http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22031073/cleveland-indians-agree-1-year-deal-worth-10575000-closer-cody-allen

Indians agree on 1-year deal worth $10,575,000 with closer Cody Allen

CLEVELAND -- "Closer Cody Allen and the Cleveland Indians have reached agreement on a $10,575,000, one-year contract.

The 29-year-old righty had been eligible for salary arbitration before Wednesday's deal. He made $7.35 million last season.

Allen was 3-7 with 30 saves and a 2.94 ERA for the American League Central champions. Cleveland led the AL with 102 wins before losing to the Yankees in the division series.

Allen has posted at least 30 saves in each of the past three years. The Indians have benefited from a deep bullpen that included Andrew Miller, but have lost relievers Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith to free agency since the season ended."

https://www.letsgotribe.com/2018/1/11/16877038/francisco-mejia-no-1-cleveland-indians-prospect-who-should-no-2


Catching prospect Francisco Mejia is our No. 1 Cleveland Indians prospect for 2018, keeping the title he held last year after defeating Tristan McKenzie by a full 237 votes. Mejia rose to prominence after a torrid 2016 season, which saw him climb to the position of top Indians prospect on just about every subjective ranking system.

The switch-hitting 21-year-old made his Major League debut for the Indians last year during fall call-ups, but didn’t fare too well, putting up a .154/.214/.154, slashline in 14 plate appearances.

Mejia spent the majority of his 2017 season in Double-A Akron where he slashed .297/.346/.490 in 393 plate appearances. He hit well, but his season was hampered by a few nagging leg injuries, although nothing appeared serious.

The Dominican Republic native rose to prominence after an incredible 50-game hitting streak in the 2016 season, which spanned from May 27 to August 13.

While catching is Mejia’s calling card, the Indians have Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez locked up through the 2020 season, so the Tribe tested the waters by having Mejia play third base during the Arizona Fall League this past year.

Mejia’s play at third base didn’t receive any rave reviews, but he recorded at least one hit in every game he played for the Glendale Desert Dogs en route to putting up a .365/.397/.476 slashline.

Mejia is expected to begin the 2018 season in Triple-A Columbus as he continues to refine his game and should to help the big league club at some point if there is a need for his elite contact skills.

WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 2 PROSPECT FOR 2018?

Bobby Bradley, 1B (Age 21)

2017 (AA): 532 PA, .251/.331/.465, 23 HR, 3 SB, 10.3 BB%, 22.9 K%, 116 wRC+

A powerful bat that has leaned toward being a Three True Outcome player in the past. Saw his walk rate and strikeout rate both drop in 2018.

Willi Castro, SS (Age 20)

2017 (A+): 510 PA, .290/.337/.424, 11 HR, 19 SB, 5.5 BB%, 17.6 K%, 115 wRC+

One of the younger players at his level each season. Hit more home runs last year (11) than his first three professional seasons (10).

Yu-Cheng Chang, SS (Age 22)

2017 (AA): 508 PA, .220/.312/.461, 24 HR, 11 SB, 10.2 BB%, 26.4 K%, 110 wRC+

Displayed a significant power surge in 2017 in his Double-A debut, but at the cost of increased strikeouts and a major drop in batting average.

Nolan Jones, 3B (Age 19)

2017 (A-): 265 PA, .317/.430/.482, 4 HR, 1 SB, 16.2 BB%, 22.6 K%

Took a leap in his Low-A debut showcasing improved power, an elite eye at the plate and reduced strikeout percentage. Defense at third base needs work.

Triston McKenzie, RHP (Age 20)

2017 (A+): 25 GS, 143.0 IP, 32.8 K%, 7.9 BB%, 3.46 ERA, 3.03 FIP

Still working on velocity at such a young age, but already has a great curveball and an improving changeup. Led all of MiLB with 186 strikeouts in 2017.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2018/01/cleveland_indians_zach_mcallis_5.html


Cleveland Indians, Zach McAllister avoid arbitration on 1-year, $2.45 million deal

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians list of possible arbitration hearings keeps dwindling.

They reached a one-year deal with Zach McAllister on Thursday worth $2.45 million to avoid arbitration. On Wednesday night, they agreed to a one-year deal with closer Cody Allen worth $10.575 million.

Right-handers Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar and outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall are still eligible for arbitration. Players and teams will exchange numbers on Friday.

McAllister, who made $1.825 million last year, went 2-2 with a 2.61 ERA. He struck out 66 batters and walked 21 in 62 innings. Relievers McAllister, Dan Otero and Nick Goody were left off the AL Division Series roster.

In the last three years, McAllister has become a valuable part of the bullpen. He's made 50 or more appearances every season with no fewer than 54 strikeouts.

McAllister has been especially effective against right-handers. Last season they hit .189 (24-for-127) with three homers against the 6-6, 240-pound McAllister.

The Indians bullpen is in a state of transition after losing Bryan Shaw, Joe Smith and Boone Logan to free agency this winter. Whether or not that means a change in roles for McAllister remains to be seen.

The transition is expected to continue at the end of 2018 with McAllister, Allen and lefty Andrew Miller eligible for free agency.

The Indians acquired McAllister from the Yankees on Aug. 20, 2010 for Austin Kearns. He moved from the rotation to the bullpen on a fulltime basis in 2015.

All I can say is...

I hope this is the Cleveland Indians year to win the World Series...the Cavaliers looks like they reached the peak two years ago and the Clowns hit another new low, so...Go Tribe!

I'm so hoping this is the year. I'm just worried about the bullpen with all the departures. Especially our utility man Bryan Shaw.

I've never had hope for the Browns since the real team left years ago. The Cavs still got a shot.

I'm so hoping this is the year. I'm just worried about the bullpen with all the departures. Especially our utility man Bryan Shaw.

I've never had hope for the Browns since the real team left years ago. The Cavs still got a shot.

I even call the "team" that's in Cleveland the Clowns...who'd go to a parade that's 0-16 and that was BOTH the record AND the temperature last Saturday?

The Clowns will NEVER be in the Super Bowl!

I even call the "team" that's in Cleveland the Clowns...who'd go to a parade that's 0-16 and that was BOTH the record AND the temperature last Saturday?

The Clowns will NEVER be in the Super Bowl!

Maybe in 50 years when they get a serious owner and management that doesn't piss every draft pick or potential superstar away. They'd have to completely gut the team though to make that happen. Again I have no hope for 'em though.

I'm starting to lose hope with the Cleveland Can'ts! (That's what I call the Cavs when they're losing)...I doubt they'll go to the Finals this year...

...I'm starting to wonder if the Cleveland Clowns have jinxed us again...it may be another 50 years for Cleveland to win it all again...

And I'm STILL unsure about the Cleveland Indians...if they give us a respectable native chief, like the Chicago Blackhawks have...we may have a chance.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22064584/danny-salazar-lonnie-chisenhall-agree-cleveland-indians-one-year-deals


CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians settled all their arbitration cases but one. Once again, Trevor Bauer is an exception.

The club avoided arbitration with starter Danny Salazar and right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall on Friday, agreeing to one-year contracts for the 2018 season.

Salazar, who is coming off an inconsistent and injury-slowed 2017, will make $5 million next season. Chisenhall's contract is worth $5.58 million. He's projected to be the starting right fielder for the AL Central champions.

Cleveland also reached agreement with reliever Zach McAllister on a $2.45 million contract.

The Indians, however, didn't settle with Bauer before the deadline to exchange salary figures. The enigmatic right-hander won a career-high 17 games last season and developed into a vital member of Cleveland's rotation. He made 31 starts and established himself as a premier pitcher, known as much for his array of pitches as his hobby of flying drones or unique training regimen.

Bauer went 10-1 with a 2.60 ERA over the final two months of the season, when the Indians reeled off a league-record 22 straight wins and won their division title before losing to the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series.

Bauer's representatives submitted a salary of $6.25 million while the Indians countered at $5.3 million. Arbitrators will begin holding hearings on Jan. 29.

Earlier this week, the Indians avoided arbitration with closer Cody Allen, who will make $10.575 million next season.

Salazar went 5-6 with a 4.28 ERA and 145 strikeouts last season. But the right-hander spent time on the disabled list with elbow and shoulder injuries. Despite those issues, Salazar averaged 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings, second to Boston's Chris Sale (12.9) among pitchers with at least 100 innings.

Salazar is 38-33 with a 3.82 ERA in 188 starts for the Indians since 2013.

Chisenhall also struggled with injuries last season, spending time on the DL with a shoulder sprain, calf strain and a concussion. The former third baseman batted .288 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs in 82 games.

As the season comes ahead I'm back with more Indians news.

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/02/cleveland-indians-danny-salazar-dares-to-dream-as-spring-training-begins.html


GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Danny Salazar has this idea in his head. If everything goes right in the next seven weeks, he feels he should be able to throw a couple of innings by the end of spring training.

For the Indians, who have a string of question marks in the bullpen and a need for a hard thrower in the late innings to pave the way for closer Brad Hand, that would be a good thing. But when was the last time everything has gone right for Salazar?


Salazar wears a tiny gold hand grenade on a chain around his neck. Looking at his career over the last few years, it’s as if someone has pulled the pin on that grenade one too many times.

But the fact that Tuesday was the first day of spring training for the Indians, and the possibility of Salazar helping them at a position in need was still a viable proposition, spoke much of the talent he once showed. It was same talent that convinced the Indians to ignore a winter of payroll trimming and sign Salazar to a one-year, $4.5 million deal.

Salazar didn’t pitch at all last season. Instead he spent most of the year working on his sore right shoulder. He arrived in Goodyear in January, played long toss, threw bullpen sessions and batting practice, but never felt confident to throw hard. When Salazar made his big-league debut in 2013, he threw in the high 90s, frequently hitting 100 mph.


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MRIs, cortisone shots and a PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection followed. “Nothing worked,” said Salazar.

Finally, surgery was the only option. Dr. Keith Meister performed an arthroscopic debridement and bursectomy on Salazar’s right shoulder on July 2 in Dallas. The season that never started for Salazar was over. He returned to Goodyear, where he’s pretty much been since January of 2018. He went home to the Dominican Republic for Christmas and New Year’s, and a few times after that, but basically, it’s been all Goodyear all the time.

“I’ve eaten at every restaurant in Goodyear and Phoenix,” said Salazar.

As for his right shoulder, well, some days it feels good and some days not so good.

“It’s a really slow process,” said Salazar. “One day you feel really good. The next day your feel a little soreness here and there. But the guys in the training room have done a good job keeping me going in the right direction.”

Salazar has been playing catch, but has yet to throw off the mound. In January manager Terry Francona said he would not be ready by opening day. Whether those plans will change is uncertain.

“We are taking it day by day and week by week,” said Salazar. “It’s a slow process. One day I can come in and it feels amazing. The next day I’m sore. We want to make sure I’m 100 percent before I throw off the mound.”

The Indians open the season on March 28 at Target Field against the Twins.

Salazar, whose career has been in a long skid since he made the All-Star Game in 2016, says he’s felt better over the last few weeks. That has allowed him to think about what could happen if everything went right.

“These past few weeks I’ve been making more progress,” he said. “That’s why in my head I’m positive and hopefully at the end of spring training I’ll be able to throw one or two innings. If not, I know the month after that I’ll be throwing off the mound.”

Salazar has always been a starter for the Indians. But the rotation is one of the few positions on the team unfazed by ownership’s order to cut payroll. Salazar at present is in no condition to replace Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger or Shane Bieber. If he does make it back, it will be the bullpen or nothing.

“I can adjust and do my job in the bullpen,” said Salazar, who has made two relief appearances in the big leagues. “If I’m healthy, I’ll give it my 100 percent.”

Where did everybody go? The Indians as of Tuesday had 60 players scheduled to be in big-league camp – 40 on the roster and 20 invitees. Of those 60, only 23 were in big-league camp with the Indians last season.

Of the 22 pitchers on the 40-man, only 11 are holdovers. Two of the three catchers are back from last year’s opening of spring training, as are six of the eight infielders. In the outfield only three players who opened spring training last year are among the seven outfielders on the 40-man.

Among the 20 non-roster invitees, Brandon Barnes is the only holdover.

New digs: The Indians are building a dormitory for their minor-league players. It’s located across the street from the team’s training facility in Goodyear and could be ready in time for extended spring training.

I'm 100% unsure about the Tribe's season this year despite being in a weak conference...if they don't win the division this year, then goodbye Francona!

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/02/yu-chang-bradley-zimmer-make-strong-early-impressions-at-cleveland-indians-camp-podcast.html

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Manager Terry Francona is set to give his opening remarks to the Cleveland Indians on Monday before the first full-squad workout in Goodyear, Ariz. but several players have already been at the Tribe’s training facility making early impressions after pitchers and catchers reported last week.

Among those turning heads are infielder Yu Chang and outfielder Bradley Zimmer. Chang, a candidate to get lots of playing time while shortstop Francisco Lindor rehabs his ailing calf, was a star for the Indians in last year’s Arizona Fall League. Zimmer, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in July, looked comfortable in the batting cages, and continues to make progress in his rehab.



Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes joins the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast from the Tribe’s training facility in Goodyear to talk injuries, lineups and what to expect as workouts get underway.

Hoynsie also checks in with “newcomer” Carlos Santana and gives his thoughts on the new look bullpen. Could things be better than expected for the Indians relievers once the season rolls around?

While the idea is kinda far-fetched. I thought I'd post the article anyways. Just imagine the magnitude the Indians would have signing him. Plus attendance would more than likely double or triple within the month of signing. I could imagine a double digit increase by the least in a season ticket holder sales.

https://www.letsgotribe.com/2019/2/17/18228597/bryce-harper-rumors-phillies-indians-very-real

There are “multiple mystery teams” interested in Bryce Harper, according to a reporter who has spent the last several months finding new ways to say that the Phillies are probably going to sign Bryce Harper.

That reporter is Jon Heyman, of course. And the “mystery teams” are probably made up by Harper’s agent as leverage, of course. And even if those mystery teams exist, the Indians aren’t one of them. Of course.

But, hear me out: What if.

What if Chris Antonetti and the rest of the Indians front office were repeatedly lambasted this offseason for unwillingness to spend money, only to hop out at the last second and nab the biggest free agent? What if that cheeky son of a gun really knew all along that the Indians were negotiating with Bryce Harper while he told the media that the Tribe were done spending?

Honestly, it would make a whole lot more sense than just dumping Yan Gomes to free up salary, or trading away the rest of Edwin Encarnacion’s contract, plus Yandy Diaz, for Jake Bauers — a modest upgrade over Yandy Diaz.

The Indians took advantage of a similarly caving free agent market two offseasons ago when they brought in Edwin Encarnacion on an extremely reasonable three-year, $60 million deal. It seems like nothing now, but he was easily the biggest free agent the 2016-2017 offeseason, even before Yoenis Cespedes quickly took a deal to return to the New York Mets. The Indians didn’t balk at his looming 34th birthday and paired him with Carlos Santana to help the Tribe become one of the best teams in 2017.

The stakes are much different with Bryce Harper, though. He’s not a 34-year-old first baseman about to hit the downturn of his career. Unlike Encarnacion, Harper is going to either want a lengthy deal, or an overwhelming AAV to convince him not to be the next 10-year contract guy. Regardless of how slow the offseason has been, there is going to be competition for him. Even if that’s just the filthy rich Phillies or Nationals or Giants or whoever else is bidding on his services, the Indians wouldn’t go into this alone. It’s going to cost a hell of a lot more than $60 million.

First, let’s look at why the Indians could potentially do something like this, despite previous protests from the front office.

As of last April, according to Forbes, the Indians are valued at $1.05 billion, with an estimated operating income of $31 million — and that’s before they got rid of the Encarnacion and Gomes contracts. Keep that number in minds, it’s important.

The current owners, Paul and Larry Dolan, purchased the Indians for $323 million in 2000, meaning they aren’t one of those owners who recently dumped a truckload of money for their team and are trying to get their head above water. They’ve owned the team for going on two decades now and have rarely operated in the red. By all accounts, they’ve probably made their initial investment back and then some.

Forbes is not the end-all for valuing a franchise — they’re making very savvy guesses at some things, but they’re guesses nonetheless. But if we’re going to imagine a world where the Indians are actually on the verge of signing Bryce Harper, we can take a year-old valuation at face value. It’s not the craziest thing in this article.

One important other thing to establish in this made-up fairy tale: The Indians probably aren’t bringing Francisco Lindor back when he becomes a free agent following the 2021 season. They tried in the past and he reportedly declined a seven-year, $100 deal. At this point, it’d be surprising to see him do anything but test the waters of free agency as the best shortstop in baseball entering his prime. And I don’t blame.

So, with a Francisco-less future on the horizon and somewhere between $30-$50 million to play with every year, I have an idea:

Give Bryce Harper a massive deal over three years.

This kind of deal makes sense for just about every team in the Indians’ market range. If the Indians want to be ultra-realistic with their window to win and say it ends with the Francisco Lindor’s inevitable departure, why not go all-in on a star like Harper?

Give the man something absolutely bonkers like three years, $120 million and just accept that you’re going to paying $40 million per year for the chance to win a World Series by 2021. That alone would raise the Indians’ payroll this year to around $150 million, or 10th in baseball behind the Houston Astros.

Doing this wouldn’t really explain away the Yan Gomes trade, if it was just for financial reasons. But the Indians could keep going down that route.

Maybe they’re only a mystery team hanging on right now because they are indeed still trying to trade Corey Kluber to ease the burden of Harper’s massive, albeit short, incoming contract.

Can’t find a viable way to get rid of Kluber and not get something in return? Dangle Jason Kipnis out there with a high value prospect attached to it. That right there is at least $14.5 million saved in 2019, and $16.5 million if you assume the Indians would be crazy enough to pick up his team option in 2020. That’s 39 percent of the money you owe Harper in the first two years gone already. Who cares what prospect(s) it is — you’re on the verge of signing Bryce Harper, you can deal with losing Nolan Jones.

The other difficult aspect of this is selling it to Bryce himself. He may have already accepted that he won’t get the length he wants. He may have already accepted that he won’t get to play where he wants, but he’s probably not going to settle on both. Three years clearly isn’t the desired length, and as much as I love Cleveland and the Indians I don’t think he ever envisioned himself with a Block C and chilling at Melt after the big game. To this point, the Indians haven’t been public suitors, either, meaning they probably haven’t had a big pitch to him to entice him.

So allow me to do it for them.

Even without Bryce, the Indians are projected by PECOTA to win 97 games as the second-best team in baseball. He’s virtually guaranteed a playoff spot all three years he’d be in Cleveland along with one of the best rotations in baseball, along with two of the best offensive teammates in Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez. He can spend all of the regular season hammering on horrid pitching staffs of the AL Central racking up those sweet ribbies, and be a hero in the postseason. Imagine the kind of legacy you build for yourself heading into the 2021-2022 offseason having been the guy that ended the league’s longest World Series drought?

On top of that, the current CBA — you know, the one that put him in this position to begin with — expires in 2021. If he truly believes that things will be better on the other side of those negotiations, taking a three-year deal is perfect and makes him the first big-name free agent in the new open market.

I’m not saying it’ll make sense, and I’m certainly not saying it’ll happen, but come on... Indians. Bryce. Just do it and be legends!

https://www.mlb.com/news/carlos-santana-could-be-of-option-for-indians/c-304054232

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There's been plenty of names thrown around when attempting to predict the Indians' starting outfield, including Tyler Naquin, Jordan Luplow, Greg Allen and Jake Bauers, but could the Tribe turn to Carlos Santana?

"That's something I want to sit down and talk to him about," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "Between Bauers and Santana, we need to figure out what ends up being best for our team. And to do that, I think we need to communicate with both those guys and watch them play for a little while."


If Bauers becomes the Tribe's everyday first baseman, an obvious option the team has is moving Santana into the DH role, but the Indians may try to find another way to keep his glove on the field.


"Knowing Carlos, he's never been the biggest fan of DH-ing," Francona said. "Some of that may have to come with how we're configured. I was proud of him for being willing to do it, I just thought physically it wasn't that hard for him. He's a better athlete than people give him credit for."

Santana, 32, has played in 10 games in the outfield in his career (seven in right and three in left), spending most of his time as a catcher, first baseman and third baseman. Two of those 10 contests came in the 2016 World Series, where he made appearances in left field in Games 3 and 5 against the Cubs. Although he's not as experienced in the grass, both Santana and Francona believe he has the athleticism to be able to play there.


"Everybody knows that my natural position is catching and playing third base and first base," Santana said. "I don't like to worry about that. I worry about if I'm going to be in the lineup every day. If Tito needs me to be in the outfield, then I'll do it 100 percent."

Now that the Tribe's position players have officially reported to Spring Training, Francona will have his one-on-one meeting with Santana in the next few days to start that conversation.

"We'll see what happens," Santana said. "DH, first base, outfield, whatever. I'll be fine. But everybody knows I'm pretty good at first base, so we'll see. I haven't talked to [Indians president of baseball operations] Chris [Antonetti] and [general manager] Mike [Chernoff] and Tito yet, but we'll see the plan where they are for me this year."

Anderson unrestricted to start camp
After missing the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, Cody Anderson is back in baseball. Francona said the 28-year-old right-hander is cleared to participate in full baseball activities at Spring Training, but the team will make sure to give him some extra rest if needed to ensure he doesn't rush back too quickly.

"He's free to go compete, but like I said, with the caveat [of keeping an eye on him]," Francona said. "We do it with everybody, but a guy coming back from Tommy John, you need to, especially with Cody's attitude where he pushes so hard. They all look at Opening Day and I understand it, but we can't let that get in the way of guys getting hurt."

Prospect to get opportunity in spring
The Indians will get a chance to evaluate outfielder Oscar Mercado, who was acquired at last year's non-waiver Trade Deadline from the Cardinals and spent the remainder of the season with Triple-A Columbus.

The club's No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline began his professional career as a shortstop and made the transition to center field in 2017. Mercado, 24, has a plus arm, speed and defense, and his offensive numbers improved greatly after he made the move to the outfield.

"I actually called [former Cardinals manager Mike] Matheny last year," Francona said. "… He just raved about this kid, like he wanted to adopt him. But it was kind of fun to hear that. You always like hearing that stuff."