Merry Swishmas Tribe Fans

ESPN is reporting the Cleveland Indians have signed New York Yankees OF Nick Swisher.

I'm glad the Tribe recognized a need and moved quickly to replace Shin-Soo Choo after trading him earlier this month.

I'm luke-warm on Swisher - he's not a $14m ballplayer. Signing him to a 4-year $56 million contract (there is a 5th year at $14 million due to easily obtainable performance measures) is a lot for an average outfielder. The deal makes him the highest paid player in franchise history.

Nick Swisher is better than Shane Victorino - I'm actually glad he took less money to sign with Boston. I don't understand why Cleveland is so willing to spend money this off-season for marginal talent.

Look at Travis Hafner: In 2007, he was one of best power hitters in baseball, still in his prime and was worthy of a $12m/year contract (4 years/$49 million). By 2012, his salary handcuffed the Tribe's payroll.

Why are the Indians going down the same path in 2012 for a guy who is 32?

I'm glad the Indians are making attempts to improve the team. I like the Choo trade. Riding the Nick Swisher train and putting all of eggs in one basket is not the way to go.

Cleveland Indians 2013 Schedule

Make your plans now for next season. The Yankees come to town in April.

APRIL
April 2 @TOR
April 3 @TOR
April 4 @TOR
April 5 @TB
April 6 @TB
April 7 @TB
April 8 vNYY
April 9 vNYY
April 10 vNYY
April 11 vNYY

Ode to Josh Beckett

It's my day off
I think I'll do some golfing
No matter I just missed a start
Make $17 mil
How dare you try and judge me?
I didn't even rent a car

Starts
Missing Starts
Playing Golf
Screwing Me
Screwing You
Sweet Missing Time
Off days never felt so good (so good, so good)
I feel inclined
Blow up Bobby Valentine

The Josh Beckett controversy continues. After missing a start and playing golf on an off day, Beckett got hammered by the Cleveland Indians in first start back in the rotation.

Since Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline is traditionally sung by Red Sox fans during the 8th inning, ESPN's Colin Cowherd came up with the above song parody. 

Say Goodbye Fausto .. er .. Roberto

Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false identity. Apparently his name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia and his age is 31 not 28.

Carmona has been with the Indians organization since 2000 when he was signed as an amateur free agent.

I'm sure the Indians will do their due diligence regarding this matter but my opinion is the Tribe should void his contract.

A similar situation is unfolding involving Leo Nunez of the Miami Marlins who left the team in September to sort out these issues. He has still not been re-instated.

I understand crime and poverty in Dominican Republic is incredible. I understand baseball is the only way out for many kids. You can make the argument that MLB exploits Latin Players by paying higher signing bonuses to younger players. 

Bottom line
This man is a liar. He has been living a lie for 11 years. He is a 7-15 pitcher with questionable character. It's time to cut him loose. He is just not worth it.

Ubaldo is coming to Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians made three trades in the last week.

1. First they acquired Kosuke Fukudome and cash from the Chicago Cubs for minor leaguers Abner Abreu and Carlton Smith. 
2. Then the Tribe picked up Ubaldo Jimenez from the Colorado Rockies for minor leaguers RHP Joseph Gardner, RHP Alex White, LHP Drew Pomeranz and 1B Matt McBride.
3. Finally, they trade IF Orlando Cabrera to the SF Giants for minor league OF Thomas Neal.

No question, Jimenez was the big acquisition of the weekend and the subject of this post.

Why I like this deal: