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Shapiro says a deal was close, but now on hold; free-agent talks unlikely
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Saturday, Dec 01, 2007
Since the outset of baseball's winter shopping season, Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro has shown little interest in the inventory of free agents.
But he did reveal Friday that he had come close to making a trade.
''We've had a couple of deals that were extremely close,'' he said, without revealing who was involved. ''There was one that I thought was going to happen. But right now, both of those trades are inactive.''
Note that Shapiro's use of the word ''inactive'' seems to indicate a more hopeful attitude than dead in the water. So maybe there is a chance to revive the prospective deals.
However, two days before the start of the winter meetings in Nashiville, Tenn., Shapiro said that nothing is imminent.
''We have some talks planned with other clubs, but we are not having any real free-agent conversations right now,'' Shapiro said, outlining his obvious area of interest.
The free-agent market has few players likely to help the club, at least considering what they would cost in terms of years and dollars committed. Consequently, it is not surprising that Shapiro has been concentrating on making a trade.
But for whom? He continues to say, ''We go into the winter meetings with no glaring holes and an opportunity to see if we can strike a deal.''
Even after signing back-end Japanese reliever Masa Kobayashi, Shapiro does not feel comfortable with his bullpen. In addition, the Tribe can use another hitter. It is known that he inquired about the availability of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay and Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera.
In contrast to almost every other team in baseball, the Indians have an excess of starting pitchers. Even so, Shapiro will part with a starter only grudgingly, because he knows that an injury or unexpected slump could quickly make the surplus disappear.
''Generally, starting pitching is the most valuable commodity you have, so you're always reluctant to trade starters,'' he said. ''However, sometimes it makes sense. We realize the challenge of trading starting pitching, but it's not impossible.''
If nothing changes between now and mid-February, when spring training begins, C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook, Paul Byrd, Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey will compete for five spots in the rotation. More accurately, Lee, Sowers and Laffey will battle to be the No. 5 starter.
Shapiro also could trade shortstop Jhonny Peralta, inasmuch as Asdrubal Cabrera, who made a major impact in the second half of the season at second base, is a career shortstop. However, Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge indicated earlier in the offseason that Cabrera would remain at second and the player whom he replaced, Josh Barfield, would play a utility role.
Reporting on the condition of reliever Juan Lara, who was critically injured in a car/motorcycle crash in the Dominican Republic, Shapiro said, ''We think chances are good that he will survive.''
Apparently, Shapiro has not yet presented Sabathia with a proposal to extend his contract.
''We've been spending a lot of time internally and talking to ownership,'' Shapiro said. ''But we're close to having a dialogue with C.C.''
Sabathia can become a free agent after the 2008 season.
Promotions
Brad Grant, the Tribe's assistant director of scouting for eight years, has been elevated to director of amateur scouting.
In his new role, Grant will be responsible for the annual June draft and overseeing the team's 17 area scouts and four regional supervisors.
Assistant General Manager John Mirabelli, who has been the hands-on executive in charge of scouting and the draft, will continue to be Grant's boss, but he will take on expanded duties in the area of amateur acquisitions and the search for players in Latin America and Asia.
''We want to give John greater influence,'' Shapiro said.
Invitees signed
Two pitchers and a catcher have been signed to minor-league contracts that include an invitation to spring training.
Right-hander Rick Bauer, 30, split last season between Triple-A Ottawa (2-4, 7.36 ERA, 16 games) and Triple-A Las Vegas (0-2, two saves, 3.60 ERA, 25 games). He began the season in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization and finished the year in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system.
He has a career major-league record of 11-14 with three saves and a 4.34 ERA in 183 games (all but 10 as a reliever) with the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers.
Jeff Harris, 33, spent all of last season with Triple-A Buffalo, where he was 6-9 with a 4.68 ERA in 27 games, including 22 starts.
Yamid Haad, 30, also spent last season with Buffalo and batted .301 with two home runs and 14 RBI in 35 games.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
Since the outset of baseball's winter shopping season, Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro has shown little interest in the inventory of free agents.
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