Cleveland Sports Forum

Glad to have Canzler back. Until we sign someone else, he and Fedroff and Carrera and McGuinness seem to be our DH candidates.

Seriously folks Canzler is gone again once Swisher passes his physical. I like Masterson more than most of you. I think he has a solid year and would extend him now...

fkreutz wrote:Seriously folks Canzler is gone again once Swisher passes his physical. I like Masterson more than most of you. I think he has a solid year and would extend him now...

Frank, you keep acting like these players are stupid. Masterson is not giving the Indians a discount for signing now. What do you think that Masterson would get in arbitration this year ?

I highly doubt that Canzler is gone when Swisher is added tomorrow.

Why would they do that ?

Indians GM Chris Antonetti is happy to have gotten a second chance to keep Russ Canzler, writes Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Cleveland claimed the infielder earlier today from the Blue Jays just weeks after DFA-ing him.

Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#MoolWUpVWcQbUSt8.99

Opportunity knocks as Tribe claims back Canzler
Cleveland returns utility player to roster from Blue Jays in waiver-wire move


By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | 01/02/13 4:17 PM ET



CLEVELAND -- Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said he agonized over the decision to designate Russ Canzler for assignment last month. Cleveland has been given a second chance to keep Canzler around.

On Wednesday, the Indians claimed Canzler off waivers from the Blue Jays, who plucked the first baseman off the wire when the Tribe removed him from its roster on Dec. 18. In order to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for Canzler's return, the Indians designated right-hander Jeanmar Gomez for assignment.

Cleveland's roster is currently at capacity, meaning two more moves are on the horizon. Pending the completion of physicals, outfielder Nick Swisher and pitcher Brett Myers will both likely be officially unveiled as new members of the Tribe later this week.

Swisher agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract that includes a vesting option for 2017 on Dec. 23, and could join the club as early as Thursday. Myers agreed to a one-year pact that includes a club option for 2014 on Tuesday. His deal is reportedly worth $7 million for the '13 season, when Cleveland will give the veteran a shot at opening the season in the starting rotation.

Beyond Myers, the current crop of starters projects to include Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Zack McAllister, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and David Huff. Cleveland has also agreed to sign lefty Scott Kazmir to a Minor League contract, and the ballclub has reportedly checked in with free-agent starter Shaun Marcum.

Gomez, 24, opened last season in the Indians' rotation after a strong spring with the team. Following a solid start to the year (2-1, 2.52 ERA over five outings, however, the right-hander labored on the mound, going 3-7 with a 6.98 ERA in his final 15 appearances. Overall, Gomez went 5-8 with a 5.96 ERA over 20 games, during which he struck out 47 and walked 34 in 90 2/3 innings.

Gomez went 6-5 wih a 4.41 ERA in 11 games with Triple-A Columbus in 2012, giving him a 56-45 record to go along with a 3.96 ERA across 144 career Minor League appearances. The righty went 14-16 with a 5.18 ERA in 42 career games in the Majors with the Tribe between 2010-12.

The Indians have 10 days to either trade or release Gomez, or to assign him to a Minor League affiliate if he clears waivers.

The 26-year-old Canzler was designated for assignment on Dec. 18 to clear room on Cleveland's roster for first baseman Mark Reynolds, who signed a one-year contract with the club. Canzler, Mike McDade and Chris McGuiness will each be in camp with Cleveland as backup first-base options. Canzler can also play left field and designated hitter.

Last season, Canzler -- acquired from the Rays in exchange for cash on Jan. 31 last winter -- hit .269 with three home runs, three doubles and 11 RBIs in 26 games for the Tribe in September. At Triple-A Columbus last year, the right-handed hitter posted a .265 average with 22 homers, 36 doubles and 79 RBIs in 130 games last year.

Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Canzler will be almost 27 when the season starts and has barely gotten out of AAA.

I'm happy to be proven wrong, but I honestly don't see what the fuss is about.

TDU - I always think about Casey Blake in that situation. Heck, I think he was actually over 30.

Everyone in their own time.

And if he turns out to be only as useful as Blake, we'd take that!

Just about right; Casey's first season with the Cavs he was 29

Let this guy's price continue to fall, and he would be my new suggestion for DH. A right handed bat who can also play outfield:

Delmon Young - DH - Tigers

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have "no interest" in free agent Delmon Young.

The Yankees are looking to add a right-handed hitter with some pop, but Young is a bad defensive outfielder and there are too many other players on the New York roster who require regular appearances at DH. Young drew some interest earlier this offseason from the Mariners but has otherwise struggled to attract a healthy market.

Masterson has two arbitration years ahead and coming off one of his worst seasons. This is the best chance the Indians have to sign him to a three year deal with an option year. I'd do it now....

I am interested in Canzler as long as we don't have any obvious DH candidate. I don't think he's ever made his team's Top 30 prospects, but he can hit better than a lot of the weak bats we've put out at corner spots in recent seasons. A poor man's Matt LaPorta, I guess you could call him.

fkreutz wrote:Masterson has two arbitration years ahead and coming off one of his worst seasons. This is the best chance the Indians have to sign him to a three year deal with an option year. I'd do it now....

Exactly why there is no need to give him an extension.

Nick Swisher officially becomes a member of the Cleveland Indian

Outfielder Nick Swisher has passed his physical today, making him an officially member of the Cleveland Indians.

Swisher, wearing a sharp black suit, red power tie and white shirt, walked into the press conference at 4:11 p.m. accompanied by his wife, actress Joanna Garcia, GM Chris Antonett and manager Terry Francona.

"What's up y'all," said Swisher to the room full of crowded reporters.;

Said Antonetti, "We're really excited to bring Nick Swisher to the Indians. When we started this offseason, we wanted to bring in an established run producer and we've done that with Nick."

Swisher said the hiring of Francona played a big part in him signing with the Indians.

"You don't hire a manager like Terry Francona if you don't plan on winning," said Swisher. "That's a major key."

Indians Introduce OF Nick Swisher

Posted on: 3:41 pm, January 3, 2013, by Jessica Dabrowski, updated on: 04:42pm, January 3, 2013


CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians signed free agent OF Nick Swisher on Thursday and introduced him at a press conference.

Swisher repeatedly talked about how excited he and his family are to be in Cleveland, where he feels “wanted and loved.”

When asked if he felt pressure to carry the lineup, Swisher said he did not.
Indians Manager Terry Francona commented, “We didn’t bring him here to hit ninth. You can believe he’s gonna be right smack in the middle.”

Swisher’s four-year contract has a vesting option for the 2017 season.

He has a career batting average of .256 and owns 251 doubles, 9 triples, 209 home runs and 251 RBIs in 1,209 games over nine seasons.

Swisher, 32, has played with the Oakland A’s, Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees since 2004.
Continue reading the live blog below for additional information about the news conference.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:35 PM

News conference ends.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:35 PM
With a smile, Swisher deflects question about other teams he visited.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:34 PM
“I’ve been blessed to play this game, the money is obviously a wonderful thing to have, but that doesn’t make me who I am, or my family who we are,” Swisher says to a question about his salary.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:33 PM
“In this world, you gotta enjoy what you do and love what you do. My family is closer now. (My wife and I are) already house hunting!” Swisher says.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:32 PM
Q: Where do you like to hit in the lineup?
Swisher: That’s not my job, I don’t worry about that stuff.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:31 PM
Francona says he has known the Swisher family since 1988.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:29 PM
Antonetti says the goal is to continue to improve the team.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:28 PM
Swisher says Francona is a great recruiter.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:26 PM
When asked where Swisher will hit, Indians Manager Terry Francona says, “We didn’t bring him here to hit ninth. You can believe he’s gonna be right smack in the middle.”

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:24 PM
Swisher says he does not feel pressure to carry the team.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:23 PM
Q: Did your interest in the team gain momentum as they were making moves in the off season?
A: With the moves they’ve made, we are working our way back (to the 90s).

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:20 PM
“I love playing this game, this is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do in life,” Swisher says, comments that he’s fortunate to have Antonetti and others in his corner.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:19 PM
Swisher talks about the importance of giving back.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:18 PM
Q: What attracted you here from the baseball perspective?
A: This team wants to win and they have the ability to win.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:17 PM
“I’m so juiced to get going, so excited,” Swisher says of being in Cleveland.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:17 PM
Swisher says he wanted to go somewhere he was “wanted and loved.”

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:16 PM
“It was such a magical time for my wife and I and my family as well, just to be at this point in my career, to enjoy all of this,” Swisher says.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:15 PM
Swisher puts on Indians jersey and cap, asks, “How’s it look?”

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:14 PM
“We are extremely excited to introduce Nick Swisher as a member of the Cleveland Indians,” Antonetti
says.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:13 PM
Antonetti praises Nick Swisher’s passion and energy, mentions how Swisher does ‘O-H-I-O’ in outfield.
Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:12 PM

Indians GM Chris Antonetti welcomes everyone.

Jessica Dabrowski JANUARY 3, 20134:10 PM
Water bottles are distributed for the speakers and a Swisher jersey is brought into the room.

Indians officially add Swisher, part ways with Neal
On Thursday the Indians officially announced that they have signed free agent outfielder Nick Swisher to a four year $56 million deal with a vesting club option for 2017. The Indians and Swisher had agreed to terms on a deal back on Sunday December 23rd, but Swisher was unable to come in and take a physical and sign his contract until today to make the deal official.

The Indians unveiled their prized new free agent with a thirty minute press conference, and Swisher was bubbling over with excitement to be a part of the team. He never stopped smiling the entire time and seemed genuinely excited to be coming "home".

"It's going to be great, man," Swisher said. "It's going to be super exciting. I'm pumped. I'm excited. I feel like I'm smiling a lot."

Swisher hit .272 with 24 homers, 93 RBI, and .837 OPS for the Yankees last season and is expected to be a run producer for the Indians and key cog to their lineup. Terry Francona would not give specifics whether or not Swisher would hit cleanup other than to say he would hit somewhere "smack dab in the middle of the lineup."

To make room for Swisher on the 40-man roster, the Indians designated outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment. Neal hit .314 with 12 homers, 51 RBI and .867 OPS with Double-A Akron last season, and made his Major League debut with the Indians in September and went 5-for-23 in nine games.

Neal was designated for assignment in April and cleared waivers and was outrighted to Double-A Akron. Since he was previously designated for assignment, cleared waivers, and outrighted, if he happens to clear waivers he has the choice to decline an outright assignment to the minors. Players that have been outrighted more than one time have the option to accept or decline the assignment. If Neal goes unclaimed on waivers, he is expected to decline the outright assignment and would become a free agent. 44 minutes ago