Anthony Castrovince mentioned one name that Shappy is bound to be shopping: Casey Blake. Blake's contract is due up at the end of the season, and with the versatility and relatively low cost that he comes with, many contenders would find him very attractive as a rental for the playoff stretch.
Other names that the Indians would be interested in moving are uncertain, but the likes of Paul Byrd, and David Dellucci are bound to come up. For the right price, it would not surprise me to see Franklin Gutierrez, Shin-Soo Choo, Andy Marte, Ryan Garko or even Rafael Betancourt to be mentioned.
Whatever moves that the team makes or even talks about are certain to be interesting and offer a glimpse into the future of the club.
Fourth, roster shake-ups.
A move involving Blake going to the infield is certain to undergo a change, and the outfield will have a new look after this season regardless, as Dellucci's contract will not be renewed.
It has been common knowledge for quite some time that Asdrubal Cabrera is the shortstop of the future for the team, this puts Jhonny Peralta in limbo. If he is not dangled as trade bait, Peralta will most likely be moved to third to keep his bat in the lineup.
This opens up second base for the return of Josh Barfield, who was never allowed a chance to prove himself upon his return after being struck by a pitch in the hand placing him on the DL.
Fifth, the player to be named later.
The Indians have until the end of the minor league season to complete the deal for Sabathia, which means we fans have at least two and half months left to speculate who it will be!
Castrovince stated that Shapiro has confirmed that he will choose between Single-A third baseman Taylor Green and Double-A outfielder Michael Brantley. Rumors had speculated several different players including the likes of J.J. Hardy, however, it appears that Shapiro has settled upon one of the previously mentioned.
Sixth, Sabathia!
The post-CC era may not last very long, according to many baseball experts. Several articles have linked CC with a possible return to Cleveland during the offseason.
Though it may still be a long shot, CC still considers Cleveland a home to him and enjoys the city. One article cited close friends of the big lefty as saying that he would not enjoy pitching in a larger market such as New York.
With the skepticism following the Barry Zito deal it seems unlikely that CC will obtain the deal on the market that he is looking for. If such a deal does not come forward, it seems likely that the Indians would remain in contention for the pitcher.
No matter what happens in the next few months the results are bound to improve and the team will certainly remain interesting. For us as fans, the most important thing is to remain loyal to the team, they will need it.
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete