Cleveland Sports Forum

HOF candidates:

http://baseballhall.org/news/museum-new ... gest-honor

Big Names, Biggest Honor
2013 BBWAA Hall of Fame election results announced Jan. 9

By Craig Muder
November 27, 2012

The 2007 MLB season marked the final campaign for some of the biggest names of the last two decades.

Today, many of those players have taken the first step to Cooperstown by landing on the 2013 Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame ballot.

The BBWAA released the 37-man ballot on Wednesday, and the 600-plus eligible voters have until Dec. 31 to return their ballots. The ballot consists of 24 newcomers plus 13 returning candidates.

To earn a BBWAA Hall of Fame vote, voters must be 10-year BBWAA members who are in good standing in the organization.

The results of the election will be announced Jan. 9 live on MLB Network and at the Baseball Hall of Fame's website, and any candidate named on at least 75 percent of ballots submitted will be enshrined at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown on July 28.

Barry Larkin was the only candidate to be named on 75 percent of ballots cast in 2012. Thirteen other candidates received last least five percent of the vote and will return to the ballot this year per election rules. Candidates who receive less than five percent of the vote in any BBWAA Hall of Fame election are dropped from future BBWAA consideration.

Former Tigers, Blue Jays, Twins and Indians pitcher Jack Morris received the highest percentage of the vote among players who were not elected in 2012. Morris was named on 66.7 percent of the 573 ballots cast, falling 48 votes short of election.

Others returning to the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot include (with their 2012 vote percentage in parentheses): Jeff Bagwell (56.0%), Lee Smith (50.6%), Tim Raines (48.7%), Alan Trammell (36.8%), Edgar Martinez (36.5%), Fred McGriff (23.9%), Larry Walker (22.9%), Mark McGwire (19.5%), Don Mattingly (17.8%), Dale Murphy (14.5%), Rafael Palmeiro (12.6%) and Bernie Williams (9.6%).

Candidates who are making their debut on the BBWAA ballot include: Sandy Alomar Jr., Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Jeff Cirillo, Royce Clayton, Roger Clemens, Jeff Conine, Steve Finley, Julio Franco, Shawn Green, Roberto Hernandez, Ryan Klesko, Kenny Lofton, Jose Mesa, Mike Piazza, Reggie Sanders, Curt Schilling, Aaron Sele, Sammy Sosa, Mike Stanton, Todd Walker, David Wells, Rondell White and Woody Williams.

Chris Antonetti: Indians Still Unsure of Offseason Approach

Nov 27th, 2012 at 6:46 am

by Lewie Pollis EditorialsHome » Editorials »

Chris Antonetti: Indians Still Unsure of Offseason Approach

As the first month of the MLB offseason nears its end, it’s still not clear where the Cleveland Indians are headed. On the one hand, they’re a 94-loss team whose core players haven’t developed as well as we’d hoped they would, so a rebuild might be in order. On the other hand, this team isn’t as bad as it looks and might be a couple aggressive additions away from contention. As I’ve already written: “There’s no clear answer to what the Indians should do from here, just the necessity that they choose one and then commit to it…standing pat and hedging our bets won’t do the team any good.”

What’s driving the front office’s lack of direction? On Monday, MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reported the answer:

There is a lot that is still unknown about the Indians’ planned approach as this offseason’s Winter Meetings approach. Aside from some rumors rippling to the surface, Cleveland has remained relatively quiet.

That is because the Indians are still in the midst of assessing their direction. General manager Chris Antonetti has been working his phone, feeling out free agents and inquiring about possible trades. When baseball’s decision makers convene at the Gaylord Opryand Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., next week, the pace of such conversations will increase.

“It’s still developing,” Antonetti said. “I think we’re a lot further along in understanding the market for both free agents and trades than we were a few weeks ago. We’ve progressed talks on both fronts. This next week, and the week of the Winter Meetings, gives us an opportunity to hopefully bring some of those to conclusion.”

Why haven’t the Indians either commenced the fire sale or started stocking up for 2013? Because they haven’t figured out which way to go yet. It’s elegant in its simplicity.

To the average Tribe fan, this information might seem like a juicy hunk of red meat. It’s no secret that most Clevelanders have a negative image of the front office, and hearing Antonetti say he hasn’t decided where to go from here probably won’t help with that. But while hearing the GM express his own uncertainty admittedly isn’t very confidence-inspiring, there’s actually a positive way to spin this situation.

That the organization is currently lacking a direction isn’t news. We knew that already. What we learned from this interview is that this isn’t intentional. That the front office knows it has some big decisions to make. That the Antonetti isn’t planning to stand pat in an offseason in which inaction could set the team back years. That just because the Indians haven’t made any big moves yet doesn’t mean they aren’t going to.

We don’t know exactly what Antonetti has in mind, nor is there a guarantee that whatever he’s planning will work out; I for one plan to continue prodding the team to act until it does so. But at least this shows that the stasis we’ve seen so far this winter isn’t the Indians’ end game.

As Joe once again searches the internet for anything negative on the Tribe's front office. Somehow he thinks this makes him look better. Instead it just reminds me he should keep wasting his time posting articles about baseball outside of this country that no one really gives a crap about.

Unfortunately there is no way of blocking that folder like the old forum had. So everyone has to refresh just to get rid of it.

Gotta wake up and smell the roses Rusty.

This organization is all about being negative. Only 2 winning seasons out of the last 11 ?!?!?!! A farm system that's had a headstone over it for years now! C'Mon!

Instead it just reminds me he should keep wasting his time posting articles about baseball outside of this country that no one really gives a crap about.

Almost 40,000 view Rusty. That's quite a few for no one giving a crap

Whatever!

Gotta tell y'a Rusty, that folder takes up a lot of my time. Maybe you can beg or plead with whoever is reading that folder to stop. If I have no readers, I can stop posting. Is that a plan or what?

Cleveland Indians sign Blake Wood to avoid arbitration; deadline looms for 8 others
Published: Thursday, November 29, 2012, 8:16 PM Updated: Friday, November 30, 2012, 11:23 AM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have until midnight Friday to offer 2013 contracts to their players eligible for arbitration. If they don't, those players can become free agents.

As of Thursday, nine Indians were eligible for arbitration. It's down to eight after the Indians avoided arbitration with right-hander Blake Wood by signing him to a one-year $560,000 deal. They claimed Wood on waivers from Kansas City on Nov. 2.

Wood, 27, is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, but could be ready to pitch by midseason. He did not pitch last season, but in 2011 went 5-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 55 games out of the Royals bullpen.

The Indians view him as a possible bullpen option late in the 2013 season.

Justin Masterson ($3.825 million, last season's salary), Chris Perez ($4.5 million), Tony Sipp ($504,900), Joe Smith ($1.75 million), Jack Hannahan ($1.135 million), Lou Marson ($491,700), Mike Aviles ($1.2 million) and Shin-Soo Choo ($4.9 million) are also eligible for arbitration. The Indians must offer them contracts worth 80 percent of last year's deals to keep them on the roster.

The two sides can negotiate a deal or go through the arbitration process which starts in January. The Indians haven't gone to arbitration since 1991.

Masterson, Perez and Choo have been mentioned in trade talks, but are expected to be offered contracts Friday. The same goes for Sipp, Smith and Aviles.

Hannahan and Marson could be non-tendered.

Last season Hannahan was the Opening Day third baseman, but he struggled. The Indians have made it clear they want Lonnie Chisenhall to take over at third in 2013. The Indians acquired Aviles and catcher Yan Gomes on Nov. 3 from Toronto for Esmil Rogers. Marson saw little playing time last season as the Tribe's backup catcher.

New job: Masterson was elected as an alternate player representative for Major League Baseball Players Association on Wednesday. It's one of the highest elected offices in the union.

Curtis Granderson and Jeremy Guthrie were elected as the top player reps in the union. Masterson and free agent Carlos Villanueva, who the Indians have kicked the tires on, are the alternates.

Finally: After the winter meetings, which begin Sunday in Nashville, Tenn., manager Terry Francona and new pitching coach Mickey Callaway will travel to the Dominican Republic to check out Ubaldo Jimenez and Carlos Santana. Francona will also play in David Ortiz's annual golf tournament.

Callaway has already been the Dominican once this off-season to watch Jimenez pitch. Over the last two years, Jimenez leads the big leagues with 30 losses.

This is posted at Indians.com.

CLEVELAND -- The Indians are keeping the organization's long-term picture in mind while mapping out the rest of this offseason. Cleveland wants to improve its roster for 2013, but the club also needs to find a way to create sustained success down the road.

Contention seemed to arrive a year early two seasons ago for the Tribe, but it was an unexpected collapse that defined the most recent campaign. The Indians do not appear on the verge of a complete rebuild, but it is possible that the team continues to weigh trade offers for some of its players during this week's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

"We've said it from the start," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said. "We were going to be flexible with how we worked through the offseason. If there are opportunities to improve the team, to improve our position moving forward, we'll be open-minded to it."

While also trying to address their own roster needs, the Indians are open to listening to trade proposals for a number of their players. The most attractive trade chips include shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, right fielder Shin-Soo Choo and closer Chris Perez. Sinkerballer Justin Masterson has also had his name floated in trade speculation.

Coming off a disappointing 94-loss season, Cleveland can't afford to be closed minded about possibly making deals that might benefit the club's long-term health. Whether via trades or free agency, new manager Terry Francona's team is also in the market for help in the rotation and left field, as well as for first base and designated hitter.

Here is a quick glance at the Indians' situation heading into the Winter Meetings, which begin Monday at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville:

Club needs

Rotation: Much of the Indians' struggles last season stemmed from the myriad problems that struck the starting staff. As things currently stand, the 2013 staff will consist of a similar cast with unpredictability throughout the depth chart. One of Cleveland's top priorities this offseason is to add some stability to the rotation through either free agency or trades.

First base: The Indians went with a one-year solution for first base last offseason by signing veteran Casey Kotchman. Without a clear in-house solution, Cleveland might take a similar approach this winter. The Indians might consider giving internal candidate Russ Canzler a shot, but the club will certainly explore its options through free agency and trades.

Left field: Cleveland cycled through 10 left fielders -- Shelley Duncan, Johnny Damon and Ezequiel Carrera were each tested as the starter -- and never found a reliable full-time solution. Carrera and Canzler are two in-house possibilities for 2013, but the Tribe will look for alternatives via every possible avenue.

Who they can or need to trade

Cabrera: The Indians are planning on having Cabrera as their Opening Day shortstop, but the club is keeping an open mind about clubs trying to trade for the two-time All-Star. By acquiring Mike Aviles, the Tribe has a starting-caliber shortstop in case Cabrera is dealt. Cleveland could use some impact prospects and Cabrera's ability and contract have potential to net a solid package.

Choo: All signs are pointing to Choo leaving via free agency next offseason, leaving the Indians in a position where the club should listen to trade offers. Choo is coming off a solid year and is eligible for arbitration for the final time this winter. Cleveland entertained offers for Choo at the July 31 Trade Deadline, but chose to hold on to the talented right fielder.

Masterson: Masterson is coming off a down season, but the sinkerballer still has plenty of value in his potential and his ability as an innings eater. The right-hander is eligible for arbitration this winter and is under club control for two more years. It seems unlikely that the Tribe would trade Masterson unless the team was able to add some rotation depth this winter.

C. Perez: Perez is coming off a solid season -- his second as an All-Star for the Indians -- but his salary is climbing through arbitration and the closer ruffled plenty of feathers with off-field comments last year. Cleveland is planning on opening 2013 with Perez as its closer, but it makes sense for the team to listen to any trade offers for the righty.

Carlos Santana: Santana is still viewed as a key part of the Tribe's young core, but his club-friendly contract makes him a target for clubs trying to pry players away from a Cleveland organization in search of some impact prospects. Santana is unlikely to be dealt this winter, but the Indians would certainly listen to any trade proposals. [sorry to hear that]

Top prospects

Most of Cleveland's best prospects remain in Class A, complicating the big league team's current situation. The Indians are strong up the middle with shortstop prospects such as Francisco Lindor, Dorssys Paulino and Ronny Rodriguez. A few other top prospects include reliever Chen-Chang Lee, right-hander Mitch Brown, first baseman Jesus Aguilar and outfielders Tyler Naquin and Luigi Rodriguez.

Rule 5 Draft

The Indians' 40-man roster is at capacity, so the team would need to clear room if it wanted to select a player in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Cleveland recently added Minor League pitchers Lee, Trey Haley and T.J. House, as well as outfielder Tim Fedroff, to protect them from the Draft. Two notable players left unprotected are Aguilar and right-hander Hector Rondon.

Big contracts they might unload

The Indians already freed up some money by declining a $13 million club option to retain designated hitter Travis Hafner and a $6 million club option to keep starter Roberto Hernandez. If Cleveland were to trade Choo or Perez, it would free up some more money that would have otherwise been tied up in arbitration. Cabrera is owed $16.5 million over the next two seasons.

Moves made so far

The Indians acquired Aviles and catcher Yan Gomes from the Blue Jays in exchange for reliever Esmil Rogers on Nov. 3. ... Cleveland signed outfielders Matt Carson and Cedric Hunter, infielders Luis Hernandez and Nate Spears, and pitchers Rondon and Jose Flores to Minor League contracts. ... Claimed right-hander Blake Wood off waivers from the Royals.

Arbitration eligible: Aviles ($1.2 million in 2012), Choo ($4.9 million), Masterson ($3.825 million), C Lou Marson (first time), C. Perez ($4.5 million), LHP Rafael Perez ($2.005 million), LHP Tony Sipp (first time) and RHP Joe Smith ($1.75 million).

Payroll summation

Including the potential salaries for Cleveland's arbitration-eligible players, the team's payroll projects to sit around $50-55 million before any additions. That gives the Tribe some wiggle room for acquisitions, considering the team operated on a budget around $68 million in 2012, and the team can likely afford to operate in the same range for '13.

LEVELAND -- Jack Hannahan has been around the game long enough to understand the situation in Cleveland. When a team is going through a transition period, younger players typically get a chance to prove their worth.

For the Indians, the up-and-coming Lonnie Chisenhall is in the plans as the regular third baseman in 2013. That leaves Hannahan's future with the club in doubt or, at the very least, he knows he could be facing a role change if Cleveland opts to keep him in the fold.

"It'll be interesting to see what type of moves they make," Hannahan said at the end of the season. "I just need to worry about the things I can control. Everything else will kind of fall into place in the offseason when they make their minds up."

Friday marks Major League Baseball's deadline for teams to offer contracts for the upcoming season to any arbitration-eligible players. Any players who are non-tendered -- not offered a contract -- will join the free-agent pool this winter. Hannahan, who earned $1.135 million last season, is a non-tender candidate for the Indians.

When deciding whether to tender a contract to a player, teams must weigh that player's expected role and his projected salary through arbitration. Two previously arbitration-eligible players (pitcher Kevin Slowey and infielder Brent Lillibridge) have already elected free agency after being outrighted off Cleveland's 40-man roster earlier this winter. Another, southpaw reliever Rafael Perez, was designated for assignment on Wednesday.

The Indians' crop of eligible players has subsequently been trimmed to Mike Aviles ($1.2 million in 2012), Shin-Soo Choo ($4.9 million), Justin Masterson ($3.825 million), Lou Marson (first time), Chris Perez ($4.5 million), Tony Sipp (first time) and Joe Smith ($1.75 million).

"With Jack," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said, "we've got to make probably our most challenging tender decision."

Part of the reason the decision is challenging is Hannahan's versatility and skill on defense. He is a stellar defender at third base, but the 32-year-old can also handle shortstop or first base. With Lillibridge out of the picture, Hannahan joins Jason Donald and Aviles as in-house options as utility infielders. If the Indians trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (a possibility), Hannahan adds important depth.

Antonetti said Hannahan's value extends beyond the diamond, though.

"He provides stability with what he brings defensively," Antonetti said. "But he also has some leadership skills that can have an impact on the clubhouse."

Hannahan joined the Indians as a Minor League free agent prior to the 2011 season but worked his way into the starting third-base role that spring. In two seasons with Cleveland, the lefty-swinging Hannahan has hit .247 with 12 home runs, 32 doubles and 69 RBIs over 215 games. He hit .244 with four homers, 16 doubles and 29 RBIs in 105 games in 2012.

Hannahan was hindered by a nagging back injury last year.

"I would've loved to have played a full season and not get injured," Hannahan said. "Getting off to a hot start like that, and then coming back [from the injury] and not being able to do what I did, it was disappointing."

Over the season's first 30 games, Hannahan hit .287 with three home runs, 18 RBIs and an .801 on-base plus slugging percentage last year. That was before the lower back issue forced him out of the lineup on May 13. The third baseman returned on May 26 but went on to hit just .180 with one homer, seven RBIs and a .485 OPS in his next 59 games.

"It's no secret," Hannahan said. "When I came back from my injury, I was horrible. My back was still barking and it was something I was trying to maintain and deal with. Looking back on it, I probably should've missed some more time, but I felt like I missed too much time to begin with."

Hannahan knows the Indians are serious about handing third base over to Chisenhall, but the veteran still feels he can be an everyday player.

"Absolutely," Hannahan said. "I think anybody in this clubhouse would tell you the same thing. That's something that I still want to do. I'd love to get an opportunity where I can stay healthy and get 500 at-bats and see what kind of numbers I can put up.

"At the same time, I'm older. I'm one of the older guys on the team, and I've been a role player before. When I am a role player, that's something that I accept. I'll help the team out and be ready to play."

LEVELAND -- The Lonnie Chisenhall era appears to be officially under way.

The Indians did not tender Jack Hannahan a contract for the 2013 campaign, meaning the veteran infielder will become a free agent. Teams have until midnight ET on Friday to offer contracts for the upcoming season to any arbitration-eligible players.

"The writing is on the wall as far as Lonnie getting a chance to play every day," Hannahan told MLB.com on Friday. "I'm excited for him to get that opportunity to showcase what he can do."

The Indians offered deals to Shin-Soo Choo, Justin Masterson, Mike Aviles, Lou Marson, Chris Perez, Tony Sipp and Joe Smith. Brent Lillibridge and Kevin Slowey already elected free agency after being outrighted off Cleveland's 40-man roster earlier this winter. Southpaw Rafael Perez, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, and lefty Chris Seddon, who was designated today, were also non-tendered.

Tribe general manager Chris Antonetti earlier called the choice on Hannahan the club's "most challenging tender decision."

"I had two great years in Cleveland," Hannahan said. "I love playing in Cleveland. I love the fans of Cleveland and I have a lot of respect for [president] Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti. I really believe in what they're doing there as far as getting a team that can contend and play in October."

Hannahan, who earned $1.135 million last season, batted .244 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 105 contests in 2012, despite being hindered by a nagging back injury. Over the season's first 30 games, the third baseman hit .287 with three homers. A lower back issue forced him out of the lineup on May 13 for nearly two weeks, and Hannahan hit just .180 with one homer across his next 59 affairs.

"It's no secret," Hannahan said. "When I came back from my injury, I was horrible. My back was still barking and it was something I was trying to maintain and deal with. Looking back on it, I probably should've missed some more time, but I felt like I missed too much time to begin with."

Hannahan joined the Indians as a Minor League free agent prior to the 2011 campaign, but worked his way into the starting role at the hot corner that spring. He hit .250 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 110 games in his first year in Cleveland.

Chisenhall batted .268 with five homers in 43 contests for the Indians last season. He made a swift recovery from a broken right forearm -- suffered in late June when struck by a fastball from Orioles reliever Troy Patton -- to provide the club with a glimpse of its future in September.

With Chisenhall expected to take the reins at third base and Aviles and Jason Donald in the fold as potential utility players, Hannahan became expendable. Hannahan, however, still feels he can be an everyday player.

"It's nothing new to me," Hannahan said. "I've been around the game a long time. Anyone wants to play every day and get as many at-bats as they can and help their team win as often as they can."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians non-tendered Jack Hannahan on Friday, making him a free agent. Rafael Perez and Chris Seddon were also non-tendered after they'd been designated for assignment this week.

Hannahan made the Indians as a spring training invitee in 2011. He was the Tribe's Opening Day third baseman for the last two years. Former No.1 pick Lonnie Chisenhall is expected to replace him in 2013.

The Indians also announced that right-hander Corey Kluber underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Rick Parker did the surgery to repair Kluber's damaged meniscus. He suffered the injury playing with his daughter at home in Jacksonville, Fla.

Kluber, expected to compete for a job in the starting rotation, should be ready to participate in spring training by late February. Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 10.

Hannahan was one of eight Indians eligible for arbitration. The Indians had until midnight Friday to offer them contracts for 2013. Hannahan was the only one who did not receive an offer. Last season Hannahan made $1.35 million.

The seven Indians tendered contracts were Chris Perez, Justin Masterson, Shin-Soo Choo, Joe Smith, Tony Sipp, Mike Aviles and Lou Marson.

Hannahan, Rafael Perez and Seddon are free agents. Perez was designated for assignment Wednesday to make room for Nick Hagadone on the 40-man roster. Seddon was designated Friday after the Indians claimed first baseman Mike McDade on waivers from Toronto.

The Indians, with Hannahan's departure, have 39 players on the 40-man roster headed into the winter meetings next week in Nashville, Tenn.

Hannahan hit .290 (18-for-62) with one homer and 14 RBI in April, but struggled with calf and back injuries after that. After being activated from the disabled list on June 14, he hit .225 (41-for-182) with one homer and 11 RBI for the remainder of the season.

Seddon went 11-5 with a 3.44 ERA at Class AAA Columbus. In 17 appearances with the Indians, he was 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA.

Kluber was 11-7 with a 3.59 ERA at Columbus before getting promoted. He went 2-5 with a 5.14 ERAS in 12 starts for the Tribe.

McDade is interesting 6-1 250 1st baseman. Age 23. 6th round pick. Improved his K/BB as he moved up. AA all year in 2011, returned in 2012, OPS 790; 18 games in AAA OPS 880. Between 16 and 21 homers each season. Needs time in AAA. He's one level ahead of Aguillar.

NOT in the Blue Jay Top 30 in 2012.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minor ... dade001mic

In BA's recent Blue Jays prospect chat:

Tom (San Francisco, CA): Mike McDade seems to be the last man standing from the 2007 draft. Any chance he sees the big leagues next year?


Nathan Rode: I do think there's a chance, but I don't think he's really going to be a factor for them unless a lot of guys get hurt (which is obviously possible as evidenced by 2012). Encarnacion and Cooper are ahead of him right now and then you factor in the possibility that someone like d'Arnaud might force his way into a lineup that would cause some shifting among positions.

This doesn't say much about how McDade would fit in on a team with no 1st basemen other than Lars and Canzler and possibly Santana.

McDade is a teammate of Jose Ramirez playng with the Toros in the Dominican.

McDade is hitting .267 in 9 games (8-30), 2 double, 0 homers, 4 rbis, 10 k's, 1 w, .343 obp, .333 slg, .676 ops.

The Indians have 35 players participating in Fall/Winter ball this season. I think this is some kind of a record. This is great to see.

McDade has never made the Top 30 Blue Jays prospect list. He's marginal at best, I guess.

5 bold predictions for winter meetings
November, 30, 2012
NOV 30
11:50
AM ET
By Jim Bowden | ESPN.com
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Steve Mitchell/US Presswire
Jim Bowden thinks the New York Mets will end up trading R.A. Dickey at the winter meetings.

Despite my being a veteran of countless winter meetings, baseball's annual gathering still manages to surprise me. Whether it's a blockbuster trade or an out-of-the-blue free-agent signing, the winter meetings always provide a handful of happenings.

However, experience does offer me a little insight into what could happen. Last year, we saw the Los Angeles Angels reel in Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, and the Miami Marlins signed Mark Buehrle, Jose Reyes and Heath Bell. And, well, we know how that turned out. So here are my five bold predictions for the winter meetings:

1. The New York Mets will trade R.A. Dickey

With the Mets extending third baseman David Wright for eight years for about $138 million, I expect them to then turn around and trade right-hander R.A. Dickey to the Kansas City Royals or the Los Angeles Dodgers or Angels for two good prospects. Wright is the face of their franchise, their version of Chipper Jones or Derek Jeter, and it was essential they get him locked up. With the Tampa Bay Rays’ extension of Evan Longoria this past month and the Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman sewn up, as well, this was a relatively simple negotiation for general manager Sandy Alderson. In regards to Dickey, it’s more about selling high on an overachieving pitcher and being realistic on when the Mets will be ready to contend. Although the public thinks it could be sooner, realistically, the Mets won’t be contending until at least 2015.



2. The Cleveland Indians will make more trades than any other team

The Indians are waiting for the top free agents to sign. Once that happens, teams that lose out will be calling them to make deals. The Indians have the highest-quality tradable players currently on the market. Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is one of the most underrated right fielders in baseball. He’s a complete player and is about to enter his free-agent walk year. He is represented by Scott Boras, which means it’s unlikely he’ll sign a contract extension before testing the open market. Therefore, once Josh Hamilton, Cody Ross and Nick Swisher have inked deals, the clubs that missed out will attempt to trade for Choo.

Several teams are pursuing shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. If anyone of those teams puts together the right package of young starting pitching, it might be able to pry him loose. Closer Chris Perez is well respected throughout the game as a straight shooter who speaks his mind without filter, which is fine unless you’re always bashing the ownership, the front office and the fans. His trade value is at an all-time high, and now is the best time to get the best return. With starting pitching always at a premium, the Tribe also will listen to offers for Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez. The bottom line is the Indians will be an interesting team to watch in Nashville.


3. The Miami Marlins will sign a free agent and give him a full-no trade clause

The Marlins’ trades of Buehrle, Reyes and Bell this offseason have left agents with such a bad taste in their mouths that many of them are saying they won’t even talk to the Marlins on behalf of their clients. Interestingly, a year ago, the Marlins all but had Albert Pujols signed, but their refusal to include a no-trade clause allowed him to make the right choice and sign with the Angels. If he had signed with the Marlins, he probably would be with the Toronto Blue Jays today. The Marlins are under scrutiny from the commissioner’s office and the players' association to spend rather than pocketing what look to be significant revenue-sharing gains the next few years. The Marlins need to step up and surprise baseball by adding a significant free agent and will have no choice this time but to change their policy and give a full no-trade clause so players they sign won’t have to worry about being dealt in a year.


4. The Royals will finally trade for an elite starter, and fans will rebel

Royals general manager Dayton Moore is in a Catch-22 situation. Royals fans have been begging for the team to trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter instead of their continued plan of back-of-the-rotation innings eaters such as Jeremy Guthrie, Bruce Chen, Ervin Santana and Luke Hochevar. But it will cost Moore one of the young, talented position players he has. Moore definitely feels the pressure and is doing everything possible to make such a trade this coming week in Nashville. Even though I think the best move would be to sign a free agent such as Kyle Lohse or Anibal Sanchez and keep his position players intact, I predict that the Royals are going to trade Wil Myers, Alex Gordon or Eric Hosmer to get their top-of-rotation young starter. If and when they do this, Royals fans will show their disapproval. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.


5. The Texas Rangers will re-sign Josh Hamilton to a four-year contract

Some believe Hamilton and Rangers definitely will part ways, but I'm making the bold prediction that he'll stay. Despite all the reports that the Rangers won't go more than three years on a deal for Hamilton, I fully expect them to give him a fourth year with a club option for a fifth at an average annual value of approximately $23 million. There has been interest in Hamilton from several teams, including the Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles.

His family lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and plans to stay there regardless. Having been to two World Series in the past three years, Hamilton and the Rangers have unfinished business of bringing a world championship to Rangers fans, and both parties know the best way to accomplish that is for them to try again together rather than apart.