Indians GM Mark Shapiro was not happy the news of an impending trade involving outfielder Coco Crisp was leaked while he was on vacation. I’m sure the front office wanted to inform Crisp and his agent about the negotiations themselves, not from ESPNews. I’m wondering if this is fueling the supposed failed physical of reliever Guillermo Mota.
Since Mota’s MRI showed some questionable things from the Tribe’s point of view, Shapiro has asked Boston to sweeten the pot a little and send hard throwing prospect Manny Delcarmen into the trade. Thus, Cleveland will get two pitchers to help the bullpen along with uber prospect Andy Marte. The catchers involved in the swap are basically a toss up. Cleveland has cooled on Josh Bard’s potential, and Kelly Shoppach is a younger guy who Shapiro hopes can be a better alternative as a backup catcher.
Many have wondered about the money being saved in the Crisp-Marte exchange and the proposed swap with Philadelphia involving Jason Michaels and Arthur Rhodes. The Tribe is saving about $4 million in these transactions. There have been rumors that the Indians are talking to free agent pitcher Jeff Weaver about a one year contract, similar to the deal the team reached with Kevin Millwood prior to last season. Coincidentally, Weaver and Millwood have the same agent, Scott Boras.
Weaver went 14-11 with a 4.22 ERA last season with the Dodgers, and he would give the Indians six bonafide starting pitchers. The rumors the Indians are dangling starter Jake Westbrook for an outfielder is something else that give credence to the Weaver rumors. There is no way Shapiro will trade a starting pitcher unless he has someone lined up to take their place.
A one year deal for Weaver would give Cleveland a chance to get a better read on pitching prospects Jeremy Sowers, Fausto Carmona, and Jason Davis.
Shapiro is trying to accomplish the feat of helping this year’s team while fortifying the organization for the future as well. It’s the same formula the Atlanta Braves have used for years. They have been in the postseason every year since the early 90’s. That’s a pretty good model to use if you a running a Major League baseball franchise.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 