No one deserved a championship experience in Cleveland more than Michael Brantley

Zack Meisel 55m ago 5

CLEVELAND​ — For​ a long time,​ Michael Brantley’s story read​ like a Hollywood script.​ The plucky prospect,​ dealt​ to Cleveland​ because of​​ a stroke of fortune, developed into the face of the franchise while overcoming obstacles along the way.

The Indians could have landed Taylor Green as the final piece of the CC Sabathia trade in 2008. Then, the club would have had next to nothing to show for that trade. Green totaled 154 big-league plate appearances; Matt LaPorta, the centerpiece of the swap, took his last major-league hacks 2,271 days ago.

Instead, they received Brantley as the player to be named later, based on the condition of the Brewers reaching the postseason. At first, Brantley seemed like a solid, unspectacular outfielder. He could hit a little, run a little, defend a little. Then, he morphed into one of the league’s most dependable hitters, slapping singles and doubles to all nooks of the field and eventually adding a splash of power to his repertoire. Brantley became an MVP finalist, a No. 3 hitter, a guy who struck out as often as a Halley’s Comet sighting. His smooth and steady swing stood out between lineup potholes like Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Brandon Moss.

It was easy to see why fans gravitated toward him. He always said the right things, earning himself the nickname Captain Cliché from beat writers for his penchant to resort to whatever convenient turn of phrase fit the question. (And he’d always grin while supplying it; he knew he was giving us nothing.)

But when the team finally took the next step, a foray into contention, Brantley’s fortune soured. First, his shoulder. Then, his shoulder again. And again. And again. Then, his ankle.

When the Indians captured their first division title in nine years in 2016, Brantley watched the champagne chaos from the hallway outside of the visitors’ clubhouse at Comerica Park. As his teammates soaked each other with bubbly two weeks later in Boston, he stood at his locker and ate steak and mashed potatoes.

It pained him to be a spectator for that World Series run. He should have been out there, contributing to a team aiming to break a title hex that dates to the Truman Administration.

But this Hollywood script never promised a happy ending.

An ankle injury sapped Brantley of a strong finish to an All-Star season in 2017, and he played a minimal role in an ALDS loss to the Yankees. A year later, the Indians exited October with barely a whimper.

Now, Brantley is a member of the Astros, the team that kicked Cleveland to the curb two months ago.

The day after the Indians were eliminated, Brantley met with Terry Francona and Chris Antonetti for his customary exit interview. Tears flowed. There were hugs. The writing was on the wall. Barring some unexpected change in plans, Brantley’s decade-long tenure in Cleveland had come to an untimely end.

After the Game 3 loss to Houston, a group of veterans, including Jason Kipnis, Josh Tomlin and Yan Gomes, congregated in the corner of the clubhouse, right in front of Brantley’s locker, for one, final postgame chat. They could sense change was coming.

The Indians have saved somewhere in the neighborhood of $21.5 million from their three trades in the past three weeks. That’s fine and dandy, but the roster still requires significant maintenance. This isn’t “your front right tire could use a little bit of air,” either; this is “your front and rear bumpers are dragging on the ground and you have no windshield, how were you even driving this, this can’t possibly be legal.”

Brantley might be best suited to play first base at this point in his career (though the tiny surface area of left field at Minute Maid Park doesn’t demand much range), so anyone who wants to argue he wasn’t worth $32 million over two years for the Tribe has a right to do so. Really, the gut-punch for the Indians is that he signed with the team that bounced them from the postseason. And it’s that the outfield group left behind — some mix of Leonys Martín, Jordan Luplow, Tyler Naquin, Greg Allen, Kipnis, Grady Sizemore, Chris Magruder and the portly man dressing as Santa at SouthPark Mall — needs assistance in the worst way.

It is December in another slowly evolving offseason, but those savings need to be distributed to some free agents or trade acquisitions who can plug the rising number of holes on the roster. Have they shed enough salary to sprinkle some cash on an outfielder (or two), a reliever (or three), a third baseman and, perhaps, a catcher? Probably not. A trade of a starting pitcher might still make sense, provided they receive the king’s ransom in return that they have requested in their conversations with other teams.

Either way, the roster is changing. The old guard is gone. Francisco Lindor and José Ramírez need some lineup support. The man who hit between them last season has trekked south in his search for a ring.

It’s an anticlimactic exit for a guy who deserved a storybook ending in Cleveland.

(Photo of Michael Brantley: Scott R. Galvin / USA Today Sports)

Q&A: New Indians first baseman Jake Bauers endures ‘shock’ of another 3-way trade, ‘excited about what’s to come’
By T.J. Zuppe Dec 17, 2018 14


CLEVELAND​ — Jake​ Bauers opened​ his eyes at his​ home in Huntington​ Beach, California, expecting​ nothing​ more than​ to continue​​ his new offseason hitting regimen and perhaps catch a little of the Winter Meetings activity wrapping up in Las Vegas later that afternoon.

But shortly after he rose to begin what he thought would be a typical day, his phone lit up. He glanced at the screen.

Erik Neander.

“Here comes a little offseason checkup, just see what’s going on,” Bauers thought.

He answered the call from the Rays GM. He pressed the device to his ear, preparing to dive into boring winter minutiae.

“I could tell pretty quickly by the tone of his voice that wasn’t the case,” Bauers recalled.

Neander informed Bauers that he’d been traded to the Indians as part of a three-way deal, a trade highlighted by the return of Carlos Santana to Cleveland. Edwin Encarnacion was sent to the Mariners in the swap, and Yandy Díaz was shipped to the Rays.

Leading up to the deal, Bauers hadn’t been mentioned in any substantial rumors, and in fact, Neander had told Rays reporters the night before that the left-handed hitter, despite several options at the position, had emerged as “our guy” at first base.

Less than 24 hours later, he was no longer a member of the Rays.

That’d be enough to surprise even the savviest of veterans.

“It caught me a little off guard,” Bauers said. “I was a little shocked.”

While the why of the deal was certainly unexpected, the when and what of the transaction were not unfamiliar to the former seventh-round pick of the Padres. After all, the 23-year-old infielder and outfielder seems to have a knack for finding his way into complicated deals. His trade to the Indians came nearly four years to the day after he was dealt to the Rays in an 11-player swap.

“Something about the Winter Meetings and three-team trades, I guess,” he said.

In 2014, Bauers was part of a group sent to the Rays (Steven Souza Jr., Travis Ott, Rene Rivera and Burch Smith were also included), as Wil Myers, Ryan Hanigan, Jose Castillo and Gerardo Reyes were dealt to the Padres, and Trea Turner and Joe Ross were shipped to the Nationals in a blockbuster three-team trade.

To make matters worse, his name was floated in trade rumors on Twitter for days during the 2014 Winter Meetings. With the deal hanging in limbo prior to completion, he didn’t know whether he’d be sent to the Nationals, Mariners, Rays or to anyone else seeking a promising corner bat.

“I didn’t hear from anyone with any club for like three days. Seriously,” Bauers said. “So, I’m watching MLB Network, learning what’s going on with the rest of everybody else. It was nice to get a call and learn about it first before I’m just sitting here checking in on the Winter Meetings and finding out about it there.”

At the time of his first trade, Bauers was on the verge of establishing himself as one of baseball’s most intriguing hitting prospects, posting an above-average wRC+ at every stop along the way. Now, after his most recent move, he’ll make the trek to a new squad having already tasted the majors, posting a 95 wRC+ and .700 OPS with 11 homers in 388 plate appearances as a rookie this past season.

“I just kind of immediately decided that instead of being upset or whatever emotions came up, I just chose to be excited and look forward to the future,” Bauers said following the trade. “I’m going to a great franchise. I’m just excited about what’s to come.”

Since the three-team deal became official Thursday, the Indians have continued their offseason salary shifting, dealing Yonder Alonso to the White Sox for minor-league outfielder Alex Call. The trade opens a path for Bauers to potentially serve as the Indians’ first baseman in 2019, and the young infielder is eager to prove his early success with the Rays (he posted a .903 OPS through his first 35 games) was more of a reflection of his ability than his fade in the final two months, a period that featured a .550 OPS.

After the trade, The Athletic caught up with Bauers in an exclusive phone interview, detailing his emotions after the swap, his perception of his new organization and what sorts of changes he’s made to his offseason hitting routine this winter to help ensure his time in Cleveland becomes more permanent.

(Note: Questions were edited for clarity.)

How did the experience of being traded the first time better prepare you for the emotions of being traded a second time?

It’s still always a shock when you’re not expecting it. But more than anything, I think last time I was just nervous about just getting comfortable and having to go to a new team and meet a bunch of new people. I think being traded the first time kind of taught me that it’s just baseball guys for baseball guys. When you’re going to an organization like Cleveland, you know, they’re in a win-now mode. I’m sure they have a good culture going on. So, I just want to do my best to slide in and get along with everyone over there.

On one hand, I’d imagine there is some disappointment over one team sending you away. On the other hand, the team trading for you obviously covets and appreciates you. How do you balance those emotions?

You have a decision to make. You can look at it as, “Why are they trading me away?” Or, you can look at it as, “Why are they trading for me?” For them to trade for me and speak (like they’re) excited to have me or say, “You’re going to have a role no matter what,” and things like that, is just a good feeling. It’s also a good feeling going to a team that you know is prime to go to the postseason every year. That’s probably what I’m most excited about — having the opportunity to play in some playoff baseball.

Initially, you’re probably following the Winter Meetings, curious how the Rays are attempting to get better. Then, without warning, you’re now part of the news.

It’s definitely different going through it in the big leagues now. You get in the big leagues and it’s like, “All right, let’s start building a life around Tampa.” For example, I thought about living there in the offseason. I didn’t end up doing it, but I almost did. It’s a little bit bigger of a life change, so I think that comes along with the whole shock of it. I really started to connect with the community in Tampa. I really started to like Tampa as a place to be. But I’m excited to get into that new organization, learn that new city and get involved in the community over there.


Jake Bauers hopes to prove himself to be the intriguing hitter he appeared to be over his first month and a half in the majors. (Kim Klement / USA Today Sports)
The Indians front office was boarding a plane minutes before the trade became official. Did you know of their time crunch when they reached out?

(Mike Chernoff) called me right after Erik called me. Basically, he prefaced the conversation with, “Hey, man, we’re on a plane. We’re about to leave in five minutes. But I just wanted to call and get ahold of you before we took off.” I haven’t had much time to talk with anyone on the Indians. Obviously, it’s still busy for them, but I’m looking forward to continuing that conversation.

So, essentially, you get life-changing news but little time to discuss it.

He’s like, “Got any questions?” I’m like, “Yeah, but do you have time to answer them?” (laughs) No, there’s still a lot of time during this offseason. I’ll be out in Cleveland for (TribeFest) on Jan. 12. There’s plenty of time to get all that squared away and get myself ready for spring training.

Looking ahead to your first matchup against the Rays, how quickly did you circle May 23 on your calendar?

That’s the first thing I went and looked for. I’m excited just to see all my guys over there and compete against them. I don’t know how many guys will say it, but that’s a big motivation right there. Any time you get the chance that early to play against your old team is an exciting time.

You were planning to head to Florida for spring training. Now, you’ll be in Arizona. When will you start thinking about heading to Goodyear?

I’m going to play it by ear right now. I just got word about (TribeFest). That’s what my first thought is about. I’m looking for a house in Arizona first for spring training. As I get closer and closer, I imagine I’ll start looking at my situation for the regular season. Right now, I’m excited to get to Cleveland and meet some people out there, meet the fans, and then beyond that, excited to be close to home for spring training and have my parents out, have my buddies out, and just look to enjoy that.

What was your parents’ reaction to the trade?

About the same as mine. A little shocked. A little confused. As the time’s gone on, I think they’re getting excited about it. Just excited to get into a situation that is — I don’t want to say more about winning because it’s always about winning — but getting into a situation where the playoffs are almost expected.

What have you heard about playing for Terry Francona?

I’ve heard nothing but good things, man. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Terry as well as the whole organization. I heard they really take care of their players from top to bottom. Specifically, about Terry, I’ve heard he’s a lot like (Kevin) Cash in terms of, they say Cash learned everything he knows from Terry. I talked to him briefly (on Thursday). I’m excited to build that relationship and get to know him a little more because he’s a legend in the game.

You can probably get on his good side more quickly if you rip on Cash with him.

Yeah, hopefully, I can bring him some dirt.

You got off to a terrific start last season, and overall, your production was encouraging given your age. But you also had some tough times over the final two months. What factored into that?

For me, my swing path kind of changed in the last two months, and I didn’t know how to get it back if that makes sense. I was pulling off on a lot of stuff. I can’t help but read the things that say, “Oh, the league adjusted to him and he never adjusted back,” but to me, that wasn’t the case. The case was I lost my swing a little bit and was never able to get it back. I had never worked with a hitting coach before, but this offseason, I made it a priority. I started hitting early in December and working with a guy out there. I’m excited for those changes to kind of take into spring training, get some live at-bats and see how it translates. To me, the guy that I am is the first month, month and a half that I had in the big leagues. That’s who I am. That’s who I’m going to be. For all these people tweeting at me, telling me to get my batting average up, they need to calm down a little bit (laughs). Just trust me that I know what I’m doing, I got this, I’m making the right adjustments. And I’m going to be ready to go come March 28.

Who are you working with? And what sorts of things does he have you doing that you haven’t attempted before?

Craig Wallenbrock. Not to get into too many specifics, working more north-south instead of east-west. Just staying in the middle of the field and letting the ball go where it goes. Toward the end of last year, I had a swing that was completely a pull swing, and I had to commit to pulling the ball or trying to hit it the other way. If I got tied up on one or the other, I wasn’t going to get the result I wanted. Just being prepared for whatever is going to come my way and being able to adjust to different pitches throughout an at-bat and not having to commit to one side or the other.

There’s so much talk in the game about chasing the ideal launch angle and elevating to help generate more power. Can it be easy as a hitter to fall into some bad habits?

I think I’ve always had a naturally pretty launch angle-ish swing, but the moment I start thinking about that, I lose my swing. I think the biggest thing I learned last year is you’ve got to be yourself, man. Whether that’s with your swing, your defense, your attitude, how you carry yourself, you’ve just got to be yourself. People will respect that a lot more than somebody who comes in and tries to be someone who they’re not. That’s all I’m going to do. I’m going to come in. I’m going to be Jake Bauers, no more, no less, and let the chips fall where they may.

(Top photo of Jake Bauers: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)

Just being prepared for whatever is going to come my way and being able to adjust to different pitches throughout an at-bat and not having to commit to one side or the other.

Like Michael Brantley!

the outfield group left behind — some mix of Leonys Martín, Jordan Luplow, Tyler Naquin, Greg Allen, Kipnis, Grady Sizemore, Chris Magruder

I forgot that Grady and Chris were still available. But, so, too, is Oscar Mercado who may actually have more upside than anyone else on that list.

Hopefully Bauers does what he says he is focusing on and goes back to hitting like he did in the minors.

Check out the link and scroll down to the monthly breakdown. The kid hit 6 homers in July (107 plate appearances!)

https://www.fangraphs.com/statsplits.as ... eason=2018

Probably got homer happy.

Jake Bauers on Hitting (It’s Pure Reaction)

by David Laurila
December 14, 2018
What type of hitter did the Cleveland Indians get when they acquired Jake Bauers as part of yesterday’s three-team trade with Seattle and Tampa Bay? From a biographical perspective, the answer is a 23-year-old left-handed-hitting first baseman who came into this year ranked fourth in the Tampa Bay system. He made his big-league debut in June and went on to post a .700 OPS, with 11 home runs, in 388 plate appearances. Bauers played his maiden season as a 22-year-old, not turning 23 until the month of October.

From a self-assessment perspective, Bauer is a hitter who knows who he is, and needs to stay true to those elements in order to be successful. The newest member of the Indians organization explained what those elements are when the Rays visited Fenway Park this past August.

———

Bauers on his keep-it-natural swing: “My swing has just kind of been natural. Any time I went to a hitting coach growing up, the only thing they’d say is, ‘Don’t change anything.’ Beyond that, there have maybe been little tweaks here and there, but mostly it’s been about doing my work and staying right.

“I have to keep my swing and just let it happen. I have to trust that the natural path of my swing is going to take over — that by doing what comes natural, everything will take care of itself.

“When I’m trying to hit the ball in the air — trying to hit for launch angle — my swing tends to get long and loopy and I end up not getting the result I want. Everything will get out of sync. My hips will go early. My hands will drag behind and then try to catch up. I’ll end up pulling off to where I can’t reach the outside pitch and I’m getting jammed on the inside pitch.”

On his “see-ball, hit-ball” approach: “I’m not focusing on where the ball is going; it’s more just ‘see ball, hit ball.’ Let it get deep and trust that what you’ve been doing for 20 years is just going to happen. The less I think about which pitch is coming, where I want to hit it — the more I just let my natural ability take over — the better I’m going to be. I’m on a fastball, and then if they throw something else, with the way I’m balancing my swing, I’m able to adjust. When I’m going good, that’s all I’m doing.

“Walking to the plate, the only information I want is the pitches he throws. That’s it. When I start diving into percentages, like on 2-1 he throws a changeup 40% of the time, then I start thinking too much. When I’m thinking too much, I’m putting myself in a bad spot. Most guys have three pitches, so if you’re on the fastball and adjusting to the other two — you know what the other two are — I think you’re going to put yourself in a good spot.

“It’s good to have an idea, and it’s good to have information, but again, when I think too much I start adjusting in the wrong way. I start looking for pitches. That’s not how I hit. I can’t remember the last time I was looking for a changeup, got one, and was ready to hit it. All of your work in BP, in the cages, whatever, it’s all pretty much fastballs. No one is mixing in changeups, mixing in sliders. When you get into a game and try to do something different than you do in your work … it’s just not going to translate. At least for me. This is purely me.”

On balance, reaction, and staying in sync: “In the last few weeks I’ve noticed myself trying to outsmart the guys on the mound. I’ve been looking at counts and thinking, ‘He’s probably going to throw a slider here.’ All I’m thinking is slider, so even if he throws a slider, I’m not ready to hit it. Same as what I was just saying about changeups. If I’m thinking slider — even subconsciously; slider, slider, slider — chances are I’m not doing the same things I do if I’m looking fastball. My swing is going to be different. The balance of my stance is going to be different. The balance of my load is going to be different. I’m not putting myself in a position to hit it, even if he does throw it.

“If I’m looking for a fastball, if I’m timing myself for a fastball … that’s something I don’t want to get away from. Doing it in a different way doesn’t work. Again, this is just me, personally. Keeping fastball timing allows me to see the ball better, and if I see the ball better, I can adjust to the other pitches.

“For me, hitting is pure reaction. I’m not hunting a certain pitch. I’m not sitting on pitches or guessing. When I’m going good, I’m looking fastball outer half, and when anything else comes — the way that I’ve trained and practiced, the way my swing has always been— I’m able to adjust. I’m not sure I’ve ever put all of this in words before, but that’s how I hit.”

Cleveland Indians: Carlos Santana in outfield? Another trade coming? – Terry Pluto


Updated Dec 21, 3:17 PM; Posted 8:16 AM

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer tpluto@plaind.com



ABOUT CARLOS SANTANA

When the Indians traded for Carlos Santana last week, I assumed he’d return to his old position at first base.

That’s where Santana played from 2013-17. He was a catcher before that.

But in that same 3-way deal with Seattle and Tampa Bay, the Indians also added Jake Bauers.

I’ve heard the following:

1. As of now, the Indians would like to see a lot of Bauers at first base. It’s the natural position for the 23-year-old prospect.

2. A few days before Tampa Bay traded Bauers, Rays manager Kevin Cash said this at the winter meetings: "He has helped our infielders because he gives them confidence when they throw to first base.”

3. So that leaves Santana replacing Yonder Alonso at first base. It also leaves a huge hole in left field after Michael Brantley signed a 2-year, $32 million contract with Houston.

4. Santana has let the Indians know he’s willing to try left field. As I was told, “Carlos really is willing to play anywhere that will help us. He likes to play the field.”

5. Santana will turn 33 on April 8. The Indians don’t see him as a regular left fielder, but playing out there some of the time? It’s a possibility – especially given how the roster is constructed right now.


6. In his big league career, Santana has played 695 games at first, 330 as a catcher, 45 at third base and eight in the outfield. He played two games in the outfield in 2016.

7. Part of the reason the Indians traded for Santana is they appreciate his attitude. He plays every day. He is willing to try different positions. He was the team’s opening day third baseman in 2014 when the Indians were hurting at that position.

8. Manager Terry Francona loves Santana because he’s a durable switch-hitter who can hit in different spots in the lineup. The Indians prefer Santana to the soon-to-be 36-year-old Encarnacion, who is primarily a DH.

9. I didn’t like the Yandy Diaz/Bauers part of the deal. But Francona seemed to have a hard time buying into Diaz. The manager couldn’t seem to figure out where to play him – or have the confidence to commit to him.

10. Bauers is intriguing to the Indians because he also is willing to play the outfield. He played 143 games in the minors in the corner outfield positions.

11. The Indians know they will have to be patient with Bauers. He came to the Majors at the age of 22, and struggled: .201 (.700 OPS) with 11 HR and 48 RBI in 323 at bats for the Rays.

12. In the end, the Tribe baseball people preferred Bauers over Diaz – and Tampa had the opposite opinion. It will be fascinating to look back in a year and then three years to see who made the right call.


13. The Indians believe they will be OK in center field. They like the combination of Leonys Martin and Greg Allen, both players with speed. Martin played three games for the Tribe before coming down with a life-threatening bacterial infection. He is healthy now.

14. In right field is a platoon of Jordan Luplow (acquired from Pittsburgh) and Tyler Naquin. Left field is wide open, and that’s why Santana could see some time out there.

15. I’ve not heard this, but the Indians could bring back Melky Cabrera on a very reasonable contract, and he could help as a DH. Francona really liked the switch-hitting Cabrera, who batted .280 (.755 OPS) with 6 HR and 39 RBI in 78 games for the Tribe. It feels as if he he began playing when Bob Feller was still pitching, but Cabrera is 34 – and probably can still hit.

DO FACTS MATTER?

1. The Indians have the best record in the American League over the last six seasons. In that span, they have been to the playoffs four times and never had a losing season.

2. They have an elite manager in Francona and a Chris Antonetti-led front office with a recent history of making wise moves.

3. They have ranked higher in payroll than attendance in each of the last six years. They are a mid-market team in a sport with no salary cap. Cleveland is the smallest market with big league teams in the NBA, NFL and MLB.


4. “I don’t know exactly what the Indians have brought in (revenue) the last few years,” one executive told me. “But we are in the same kind of market. I’m telling you, they lost a lot of money with that $135 million payroll.”

5. You can believe that – or not. You can say it doesn’t mater. The Tribe’s $135 million payroll was the highest in the Central Division. They ranked No. 15 out of 30 teams, according to Baseball Prospectus.

6. The Tribe’s attendance has been flat the last two seasons: ranking 22nd and 21st, about 2 million fans.

7. In the last six years, the Indians have always ranked higher in payroll than attendance. Even with the cuts in payroll, the Indians will probably spend the most in their Central Division.

8. Baseball’s economic structure remains messed up, unless you follow one of the mega-market teams. Detroit once played in that expensive ballpark. No more, the Tigers have been shedding payroll for the last two years and want to dump more.


ABOUT THE WINTER MOVES

1. Gone are Yan Gomes, Yonder Alonso, Andrew Miller, Lonnie Chisenhall, Brantley, Encarnacion, Diaz and Erik Gonzalez.

2. The only name player added is Carlos Santana. They have picked up Bauers, Luplow and some other young players. The biggest loss is Brantley.


3. I explained some of the reasoning for the moves last weekend, one key point being the Tribe will have Santana for two years at $29 million compared to one year of Encarnacion at $25 million. They have cut about $10 million from the 2019 payroll.

4. The trades have put the front office in a stronger position when it comes to dealing a starter. Some in the media don’t think that’s likely. My guess is they will deal Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer, depending upon who can bring them the most in return. They know this roster has to improve, especially in the outfield and bullpen.

5. So how are the Indians stronger in terms of future trades? They don’t have to use a deal involving Kluber or Bauer as a major cost-cutting mechanism. As I was told, the Indians can make more of a “pure” baseball trade – talent for talent.

6. The real point is the Tribe isn’t done yet. Rumors will continue. But also remember how rumors can be so wrong. Were there any rumors of an Encarnacon/Santana deal even 24 hours before it happened?

7. It was no secret the Tribe was trying to deal Encarnacion. But who knew Santana was returning to the Tribe? That’s why I’m willing to wait.

It doesn't surprise me at all that the Indians are thinking about Santana in the outfield.

Alonso mishandled too many throws last year. When you have infield defense (Lindor and Ramirez) and pitching like they do - it's a large help to have a first baseman who can pick it.

I still think they'll get more outfielders - so my guess is Santana does a lot of work at DH while filling in both in the outfield, first base and even 3B.

As well, Santana strikes out less, gets on more than EE. He is just a better fit for what they need going forward and the fact that they know his personality is a bonus. I bet Tito did backflips.

rusty - great article about the economics. Tampa is an extreme example of what small markets have to do to stay even competitive in the non salary cap world. But when you have a division winning and world series (2016) team and you are 21st and 22nd in attendance, it makes it tough.

This was a long article, so I cut and pasted the 2 free agents that listed the Indians as a fit:

6. A.J. Pollock, CF
Age: 30
2018 WAR: 2.5 OPS+: 106 wRC+: 110
Slash: .257/.316/.484 R: 61 2B: 21 3B: 5 HR: 21 RBI: 65 SB: 13 CS: 2

I think Pollock could end up being one of the most productive free agent signings of the offseason, and his market became clear after Andrew McCutchen signed his three-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies and Michael Brantley inked his two-year, $32 million dollar deal with the Astros. Injuries have certainly hurt his value, considering he’s only played more than 140 games once in his seven-year career. But I think a deal somewhere between Brantley and McCutchen will end up getting it done. I love the Braves as a fit, as it would give them three viable centerfielders in the outfield — like last year’s Red Sox — which would certainly help in the development of all the young Braves pitchers. The Mets have made it clear they have interest in Pollock, and the Dodgers have indicated that they might sign him if they don’t get Harper. The Phillies could pivot back to Pollock if they lose out on both Harper and Machado. The Indians could use him but likely won’t spend the money, and the Rockies are all over the place trying to improve their offense.

Best Realistic Fits: 1. Braves 2. Mets 3. Dodgers 4. Phillies 5. Indians 6. Rockies

10. Marwin González, INF/OF
Age: 29
2018 WAR: 1.6 OPS+: 103 wRC+: 104
Slash: .247/.324/.409 R: 61 2B: 25 3B: 3 HR: 16 RBI: 68 SB: 2 CS: 3

All 30 teams should want Marwin González because of his ability to play every position outside of pitcher, catcher and centerfield. However, he’s looking for a Ben Zobrist type contract and an everyday job, which makes things more difficult. I think the Mets would be the best fit because he could fill in at all the infield and outfield corners, but I just don’t see them spending the money for that role.

Best Realistic Fits: 1. Mets 2. Angels 3. Braves 4. Yankees 5. Indians

Santana is not an outfielder.

You can stick any Major League player, even pitchers, in LF for a game or two.

Lol, not Edwin!

State of the Outfield:

The OK: The Indians believe they will be OK in center field. They like the combination of Leonys Martin and Greg Allen, both players with speed. Martin played three games for the Tribe before coming down with a life-threatening bacterial infection. He is healthy now.

The Bad: In right field is a platoon of Jordan Luplow (acquired from Pittsburgh) and Tyler Naquin.

And the MIA: "Left field is wide open", [meaning: they have on one to play the position]

No attention paid by Pluto to the backward lunge behind the plate, too.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that the Dodgers are still in discussions with the Indians regarding acquiring star right-hander Corey Kluber.

Morosi also notes that while the Dodgers are not willing to include Cody Bellinger in any potential deal, they are willing to discuss top prospect Alex Verdugo.

The Reds, Phillies and Mets are all believed to have discussed Kluber with the Tribe at some point this off-season. The Indians don't appear to be as motivated to deal Kluber after reducing their payroll with other moves, but they'll still pull the trigger if the return is worth their while.

The Dodgers have now added some faintly nteresting Reds minor leaguers they could add to Verdugo.
Reds still have their very interesting minor leaguers they can deal along and exDodgers LHP Alex Wood