Friday marks the frenzy of Free Agency for all the big spenders around Major League Baseball. Big names like CC Sabathia and Manny Ramirez will probably fall first, then the more reasonably priced players come into focus.
That's where the Indians come in. Don't expect a splash and certainly don't expect much movement from Mark Shapiro in the first few days.
Oh sure, Shapiro has probably already prepared and sent in contract offers to certain free agents. But because they stand to be "Option B" for some teams, those agents are going to sit on the offers.
We've already seen trade deals get done, two involving teams in the Tribe's division, the AL Central.
Indian killer Nick Swisher made his stay in Chicago a short one as the White Sox sent him to New York. Swisher always hit well against Cleveland, so not having to face him as much is a plus.
The Royals made a move for an impact bat, or at least they hope, in getting Mike Jacobs from Florida.
Matt Holliday wasn't an option for the Tribe, but because the Rockies planned on keeping one of Holliday and Garrett Atkins, one trade possibility for the Tribe is probably out of the question.
In that Holliday deal, a potential closer for the Tribe, Huston Street, was dealt to Colorado. It was assumed that Manny Corpas was going to take over the closing duties of Brian Fuentes, a target for the Indians, but with Street in the mix, that is now a interesting question.
There were rumblings that the Rockies could flip Street to a team in need of a closer, presumably for a young outfielder, if they trade Carlos Gonzalez, or a starting pitcher.
Starting pitcher, the Indians have those.
They also need them.
With that, let us get to the Indians' needs.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Cleveland Indians articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
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