (pitcher) to use on a player manager who would rarely play.

Kwan concerns me a bit. He should have received a long term deal from the Guards but hasn't. Perhaps his agent is advising him to hold out and shoot for the big payday. I wish I felt better about that situation.