Cleveland Sports Forum

According to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres could be interested in trading for Ubaldo Jimenez.
The Padres have been linked to free agent starters like Dan Haren and Daisuke Matsuzaka, but general manager Josh Byrnes has indicated that they're much likelier to go the trade route as they seek rotation help. "Clearly, trades make more sense for what we’re trying to do," Byrnes said. "The free agent market prices are higher than they should be. We’ve spent more time discussing trades than free agents." Jimenez is coming off two straight disappointing seasons, but he has the durability the Padres seek and might fare better at Petco Park.


Source: San Diego Union-Tribune Dec 2 - 11:05 AM

The bottom line is the Indians will be an interesting team to watch in Nashville.

But will they be an interesting team to watch on the field?

It is all good. Larry gets some more cash we get some more bupkus and Rusty is happy.


Cleveland Indians close to selling SportsTime Ohio TV network
Published: Sunday, December 02, 2012, 7:25 PM Updated: Sunday, December 02, 2012, 7:32 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
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Cleveland Indians owner Larry Dolan is about to reap a huge payday by selling the team's TV network, SportsTime Ohio.
Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Fox Sports Ohio is close to purchasing SportsTime Ohio for between $200 million and $250 million, said a source familiar with the negotiations. The sale could be completed by the end of December and would increase the Indians' rights fees for broadcasting their games from $30 million to an estimated $40 million a year.
It's not known if the sale will help improve the state of the struggling Indians by giving the front office more money to pursue big-ticket free agents or trade for high-priced talent this winter. The Indians and STO are owned by Larry Dolan and his family.
Paul Dolan, Indians chairman and CEO, issued a no comment through a spokesman when asked about the sale of STO.
STO President Jim Liberatore said only, "Since we launched, people have been interested in buying the network."
Employees at STO, according to sources, were told within the past few weeks that the sale is imminent. STO does not have that many full-time employees, relying mainly on free-lancers.
Fox and STO reportedly want the deal done by the end of the year because of new tax ramifications in 2013.
The bidding for STO came down to Fox and Time Warner Cable. Fox has apparently emerged as the winner and it will be interesting to see what they do with STO.
The main reason Fox purchased STO was to acquire the rights to the Indians. They held those rights before the Dolans formed STO late in 2006. There were rumblings that STO would cease to exist after Fox's purchase, but it appears that Fox will need two networks in Ohio to carry its programming. STO is expected to exist in some form through the Indians' 2013 baseball season because there might not be enough time between the sale and Opening Day for Fox to complete its takeover.
STO has contracts with the Mid-American Conference and the Ohio High School Athletic Association that would have to be honored as well. They also carry Browns, Ohio State, golf programming, select games of the Class AAA Columbus Clippers and Class AAA Toledo Mudhens and shows featuring hosts Bruce Drennan and Chuck Galeti. WKYC Channel 3, which broadcast several Indians games last season, has a contract for the 2013 season with the Indians.
It's not known how the sale will effect Indians broadcasters Rick Manning, Matt Underwood and Al Pawlowski. Unlike the Indians radio broadcasters, Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus, who are paid by the team, STO pays Manning, Underwood and Pawlowski.
The purchase would make Fox the dominant sports programmer in Ohio. Fox Sports Ohio carries the Cavs, Cincinnati Reds, NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew soccer, Lake Erie Monsters hockey, the University of Cincinnati and Dayton.
The Dolans started STO in 2006 as a way to increase revenues for the Indians. It has not turned them into the Yankees and their $180 million payroll, but Dolan told The Plain Dealer last year, "It's provided a buffer for the team."
The Dolans have operated the Indians and STO as separate entities. They've annually paid the Tribe about $30 million in rights fees. The increase to $40 million in 2013 wouldn't change the course of the franchise, but every little bit helps.
Each of MLB's 30 teams is expected to receive between $25 million and $26 million annually starting in 2014 from new national TV contracts. The Indians also receive an annual revenue-sharing check from MLB for an estimated $20 million. Part of that check, however, goes to the players association.
Last season the Indians had a payroll of about $65 million for their 25-man roster. They are supposed to be in the same range in 2013.
News Corp, which owns Fox Sports, is spending big money across the country to buy the rights fees to live sports entertainment. MLB is a lucrative part of its business plan because its regular season consumes so much air time, with 162 games over six months.
Fox is currently negotiating a 25-year deal with the Dodgers to retain its television rights for between $6 billion and $7 billion. Such a deal could pay the Dodgers between $240 million and $280 million a year for rights fees.
Rights fees are based on market size. STO has an estimated 2.8 million customers who received Indians broadcasts.
News Corp. is in the process of purchasing 49 percent of the YES Network, the regional sports channel that broadcasts New York Yankees games. They have an option to increase it to 80 percent in three years.
The Yankees will receive a payment of $500 million for accepting the deal. This year YES paid the Yankees $85 million in rights fees. The Yankees, who agreed to stay on YES through 2042, could receive up to $300 million annually by the end of the deal.
Finally: It hasn't been announced yet, but the Indians have reached an agreement with WTAM AM/1100 to continue to broadcast their games on the radio.

Ken loves me. Why else would he include my name when he posts ? He is definitely odd......

kenm wrote: It's not known if the sale will help improve the state of the struggling Indians by giving the front office more money to pursue big-ticket free agents or trade for high-priced talent this winter.

My guess is "no."

I'm going to throw a name out there as a potential signee: former Columbus Clipper legend John Lannan. He's lefthanded and has been durable. Not much upside at this point, and he frankly didn't pitch very well in AAA last year (he was a victim of the Nationals' overall better talent). But if he could go 180 innings with a 4.50 ERA, that has some value.

‏@Ken_Rosenthal

#RedSox like Masterson; offers thus far not to #Indians’ liking.

Cleveland Indians looking for high return on any Asdrubal Cabrera deal

Published: Monday, December 03, 2012, 10:17 PM Updated: Monday, December 03, 2012, 10:18 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer



NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If the Indians are going to trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, they're going to try and get everything they can for him.
The going price on the Indians' two-time All-Star is three to four players, preferably four. The Indians had the framework of a deal in place in which they would have received one big-league pitcher and two high-level prospects. When the Indians asked for a third prospect, the deal dissolved.
The particular team the Indians were negotiating with planned to change Cabrera's position, but right now he's the top shortstop available this winter through free agency or trades.
"He's the best guy out there at that position," said one scout. "They're going to get something good for him, but they're asking for a lot."
The Indians need a lot after losing 94 games last season. It's the main reason they're listening to offers on four of their best players: Cabrera, closer Chris Perez, right-hander Justin Masterson and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo.
"We'd consider anything if it's the right deal," said GM Chris Antonetti. "It all depends on what we get back."
Cabrera, 27, is signed through 2014 for a combined $16.5 million. He has a limited no-trade clause which prevents him from being dealt to the Yankees, Boston, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington and the Mets. No trade clauses can be negotiated away, but it does make things a little more difficult.
One has to wonder if the Yankees, who will open next season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez because of impending hip surgery, came calling for Cabrera if he waived the clause? Cabrera could play third or Derek Jeter, coming off a broken ankle, could move to third and Cabrera could take over at shortstop.
St. Louis and the Indians have been linked. The Cardinals have aging shortstop Rafael Furcal and a backlog of talented young pitchers that would interest the Indians. Right-handers Trevor Rosenthal, Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller dazzled out of the Cardinal bullpen in the postseason last year, but all three could be starters.
Oakland is looking for a shortstop as well. They have a rotation of young starters in Tommy Milone, Jarrod Parker, Travis Blackley and A.J. Griffin. GM Billy Beane said at the GM meetings there was no way he was going to trade his young starters, but it's not like Beane has been shy about making a trade or two.
The switch-hitting Cabrera hit .270 (150-for-555) with 35 doubles, 16 homers and 68 RBI last season. The last two years, Cabrera's production has dropped in the second half following nose-dives by the Indians in the AL Central standings.
One of the first moves the Indians made this winter was to acquire Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes from Toronto for reliever Esmil Rogers. Aviles was Boston's starting shortstop last season. He's best suited for a utility role, but he's shown he can play shortstop for a full season. In the minors, the Indians have an array of prospects who are a couple of years away from the big leagues.
A scout said the asking price on Perez was a lot less pricey than Cabrera. Perez is under the Indians' control for two more years and has converted 75 saves in 83 chances over the last two years. If the Indians trade Perez, set-up man Vinnie Pestano would slide into the closer's role.
The Padres are in the market for starting pitching and reportedly have asked about Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez. Masterson and Jimenez were a combined 20-32 last season, but they were durable. The Padres could use some durability after having 18 pitcher start for them last season.
Masterson has two years left before free agency. The Indians exercised Jimenez's $5.75 million option for 2013.
Choo can be a free agent after the 2013 season. He'd be a one-year rental because Scott Boras is his agent and will steer him into free agency. Boston likes Choo, but it's questionable how much they'd give up to get him.
On Twitter: @hoynsie

ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports that the Mets are interested in trading for Indians' reliever Vinnie Pestano.
The asking price figures to be pretty high, as Pestano isn't even arbitration-eligible yet. Quickly emerging as one of the better set-up men in the game, 27-year-old right-hander posted a 2.57 ERA and 76/24 K/BB ratio over 70 innings this past season. The Mets have also asked the Rays about the availability of Joel Peralta, but the price is similarly steep.
Related: Mets, Joel Peralta

Source: ESPN New York Dec 4 - 11:22 AM

Cleveland Indians trying hard to sign free-agent OF Shane Victorino: Winter Meetings chatter

Published: Tuesday, December 04, 2012, 1:54 PM Updated: Tuesday, December 04, 2012, 3:00 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Some news and notes from the winter meetings at the Opryland Hotel.

• GM Chris Antonetti said that the Indians have been exhaustive in their search for an outfielder and first baseman to fill holes in the lineup.
One of the outfielders they've inquired about, and are currently negotiating with, is switch-hitter Shane Victorino. The Indians started their pursuit of Victorino early in the free-agent process and have continued it this week at the winter meetings.

During the season, before the Phillies traded Victorino to the Dodgers, the Indians tried to trade for Victorino. They offered one of their front-line relievers, but the Phillies wanted more.
Victorino has played mostly center field in his career, but he's let it be known that he would play left or right field for the right deal. Victorino, 32, hit .255 (152-for-595) with 29 doubles, seven triples, 11 homers and 55 RBI last season. He scored 72 runs and stole 39 bases in 45 attempts.

It wasn't Victorino's best year, but he could definitely help the Indians' lineup at the top of the order. He's a two-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner.

The Indians have Michael Brantley in center and Shin-Soo Choo, a trade candidate, in right. Victorino played all three outfield positions last year ,and Antonetti made it clear Monday that if the Indians do add an outfielder, Brantley would almost certainly stay in center field unless it was clear the new addition would improve the club by playing center.

Brantley has the versatility to play left.

It will probably take a four-year deal for the Indians to sign Victorino. The Giants just re-signed center fielder Angel Pagan to a four-year $40 million offer, while Atlanta signed center fielder B.J. Upton to a five-year $75 million deal.

• The Mets reportedly have interest in Indians set-up man Vinnie Pestano. It doesn't sound like Pestano is going anywhere.

-Indians new catcher Yan Gomes will play for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic. Brazil had to qualify for the tournament, and Gomes recently delivered the game-winning hit to beat Panama.
Brazil is in Pool A, which begins play March 2 in Fukouka, Japan, on March 2. Gomes, who is scheduled to report to spring training with pitchers and catchers on Feb. 10 in Goodyear, Ariz., is going to be a traveling man this spring.

So far, no Indians have been named to Team USA. Joe Torre will manage Team USA, which begins play March 8 against Mexico at Chase Field in Phoenix.

• Paul Hagen was elected the 2013 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink award. Hagen, who has written and reported on baseball for 40 years, currently writes for MLB.com. He did the bulk of his work with the Philadelphia Daily News.

Hagen received 269 of the 421 ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America who have been members for 10 or more years. Jim Hawkins, who covered the Detroit Tigers for much of his career, received 87 votes. Russ Schneider, who covered the Indians for The Plain Dealer, received 60 votes.

"I'm disappointed, but not surprised," said Schneider. "I know there are a couple of thousand baseball writers who would have liked to make the final ballot."

• Billy Butler was voted the 2012 Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter award. Butler hit .313 (192-for-614) with 32 doubles, one triple, 29 homers and 107 RBI for Kansas City.

If the FO lands Victorino, I'll be impressed. 4 years might be a little long for a 32 year-old who relies on his legs but he might give the Tribe 3 good years. Love the way he plays the game.

Why do I have the feeling they'll come in second in the bidding?

Probably because almost all players do not want to play in Cleveland if they have other options. Instead we will hear how it was a make good offer by the FO by posters who no longer live anywhere near Cleveland.

According to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, the Red Sox are in the lead for Shane Victorino.
Their offer, writes Cafardo, is worth $38 million over the next three seasons. Victorino is said to be holding out for a four-year proposal, but he's not certain to find it and a deal worth $12.6 million annually isn't a terrible fallback. The 32-year-old outfielder has also drawn interest over the past week from the Indians, Cubs and Yankees.

Related: Red Sox, Indians

Source: Nick Cafardo on Twitter Dec 4 - 4:10 PM

I'd be surprised if the Indians give him as much as the Sox are offering.

Indians have to go over the fiscal cliff to sign anyone that will make a difference. Time to step up and make a statement that you've not an irrelevent joke the rest of baseball thinks you are..

Matt Underwood:
Indians appear to be out of running for OF Shane Victorino...Boston has reportedly agreed to 3-yr, $37.5 M deal...Phils and D-backs discussing trade involving Cliff Lee and Justin Upton. AZ seeking a SS leading to speculation Tribe could be involved in 3-team swap with Asdrubal Cabrera.