Cleveland Sports Forum

Francona brings positive energy to Indians
December, 5, 2012
DEC 5
8:17
PM ET
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona inherits a team that ranked 13th in the American League with 667 runs scored last year and 14th in ERA at 4.78. The good news (sort of) is that not many people showed up to watch all that ugly baseball: The Tribe ranked 29th among the 30 big league clubs with an attendance of 1.6 million. Only Tampa Bay drew fewer fans.

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AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Terry Francona takes over an Indians team that won only 68 games in 2012.
Judging from Francona’s hectic schedule and his recent phone log, the immense challenges of his new job haven’t put a crimp in his enthusiasm.

Refreshed and ready to go after a one-year hiatus in the ESPN booth, Francona is approaching his new gig with the zeal of the fraternity outreach chairman. When the Indians were courting free agent Shane Victorino, Francona made a personal appeal to the Flyin' Hawaiian. He has since made a pitch on Cleveland's behalf to Nick Swisher, another free agent in search of a home.

Sometime after the winter meetings, Francona plans to travel to the Dominican Republic to see Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Santana and some of the other Cleveland players in winter ball. And on the return trip to the U.S., he plans to stop off in Tampa for a one-on-one with Indians closer Chris Perez.

Francona’s personal magnetism and communications skills won him points in Boston long before that whole fried chicken-and-beer thing led to an unceremonious parting of the ways with the Red Sox. Most people figured Francona would return to manage only for a ready-made contender. Instead, he signed on with Cleveland because he feels a kinship with club president Mark Shapiro and general manager Chris Antonetti and he was anxious to get back in uniform.

As Francona mused during a question-and-answer session with reporters at the winter meetings Wednesday, baseball might just be in his DNA.

"Having a challenge isn’t bad," Francona said. "Trying to find a way to tackle them is actually pretty exciting. And I'm not delusional. We have challenges. We have some things we've got to overcome. But I’m looking forward to trying to do that."

The Indians have some decisions to make in the coming days and weeks. Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is only a year away from free agency, and the Indians could try to move him now for some young talent. There’s been a lot more buzz in Nashville over Asdrubal Cabrera, who would fill Arizona’s need for a starting shortstop. The Diamondbacks have a surplus of starting pitching, but a lot depends on how they value Tyler Skaggs, Trevor Bauer and some of their other young arms.

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David Maxwell/Getty Images
Ubaldo Jimenez was 9-17 with a 5.40 ERA in 31 starts for the Indians last season.
In the interim, Francona assesses a rotation that most people regard as a liability and makes it look like a bunch of world-beaters. New Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway has a mandate to fix Jimenez’s mechanics and get the sink back on his fastball, and find a way to squeeze more consistency out of Justin Masterson. Beyond that, Francona said the Indians "love" Zach McAllister and Corey Kluber and are "thrilled" to have Carlos Carrasco coming back from Tommy John surgery. Based on the manager’s upbeat rhetoric, you wonder if this is the same group of starters who posted a 48-76 record with a 5.25 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP last season.

Francona has spoken by phone with Choo, exchanged numerous texts with Cabrera and had a heart-to-heart talk this week with Matt LaPorta, the stalled former prospect who was recently taken off the 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A Columbus. In the midst of forming relationships, Cleveland’s new manager is trying to develop a positive mindset with a team that’s generally regarded as an afterthought.

"Who here thought Oakland was going to win last year?" Francona said. "Nobody. Baltimore competed all year from day one, but people didn't see that during the winter. It can happen. Once you get good and start developing confidence and play the game the right way, things happen, and it snowballs.

"I don't spend a ton of time worrying about what could be or what should be. I kind of get energized over, 'How are we going to make whoever we have better?' That's what I get a kick out of."

Come April, when the 25-man roster is in place and reality sets in, the Indians might find they're not the second coming of the 2012 Orioles and A's. Amid the uncertainty of December, the new manager radiates energy and makes it sound as if anything is possible. That's what Terry Francona does best.

I heard this a.m. that we signed Mark Reynolds to a 1 year deal for $6M.

We can now trade away Lars Anderson, McDade and the kid we drafted Rule 5 . Although I guess we still need one of those guys for 2014.

Reynolds is known for his home run power as much as he is for his strikeout potential. Even his best season, in 2009, can be summed up best by showing his 44 home runs and 223 strikeouts.

Last season with the Baltimore Orioles, Reynolds hit .221 with 23 home runs and 69 RBI. He made a very successful switch from third to first base for Baltimore last season, and, according to Heyman, he will play first again for Cleveland this season:
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This move makes the Indians more power-oriented and more versatile in the field. If Chisenhall struggles in his first season as a full-time starter, Reynolds can bump over and relieve him at times. Reynolds can also DH and Carlos Santana can play first base if need be.

Reynolds can be an unattractive option because of his strikeout rate, but that number has gone down in each of the last four seasons. In 135 games last season, he struck out 159 times. That's not ideal, but it's nowhere near the 223 he had in 2009.

He will provide a solid veteran presence on a young team, and he's a very good fielder. Because of his ability to play two positions or line up at DH, he becomes even more valuable to a team that was trying to fill multiple holes with one guy.

Considering the money Cleveland paid to get him, Reynolds makes sense here. He's a solid insurance option for Chisenhall, and he allows Santana to play catcher on a full-time basis without Russ Canzler having to line up at first base.

He's still going to strike out his fair share, but Reynolds will make Indians fans happy too.

Sounds like the kind of big swinger it's easy to hate, but he could be a useful addition to our weak lineup.

Cleveland Indians reach agreement with power-hitter Mark Reynolds on 1-year $6 million deal

Published: Sunday, December 09, 2012, 8:44 PM Updated: Monday, December 10, 2012, 10:36 AM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As far as holes in the lineup go, it's one down and two to go.

The Indians have reached agreement with free-agent slugger Mark Reynolds on a one-year $6 million deal. He's expected to be new manager Terry Francona's regular first baseman or designated hitter.

The Tribe left the winter meetings last week with three holes in its lineup: left field, first base and DH. Reynolds played 108 games at first for Baltimore last season. He played third as well, but if all goes as planned, Lonnie Chisenhall will be the Opening Day third baseman.

The Indians went into Sunday negotiating with several position players and pitchers. Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis and Nick Swisher were among the position players. Like Reynolds, Youkilis is a first baseman/third baseman who can DH.

The Indians have not closed the door on signing Youkilis, but he does have a one-year $12 million offer from the Yankees. It was reported late last week that the Indians offered Youkilis a two-year $18 million deal, but they haven't had an offer on the table for quite some time.

Swisher, who can play left and right field and first, was still being pursued by the Tribe as of Sunday night.

Reynolds, 28, hit .221 (101-for-457) with 26 doubles, 23 homers and 69 RBI in 135 games last season. The right-handed hitter is a boom or bust swinger. He's hit 181 homers in 853 big-league games, while striking out 1,122 times. On average he's homered once every 16.4 at-bats and struck out once in every 2.7 at-bats.

In four of the last five years, Reynolds has led the National League or American League in strikeouts. He struck out 159 times last season, the second lowest total in his career.

Reynolds' best power season came in 2009 with Arizona when he batted .260 (150-for-578) with 30 doubles, one triple, 44 homers, 102 RBI and 24 steals. He set a Major League record with 223 strikeouts as well.

The one-year deal includes $1.5 million in incentives based on plate appearances. Reynolds made $7.5 million last season.

Last season Reynolds hit .227 with three homers and 14 RBI against lefties and .219 with 20 homers and 55 RBI against righties.

In the media, the Indians have been connected mostly with hitters, but they've contacted several free agent pitchers in an attempt to improve their starting rotation. Among the starters they've inquired about are: Roberto Hernandez, Kyle Loshe, Edwin Jackson, Carlos Villanueva and Francisco Liriano.

Reynolds is right handed. That will be a novelty in the Tribe attack.

Jordan Bastien at Indans.com

With Reynolds signed to a similar deal as Casey Kotchman last season, are the Indians just using a revolving door at the position while they hope for someone to emerge from the farm system? A guy like Jesus Aguilar is very close to Major League ready, isn't he?
-- Michael, Salem, Ore.

The Indians have some in-house options for first base in Russ Canzler, Mike McDade, Lars Anderson and Chris McGuiness, but Aguilar definitely best fits the description of prospect. Cleveland might have something in the other internal alternatives, but Aguilar is certainly a rising star in the system. He was only at Double-A last season, though, so he might still be a year or two away from reaching the big leagues.

How likely do you believe a trade of shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is this offseason?
-- James K., Cleveland

Where there is smoke, there is fire. And there has been a lot of smoke over the past few weeks. With their free-agent targets, the Indians have shown they are trying to address their main roster holes. With their willingness to explore trades for Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo and others, the Indians have shown a desire to strengthen the team's long-term position. Cabrera's value is high right now, so it makes complete sense for the Tribe to attempt to net a solid package of players, especially if top pitching prospects can be acquired.

What are the chances for the Tribe to pick up both Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs from Arizona in a trade for Asdrubal Cabrera. And where would they fit into the rotation?
-- Jake C., Athens, Ohio

I think it is fair to assume Cleveland would acquire one of Bauer or Skaggs in any trade resulting in Cabrera heading to the D-backs. If the Tribe can get both as part of a deal, I think it should pull the trigger. I'm not sure Arizona is desperate enough to let both go in a deal. As for where the young pitchers would fall in Cleveland's rotation, let's get them in Indians uniforms before we start that speculation.

I don't know if this has been addressed yet, but what does the plan seem to be for Josh Tomlin? Are the Indians going to keep him in the bullpen or put him back in the rotation?
-- Cal H., San Jose, Calif.

Tomlin will miss most, if not all, of the 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. When he does eventually return, Cleveland will probably have him work as a starter. That said, we're getting way ahead of ourselves on this one. Ask me again next December.

I think the Indians' attempts to improve the offense are great. Although it won't matter if the team is giving up six runs per game. What's the latest on the pitching front as far as the in-house plans and the search for outside help?
-- Rex H., Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The pitching market has been slower to develop this offseason, so Cleveland has been more aggressive on the position-player side out of the gates. Once more chips begin to fall on the pitching front, expect there to be more clarity concerning the Tribe's search. The Indians need to add an arm or two before the season starts. Right now, the rotation projects to include Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Zach McAllister, Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez are also in the mix.

In closing ...

Over the last few months, I've heard thousands of words about trading this guy or buying that guy, but I haven't heard one word about Grady Sizemore. So, what's going on with him?
-- Mike T., Charlotte, N.C.

Well, Mike, I hope you're sitting down. It turns out Sizemore underwent another microfracture knee surgery -- this time on his right knee. The snake-bitten center fielder will be sidelined until at least midseason. I wouldn't expect him to be signing anywhere for quite some time.

Cleveland Indians still looking for the right deal for Asdrubal Cabrera

Published: Monday, December 10, 2012, 10:39 PM Updated: Monday, December 10, 2012, 10:40 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Things move fast in the off-season. Just ask the Indians and Phillies.
Before the start of the winter meetings last week in Nashville, the two teams were talking about a trade that would have sent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to Philadelphia for right-hander Vance Worley and prospects.

The Phillies were looking to improve their aging offense, but they didn't want Cabrera to replace shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who is signed through 2014. They wanted the switch-hitting Cabrera to play third base.
Philadelphia offered Worley and two prospects. Worley made 23 starts last season, going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA, before having right elbow surgery in September. He was 11-3 with a 3.01 in 2011 and reportedly will be ready for spring training. The Indians asked the Phillies to sweeten the deal, but they said no.

Last week at the winter meetings, the Phillies sent Worley and minor-league right-hander Trevor May to Minnesota for center fielder Ben Revere. He'll will fill a hole in center that was created when the Phillies traded Shane Victorino to the Dodgers last season. Over the weekend, the Phillies filled the hole at third by acquiring Michael Young from the Rangers for right-hander Josh Lindblom and minor-league right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla. Lindblom made 74 appearances and registered 22 holds for the Dodgers and Phillies last season.

The Phillies, reportedly, will pay $6 million of Young's $16 million contract.

The Indians have moved on as well, reaching a one-year, $6 million agreement with free agent first baseman Mark Reynolds. He still needs to take a physical to make the deal official.

Reynolds, 28, played just 135 games in 2012 because of a right oblique injury. His 23 homers still would have led the Indians. In six big-league seasons, Reynolds has averaged 30 homers with a career high of 44 in 2009 while playing for Arizona. He is also a strikeout machine, leading the National or American leagues in strikeouts in four of the last five years.

In Baltimore's improbable run to the postseason last year, Reynolds hit .387 (12-for-31) with nine homers and 17 RBI from Aug. 31 through Sept. 8. Seven came against AL East rival New York.

The Indians still have holes in left field and DH. They've apparently closed the books on Kevin Youkilis. They wanted him to play first base, but he's apparently waiting to sign with the Yankees, Dodgers or Texas. Youkilis played with Boston and the White Sox last season.

While Youkilis fades from the scene, switch-hitter Nick Swisher still remains a target. The former Ohio State Buckeye can play first or the outfield. Last season Swisher hit .272 (146-for-537) with 36 doubles, 24 homers and 93 RBI in 148 games for the Yankees.

Swisher, 32, averaged 34 doubles and 26 homers per season with the Yankees from 2009-12. How much will it take to sign him? Well, the Indians offered Victorino a four-year, $44 million deal and he didn't have the kind of season Swisher had in 2012.

Some teams felt that the pitching market would loosen once Zack Greinke came to terms on a six-year, $147 million deal with the Dodgers over the weekend. That does not seem to be the case for the Indians.

Tribe starters posted a 5.25 ERA last season, the second-highest in the American League. Right now they have Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and Zach McAllister as the core of the rotation. Corey Kluber (knee) and Josh Tomlin (right elbow) are recovering from surgery. Carlos Carrasco should be back in the 2013 rotation following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. David Huff and Jeanmar Gomez are in the picture as well.

GM Chris Antonetti would like to add at least one more starter. They've been in touch with most free agents and have been in discussions on a multi-team trade with Arizona that would reportedly bring them young starters Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs in exchange for Cabrera.

In the meantime zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

CBS Sports' Danny Knobler reports that the Reds are "deep in talks" with the Indians to acquire outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

The Indians would receive center fielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop Didi Gregorius in return. Meanwhile, the Reds would get another player in addition to Choo. Knobler hears that the Indians plan to use Choo in center field and out of the leadoff spot. It's an interesting fit from a defensive perspective, as Choo has only played center field 10 times in the majors, including once since 2006, but he would fit very nicely in their lineup. The 30-year-old projects to make around $7-8 million in arbitration this winter and can become a free agent next offseason.


Related: Reds, Drew Stubbs, Didi Gregorius
Source: CBSSports.com Dec 11 - 4:00 PM

Reds, Indians Talking Shin-Soo Choo Trade

By Zach Links [December 11 at 3:01pm CST]


The Reds and Indians are deep in talks that would send Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. The Indians would receive center fielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop Didi Gregorius in return while the Reds are expected to receive another player in the deal.

The Reds would use Choo in center field even though he hasn't seen time at the position for the Indians since 2009 and has played just ten MLB games at the position in total. The Reds are banking on the 30-year-old's offensive production being able to make up for whatever they might lose defensively. The veteran owns a .289/.381/.465 slash line across eight major league seasons.

The acquisition of Gregorius could allow the Indians to deal fellow shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera, 27, is set to earn $6.5MM in 2013 and $10MM in 2014 before hitting free agency. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Gregorious won't be arbitration eligible until 2016 and won't see the open market until 2019. The Netherlands native split time between Double-A and Triple-A last season, hitting .265/.324/.393 with seven homers in 561 plate appearances.

Choo, a Scott Boras client, is set to hit the open market after the 2013 season. The club was said to have him available via trade, albeit with a high price tag.


Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#OtASV7I3rIyUfs7W.99

Ken_Rosenthal4:16pm via Twitter for Mac

Choo has played 10 career games in CF, which is where #Reds reportedly would use him. Also: 6 ys of Gregorius and 3 of Stubbs for 1 of Choo?

Ken Rosenthal: Rival execs say #Diamondbacks GM Towers loves Gregorius.


RT @jonmorosi: Also possible #Indians would keep Cabrera and trade Gregorius.

There is now a three-team deal in the works between the Reds, Indians, and Diamondbacks, according to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer (via Twitter). Cabrera is not involved in the discussions at this stage.


Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#PqFQ9fQX9Ox52Q8U.99

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS

according to @hoynsie, dbacks involved in cle-cin action. az looking for a SS. could be gregorius to AZ instead of asdrubal