Untitled Page

Cleveland Indians News

Is Asdrubal Cabrera part of the Cleveland Indians' long-term plans?
February 12
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Asdrubal Cabrera is 26 and just had the best season of his life. He's two years away from free agency and the Indians don't have a shortstop in the farm system ready to replace him within that time frame. We should all be so lucky, right? Cabrera on Friday added more intrigue to the situation by signing a one-year, $4.55 million contract to avoid arbitration. It wasn't the multiyear deal that he and his agents wanted, but he is entering his fifth big-league season, which has become the new walk year for many good players. Some general managers feel that if they don't get a quality player signed to a multiyear deal before their fifth season, they have two choices -- trade the player or"
Indians sign Asdrubal Cabrera to $4.55 million, one-year deal
February 11
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Arbitration season ended Friday like each of the past 21, without the participation of the Indians, who signed Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year contract worth $4.55 million, erasing the last Tribe player from the list of the seven who were arbitration eligible. Cabrera was scheduled to have his salary determined in an arbitration hearing late next week, after submitting a figure of $5.2 million. The Indians countered with an offer of $3.75 million. Last year, the Tribe's everyday shortstop made $2.025 million and went on to have a breakout season at the plate, batting .273 with 25 home runs with 92 RBI. In addition to being selected to play in the All-Star Game for the first time, Cabrera,"
Indians sign SS Asdrubal Cabrera to 1-year, $4.55 million deal to avoid arbitration
February 11
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians kept their streak of avoiding salary arbitration intact Friday, while topping $60 million in payroll by signing All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year contract worth $4.55 million. General Manager Chris Antonetti has 14 players under contract for an estimated $63 million. The Indians have not had a player go to arbitration since 1991. Cabrera, 26, was scheduled to go to his hearing Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. He would have been the first Indians player to go to arbitration since Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne, but the sides settled for just above the midpoint of their two salary figures. The midpoint between Cabrera's salary request of $5.2 million and the"
Indians' streak of avoiding salary arbitration could end next week
February 10
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"For 20 years the Indians settled their arbitration cases without going to a hearing. For a good chunk of that time Mark Shapiro, the team's president and former general manager, said, "One of these years it's going to happen." This could be the year. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera's arbitration hearing is scheduled for early next week at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort hotel in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cabrera's representatives and the Indians have made little progress in talks aimed at reaching an agreement for 2012. Cabrera is seeking $5.2 million for 2012. The Indians have offered $3.75 million. The midpoint is $4.475 million. After being named Cleveland's top professional athlete last week by the"
Hoping for better health (and luck), Cleveland Indians trying to bolster roster depth in 2012
February 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Manny Acta went down the check list. It was easy to tell that he wasn't doing it for the first time. • Center fielder Grady Sizemore: "Grady has been throwing and hitting in Arizona. He's been doing baseball activities." • Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo: "He's fine. He's 100 percent. He's completed his rehab." • Left fielder Michael Brantley: "His hand is OK. He just started hitting." • Right-hander Justin Masterson: "All the reports we've gotten on his left [non-throwing] shoulder are fine. ... No issues." Acta is starting his third year as manager of the Indians. In the first two, he repeatedly made one point. His best players needed to stay healthy because the Indians didn't have similar"
Antonetti thinks Casey Kotchman fits well into game plan on offense and defense
February 4
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Indians didn't get their run-producer or their right-handed batter, but General Manager Chris Antonetti still thinks he got his man. That would be free-agent first baseman Casey Kotchman, who officially became a Tribe signee Friday morning. "We feel like we brought in a guy who complements our group very well," Antonetti said. He elaborated by pointing out that Kotchman registered a high on-base percentage last year (.378) and is an adept contact hitter, who averaged just one strikeout every 7.6 at-bats. "As important, if not more important, Casey is an exceptional first baseman" Antonetti said. "He is very good at picking balls out of the dirt, which will save errors for our"
U.S. Consulate backtracks on comments in regard to Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona
February 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"On Tuesday, it appeared the Indians pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona was a step closer to joining his team in the United States. The movement may have been premature. William Weissman, consul general for the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, was quoted by Dominican Today as saying that the U.S. could pardon Dominican baseball players caught using a false identity. "I cannot speak of a particular case because each case is different, but in the case of the ballplayers, they could be pardoned," Weissman was quoted as saying at a gathering of the Dominican Development Alliance. In a series of Tweets after the story appeared, the U.S. Consulate said that wasn't the case. It said"
Casey Kotchman officially joins Cleveland Indians, while Matt LaPorta has Columbus on his mind
February 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The arrival of Casey Kotchman as the Indians' new first baseman probably means the departure of Matt LaPorta, their old first baseman. LaPorta has a minor-league option left and will probably open the season at Class AAA Columbus after Kotchman's one-year, $3 million deal was officially announced Friday. While Kotchman and LaPorta appear headed in different directions, they share a bond. Kotchman opened last season at Class AAA Durham (N.C.) after signing a minor-league deal with Tampa Bay. He was coming off a terrible season in Seattle, but fortune was on his side. Dr. Thomas Tooma performed a series of procedures on his eyes to cure an infection in the tear ducts so he could clearly see"
Indians sign free-agent first baseman Casey Kotchman
February 3
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Indians have their first baseman and the bat they've been seeking all winter. Sort of. Casey Kotchman batted a career-high .306 with 24 doubles, 10 home runs and 48 RBI last year for the Tampa Bay Rays, making his free-agent-to-be season his best ever. That was reason enough for the Tribe to sign him Thursday at a reported salary of $3 million plus incentives. However, Kotchman is not exactly what the club was looking for. For one thing, he bats from the left side, and the last thing the left-leaning Indians need is another lefty at the plate. For another, Kotchman is not the run producer the team was hoping to find, the run producer that used to fit the description of right-handed"
Indians sign 1B Casey Kotchman; avoid arbitration with Rafael Perez
February 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"As spring training gets closer, the Indians' roster seems to change daily. General Manager Chris Antonetti, in his second year on the job, continued to remake the Tribe on Thursday. He signed free-agent first baseman Casey Kotchman to a one-year, $3 million deal plus incentives. The signing isn't expected to become official until today. Earlier Thursday, the Indians reached agreement on a one-year deal with left-hander Rafael Perez to avoid arbitration. Perez will receive $2.005 million plus $25,000 in incentives if he appears in 55 games this season. Perez's signing leaves All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as the only unsigned Indian eligible for arbitration. Cabrera has an arbitration"
Former Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Casey Kotchman agrees to deal with Cleveland Indians
February 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays were pleased with Casey Kotchman's play last season but felt enough need to upgrade their power production at first base that they spent a surprising $7.25 million to bring in Carlos Peña. On Thursday, Kotchman found a new home, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Indians for $3 million plus up to $1.75 million incentives. "Like I've always said, it's a privilege to put on a major-league uniform and I'm appreciative for the opportunity to be able to go to Cleveland and play for the Tribe,'' Kotchman said. The St. Petersburg native and Seminole High product resurrected his career playing at home last season, hitting .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs and leading major-league first"
Former Ray Kotchman signs with Indians
February 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"Casey Kotchman, who hit a career-best .306 last season while playing first base for the Tampa Bay Rays, accepted a one-year, $3 million deal Thursday from the Indians. "Like I've said before, it's an honor and a privilege to put on a major league uniform," Kotchman said. "And it's an honor to have the opportunity to put on another uniform. I want to take advantage of his opportunity and help (the Indians) continue and improve upon what they started last year." The Seminole product, playing in front of his hometown fans for the first time since high school, enjoyed the best offensive season of his career in 2011 while providing his normal steady glove at first. In addition to his"
Kotchman inks one-year deal with Tribe
February 3
MLB.com
 
"When Carlos Pena signed with the Rays last week, the message was clear that Casey Kotchman would be playing elsewhere this season. The Indians have agreed to sign the free-agent first baseman to a one-year deal worth $3 million, plus incentives, MLB.com has learned."
Cleveland Indians sign LHP Rafael Perez to 1-year, $2.005 million deal to avoid arbitration
February 2
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Left-hander Rafael Perez has signed a one-year deal with the Indians to avoid arbitration. Perez, entering his fifth big-league season with the Indians, will receive $2.005 million and has a chance to earn another $25,000 in performance bonuses. Perez's signing leaves shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as the Indians only player still eligible for arbitration. Cabrera has a hearing date scheduled in St. Petersburg, Fla., to argue money with the Indians. He's seeking $5.2 million and the Indians have offered $3.75 million. He made $2.025 million last year. Perez signed for just over the midpoint of what he requested and the Indians offered. Perez was seeking $2.4 million and the Indians offered"
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Cleveland Indians still chasing deals with Asdrubal Cabrera, Rafael Perez on eve of arbitration
February 1
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Ninety percent of the major league players eligible for salary arbitration settle before going to a hearing. The Indians have helped pad that impressive statistic by avoiding the process since 1991. Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne went the distance against the Indians that year with Swindell winning and Browne losing. Twenty-one years later, two other Indians, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-hander Rafael Perez, are following the same path. Arbitration hearings begin Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. and run through Feb. 20. Cabrera and Perez each have hearing dates scheduled, but they have not been made public. "We can negotiate right up until the time of the hearing," said Indians"
Cleveland Indians acquired INF/OF Russ Canzler from Rays for cash
January 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians acquired right-handed hitting Russ Canzler from Tampa Bay for cash. Canzler, 25, was the International League's MVP last year at Class AAA Durham. He hit .314 (149-for-4784) with 40 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 83 RBI in 131 games. Canzler, 6-2 and 215 pounds, played 41 games in right field, 33 games in left, 40 games at third and 17 at first. He had a OPS of .931 for the season and 1.034 in the second half. Canzler hit .356 (63-for-177) with 17 doubles, eight homers and 30 RBI in 47 games after the Class AAA All-Star break."
Carmona's absence might not be so bad
January 29
Akron Beacon Journal
 columnist Sheldon Ocker
"Unfortunately for Northeast Ohio fans, the biggest Indians headlines of the winter have revolved around the revelation that Fausto Carmona has been using a false identity since he was a teenager in the Dominican Republic. This has put his availability in the Tribe's rotation in doubt. It might take months for him to persuade the U.S. government to renew his work permit so he can return to the team. But as Indians manager Manny Acta said Saturday when he attended a fan event at Summit Mall: "We are hoping to get him back." In the meantime, life goes on. Acta believes he will have a viable rotation with or without the right-hander formerly known as Fausto Carmona, the mainstays being Justin"
Manny Acta all right with left-leaning lineup
January 28
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Should the Indians add a significant right-handed hitter between now and Opening Day -- Derrek Lee, Mark Trumbo, etc. -- they could still have as many as six left-handed hitters in the lineup on most days during the 2012 season. Add switch-hitters Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana if the opposition is starting a right-hander and the Tribe will be leaning so heavily to the left that Rush Limbaugh may picket Progressive Field. Manager Manny Acta accepts it. It's not like he didn't go through it a lot last year. "That's why we didn't sign Prince Fielder," Acta said with a laugh Thursday night at the start of the Indians' mall tour. "You guys said we have too many left-handed hitters.""
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
Indians sign RHP Dan Wheeler to minor league deal with spring training invite
January 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians have signed veteran reliever Dan Wheeler to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training with the big league team. Wheeler pitched with Boston last year. He made 47 appearances and threw 49 1/3 innings. He had a 0.84 ERA, allowing one run in 10 2/3 innings against AL Central teams. Right-handers hit .227 (27-119) average against him for the season."
Pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona has long road back to Cleveland Indians roster
January 27
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The road back to the Indians and big league baseball is not going to be easy for Roberto Hernandez Heredia, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona. The Indians put Hernandez on the restricted list Thursday. The move means that Hernandez does not count toward their 40- or 25-man roster and that he cannot be paid or credited with service time until he joins the Indians in the United States. If Hernandez and his representatives successfully clear the legal hurdles of two countries in the coming weeks, the restricted list will probably seem like a minor inconvenience. Here's what Hernandez is facing following his arrest last week in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for using a false"
Cleveland Indians place pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona on restricted list
January 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians have placed Roberto Hernandez Heredia, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, on the restricted list. The move means Heredia does not count against the Indians 40- and 25-man rosters. It means he does not get paid until he joins the Indians in the United States. The Indians picked up Heredia's $7 million club option after the World Series."
It took plenty of pepperoni for Detroit to land its new Prince
January 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 columnist Bud Shaw
"Consider it a jumbo with extra dough... Take a good look at Prince Fielder, now under contract with the Detroit Tigers for the next nine years. Nine years is 3,285 dinners, counting post-game buffets. Try to remember this is what he looked like before joining a team owned by a pizza magnate. It's possible, I guess, that his Milwaukee years will be known as his salad days. The Pentagon tank budget aside, no one has ever invested so much money ($214 million) in a body this size. The Tigers are heavy favorites to win the AL Central with Fielder and Miguel Cabrera hitting in the middle of the lineup. And he is only 27. But when Victor Martinez comes back in 2013, they'll have three designated"
Breaking down the Cleveland Indians' 2012 spring training goals: The infield
January 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians' infield is like Cleveland's weather. It changes by the hour, not the day. Last year, veteran Orlando Cabrera was signed at the start of spring training to play second base, a position he'd rarely played in the big leagues. Jason Donald was the favorite to start at third, but broke his hand and Jack Hannahan, a non-roster player, won the job. All the while the road between Cleveland and Class AAA Columbus was being paved for prospects Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall. Kipnis and Chisenhall eventually arrived to play second and third base, respectively. This spring we'll find out if they're ready to make those positions their own. The early line has Kipnis having a better grip"
Cleveland Indians trying to get Fausto Carmona to U.S. as fast as possible
January 25
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"An Associated Press story that reported Indians manager Manny Acta saying that Roberto Hernandez Heredia, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, would miss spring training has been amended. The story now says that the Indians are doing everything they can to get Hernandez to the United States for the coming season, but are prepared to play without him. "It doesn't matter that he was a little inconsistent last year. Fausto is an important part of our rotation," said Acta."
Cleveland Indians' 2012 AL Central hopes rattled by Detroit's signing of Prince Fielder
January 25
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"When Detroit's Victor Martinez injured his left knee last week, it appeared that the door to the top of the AL Central was slightly ajar. The prognosis called for Martinez to miss the 2012 season while recovering from ACL surgery, a big blow to the defending division champions. What was to stop an industrious team such as the Indians, who improved their win total by 11 last year to finish second to the Tigers, from making another dramatic move? The movement stubbed its toe late last week when No.4 starter Fausto Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic for claiming to be someone he wasn't. There's no telling how long Carmona, whose real name reportedly is Roberto Hernandez Heredia,"
Breaking down the Cleveland Indians' 2012 spring training goals: The bullpen
January 25
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"GM Chris Antonetti went into the off-season after last year knowing he had relievers to trade. He did just that, but left the best part of the bullpen untouched. Zach Putnam was sent to Colorado on Friday for right-handed starter Kevin Slowey. Cory Burns was traded to San Diego for outfielder Aaron Cunningham on Dec. 16. On Oct. 31, Chris Jones went to Atlanta for Derek Lowe, another right-handed starter. Josh Judy was lost when he was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Cunningham. Putnam was the closest to making the Indians this year. Burns was still in Class AA Akron where he went 35-for-37 in save situations. Jones, a left-hander, was 7-1 with a 3.36 ERA"
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Cespedes gains residency in the DR
January 24
MLB.com
 
"The bidding is about to begin. Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative Edgar Mercedes said. Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010."
Breaking down the Cleveland Indians' 2012 spring training goals: The starting rotation
January 24
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"When the Indians traded for Derek Lowe after the World Series, it was hard to get past the 17 games he lost last season with Atlanta. The one thing that made those defeats tolerable was that in Lowe the Indians were adding a fourth potential high-inning starter to a rotation that included Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and Fausto Carmona. The last time the Indians had three pitchers top 200 innings in a season was 1997 with Dave Burba, Bartolo Colon and Charles Nagy. The last time they had four 200-inning pitchers was 1955 with Early Wynn, Herb Score, Bob Lemon and Mike Garcia. So much for Plan A."
Julio Lugo agrees to minor league deal with Indians
January 22
Hardball Talk
 
"From Dionisio Soldevila of the Associated Press comes word that the Indians have signed veteran infielder Julio Lugo to a minor league contract. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training, but Lugo seems like a longshot to crack the Indians' Opening Day roster."
Strange case of Fausto Carmona isn't that strange at all
January 22
Akron Beacon Journal
 columnist Sheldon Ocker
"The strange case of Fausto Carmona morphing into a man named Roberto Hernandez Heredia isn't really strange at all. Baseball players from Caribbean nations often change their ages and sometimes their names. At least they used to. After 9/11, the U.S. government began insisting that foreigners entering the country to accept jobs validate their identities with something more than sworn statements. Indians fans will recall that former starter Bartolo Colon, like Carmona, a native of the Dominican Republic, suddenly aged two years (after he left the Indians). There have been dozens of players whose ages inched upward after the feds began cracking down on the decades-old scam. The practice was"
Oft-traded Aaron Cunningham brings plenty of optimism to Tribe
January 22
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"When Roy Smith pitched for the Indians, he said home runs never bothered him. "It's just a fly ball that went a little farther," said Smith. "It gives you a chance to start over." Aaron Cunningham, one of the Indians' new outfielders, feels the same way about trades. He's only 25, but he's been traded four times. "I love getting traded," said Cunningham last week while taking part in the team's winter development program at Progressive Field. Like Smith and the homer, Cunningham sees the trade as a chance to start anew. "If you have struggles or whatnot with your old team, you can start over," he said. "You can become a new player. Your last team might say, 'You need work in the outfield.'"
Indians add two more veterans with minor-league deals
January 21
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Indians signed two more free agents Friday to minor-league contracts with invitations to big-league training camp: former Colorado Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs and infielder Gregorio Petit. Spilborghs' 2011 season ended in early August because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Before the injury sidelined him, he batted .210 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 200 at-bats, playing all three outfield spots."
Indians trade for Kevin Slowey; Fausto Carmona situation remains cloudy
January 21
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Indians aren't waiting to see if the starting pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona will be able to begin the season on time. They moved Friday to fortify the rotation, acquiring right-hander Kevin Slowey and cash from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for minor-league reliever Zach Putnam. Though Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti insists that Slowey had been on his radar screen for years, Antonetti conceded, "Obviously there is some uncertainty with the situation about Fausto." However, when Antonetti was asked if Carmona's problems triggered the deal, he said, "Not necessarily. We've been trying to acquire him since his college days at Winthrop. We tried to trade for him last"
Rockies ship Slowey to Cleveland, push for 2B
January 21
Denver Post
 
"Kevin Slowey reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this week but never pitched for the Rockies at 5,280 feet. The right-hander was shipped to the Cleveland Indians on Friday in exchange for reliever Zach Putnam without ever throwing a pitch for Colorado. With Slowey gone, the Rockies turned their attention to adding another second baseman. They talked with the Red Sox about Marco Scutaro, but the deal fizzled given the Rockies' lack of financial flexibility and Boston's reluctance to part with the veteran without another everyday shortstop option. The Rockies remain strongly interested in the Mets' Justin Turner, who is a more attainable target. As it stands, Chris Nelson, D.J. Le-"
Fausto Carmona released from jail in Dominican; Cleveland Indians unlikely to void $7 million contract
January 21
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Now all Fausto Carmona has to do is get to the United States using his real name and age. That could take a while. Carmona, the Indians Opening Day starter last year, was released Friday after being arrested in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for using a false identity to try and secure a visa to report to spring training with Indians pitchers and catcher next month in Goodyear, Ariz. He was arrested Thursday outside the U.S. Consulate where he applied for the visa. The Dominican National police arrested him. Dominican authorities says Carmona's real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia and that he's 31, not 28 as the Indians 2011 media guide states. "I ask for the forgiveness of my fans,"
Indians acquire Kevin Slowey to seemingly take rotation spot of Fausto Carmona
January 21
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It sounds as if the Indians believe Fausto Carmona could be cooling his heels in the Dominican Republic for a long time. A couple of hours after Carmona was released from jail Friday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after his arrest Thursday for trying to obtain a visa under a false name, the Indians traded for right-hander Kevin Slowey to take Carmona's spot in the rotation. They didn't come out and say as much, but it's a conclusion that's easy to draw. The Indians acquired Slowey and a reported $1.25 million from the Rockies for right-hander Zach Putnam. Slowey was in the Twins' starting rotation for the past five years before being dealt to Colorado in December following a season"
Carmona released on bail from Dominican jail
January 20
MLB.com
 
"The Indians pitcher known to date as Fausto Carmona has been released from jail in the Dominican Republic on bail, but it is unclear how long it might be before he is able to return to the United States. As first reported by The Associated Press, Carmona was released on Friday after his arrest one day earlier for using a false identity. The pitcher's actual name is believed to be Roberto Hernandez Heredia. Carmona was arrested on Thursday outside the United States consulate in Santo Domingo while on his way to apply for a visa, so he could travel to Arizona for Spring Training. The Indians are currently working to gather more information to determine their next step in response to the"
Rockies ship Slowey to Cleveland, push for 2B
January 20
Denver Post
 
"Kevin Slowey reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this week, but never pitched for the Rockies at 5,280 feet. The right-hander was shipped to the Indians today in exchange for reliever Zach Putnam without ever throwing a pitch for Colorado. With Slowey gone, the Rockies turned their attention to adding another second baseman. They talked with the Red Sox about Marco Scutaro, but the deal fizzled given the Rockies' lack of financial flexibility and Boston's reluctance to part with the veteran without another everyday shortstop option. The Rockies remain strongly interested in the Mets' Justin Turner, a more attainable target."
Indians sign two veterans to minor-league contracts
January 20
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"The Indians signed free-agent right-hander Jeremy Accardo and outfielder Fred Lewis on Thursday to minor-league contracts that include invitations to major-league training camp. Accardo, 30, spent last year with the Baltimore Orioles, compiling a 3-3 record and 5.73 ERA in 31 appearances. From 2007 through 2011, Accardo pitched in the bullpen for the Toronto Blue Jays. His best season was 2007, when he posted a 4-4 record with 30 saves and a 2.14 ERA."
Report: Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona, arrested in Dominican Republic for using false identity
January 20
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Fausto Carmona, we hardly knew you. No, really, we hardly knew you. Carmona, the Indians' Opening Day starting pitcher last year, is reportedly named Roberto Hernandez Heredia. What's more, Carmona allegedly isn't 28, as listed in the Indians' 2011 media guide. He could be as old as 31. All this came to light Thursday, when Carmona was arrested outside the U.S. Consulate in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after he applied for a visa so he could report to spring training Feb. 20 with Indians pitchers and catchers. Authorities from the Dominican Republic reportedly accused Carmona of using a false identity in an attempt to obtain a visa."
Indians prospects hope to become household names
January 18
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Only a select few of an organization's top draft picks have any name recognition. In the Indians' organization, even fantasy leaguers might be at a loss when it comes to the next big up-and-comers. That's because the four best players in the Tribe's farm system last season, according to Baseball America, were either promoted to the major leagues a little earlier than usual (third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and second baseman Jason Kipnis) or dealt at the trading deadline (starting pitchers Alex White and Drew Pomeranz). "When you lose those four top-caliber pieces like that out of the minor leagues, you can't immediately replace them," Indians farm director Ross Atkins said. "So we need to"
Cleveland Indians sign 5 of 7 players eligible for arbitration: Asdrubal Cabrera and Rafael Perez still unsigned
January 18
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Seven Indians approached Tuesday's deadline to exchange salary figures and take another step on the arbitration trail. Five agreed to one-year deals worth over $16 million, but two remain unsigned. All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-hander Rafael Perez did not sign contracts, but they are still a long way from sitting at a table to argue over what they should get paid for 2012. Cabrera is seeking $5.2 million and the Indians have offered $3.75 million. The midpoint between the offers is $4.75 million. Cabrera made $2.025 million last year. Perez is seeking $2.4 million and the Indians have offered $1.6. The midpoint is $2 million. Perez made $1.33 million last year."
Cleveland Indians likely facing some arbitration challenges
January 17
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Mike Chernoff is starting his second year as assistant general manager to Indians GM Chris Antonetti, and his plate is full. The team has seven players eligible for arbitration and it's his job to get them signed. Players and teams must exchange salary figures by noon Tuesday. If a deal can't be reached, the two parties will go to binding arbitration. This year the hearings will be held in St. Petersburg, Fla., from Feb. 1-21."
Carlos Pena, Casey Kotchman possibilities at first
January 14
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"Will it be Carlos Pena? What about Casey Kotchman? How about neither. Matt LaPorta is still in the picture, and there's always Carlos Santana, at least part time. So who will open the season at first base for the Indians? Nobody knows, and that includes General Manager Chris Antonetti, the man in charge of stocking the roster. Antonetti talked about the dilemma Friday, after it was mentioned that rumors have connected the Tribe with free agent Pena. Antonetti doesn't name names when discussing player personnel moves, so that leaves only hints. "I stay away from specifics," he said. "But we continue to look for ways to improve the team." What a shock. But Antonetti did specifically cite his"
Indians GM Chris Antonetti works on making that first decision
January 14
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Up one blind alley, down the next. GM Chris Antonetti is still trying to improve the Indians' offense. He didn't come out and say it Friday in a meeting with reporters, but it's clear he's still trying to acquire a first baseman. He met with owners Larry and Paul Dolan this week to see if Carlos Pena could be squeezed onto the roster. Casey Kotchman is another free-agent possibility. Pena and Kotchman are left-handed hitters. Derrek Lee, a right-handed hitting first baseman, is still unsigned, but apparently doesn't want to play for the Tribe. The one first baseman that could cure a lot of the Indians' ills, Prince Fielder, is strictly a look but don't touch trinket. He's going to cost way"
Six teams eye Yoenis Cespedes
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes' much-awaited debut in professional baseball didn't go as expected, but the Cuban prospect remains optimistic about his future as he revealed the six teams which have expressed interest in his services. Cespedes, who is awaiting word from Major League Baseball on his status as a free agent after defecting to the Dominican Republic, has worked out for most teams, but he said the most interest has come from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. It has been speculated that Cespedes could command a signing bonus similar to the $30 million fellow Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman received from the Cincinnati"