Indians Confidential

Indians Plain Dealer beat reporter Paul Hoynes writes the following in today’s paper in regard to a possible trade of ace C.C. Sabathia:

Tribe’s Antonelli downplays trade talk, but scouts think otherwise

The Indians say they’re not ready to trade C.C. Sabathia.

“Our focus is working to do what we can to make sure we’re playing meaningful games in September,” said Indians assistant general manager Chris Antonetti before Tuesday night’s game against Colorado. “We’re working to get back in the race. That’s our focus.

“We sit here today 5 1/2 games back. It’s not insurmountable.”

Sabathia, however, is a free agent at the end of the year. The chances of re-signing him haven’t improved since Sabathia tabled negotiations at the start of spring training. Not only that, but the Indians disabled list is loaded with big players — Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona, Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez. Westbrook and Carmona represent two-fifths of the starting rotation. Hafner and Martinez are the heart of the lineup.

“I watched them on their last road trip,” said one scout. “I was disappointed with the way they hit. Not too many teams can lose two starters like Westbrook and Carmona and withstand it. It doesn’t look good for them in the second half.”

Click HERE to read the rest of the story

You can do a lot passing the time waiting for a rain dealy to pass. While the delay never ended Friday night, I had the pleasure of dining with two of my favorite vets in the Cleveland media - Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer and Greg Brinda, sports talk host of ESPN 850 WKNR. While it was fun to trade some personal stuff with these solid vets, we also talked some Indians. Here is a quick set of highlights of our discussions:

Travis Hafner - We all agreed that the issues that are hindering Hafner are not issues that are going to be solved quickly. Travis’ problems that started last year are far and away a complete mystery as to not only why they started, but what he can do to get it turned back around. Hoynes compared Hafner’s sudden lack of power to fomer Indian Carols Baerga, whose issues off the field and lack of production eventually got him traded to the Mets in 1996.

The Closer Role - We all agree that putting Joe Borowski right back in the closer role is a risky call, but as Paul pointed out - could it get any worse than it is right now? We also all came to the conclusion that one wild card in the closer mix could be Masa Kobayashi, who seems to have adjusted nicely in the Majors. One thing appears for sure - Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez and Borowski don’t appear to be the answer.

Adding a Spark to the Offense - Hoynes thinks that Mark Shapiro is going to have to make a move and add a bat to the lineup, and I don’t disagree with that. Bringing up Ben Francisco and keeping him on the Major League roster is something that should be done soon. As far as some of the players that could be on the bubble of being sent elsewhere or even being shown the door include Jason Michaels (.207), Andy Marte (.077) and maybe reduced playing time for Jhonny Peralta (.229).

Time for another Sunday edition of “Hey Hoynsie” from Paul Hoynes, Indians beat writer of the Plain Dealer. In this edition Paul answers questions about David Delucci and Jason Michaels, MLB opening up in Japan, and his articles on the greatest players he ever saw. Click HERE to read Paul’s latest edition of “Hey Hoynsie.”

Looks like pitcher Scott Elarton is going to have a tough time making the Indians roster based on the competition and the structure of how the roster is currently made up. Elarton joined the team with the hopes of making it as a relief pitcher or possible spot starter when needed. He has allowed one run in 6.1 innings, but has some stiff competition with Jorge Julio, Rick Bauer, Matt Ginter, Edward Mujica and Jeff Harris all going at it for one open spot. “It’s good to have a little pressure,” Elarton told the PD. “Instead of just getting ready for the season, I’m trying to make the team.” Manager Eric Wedge said it’s going to be “an interesting competition.” While the Indians could use some veteran leadership in the bullpen, they already have enough and here’s a prediction that Elarton is a late cut.

Today seems to be the day that all the major papers wrote on the AL Central rivalry between last years division winner - the Indians, and the winner two years ago - the Tigers. There is hardly a publication that I have seen in the country that does not have these two wrapping up the season 1-2 in the division in one way, shape or form. While the Tigers have made the moves to get better, the Tribe did not need to do all that much to “get better.” They are the hunted, not the hunter this year. Anyway, here are a few stories from some of the local papers on the two teams and what should be a fun 18 games between the two this season:

Cleveland Indians rivalry with Tigers not at full boil - The Plain Dealer

Chris Assenheimer: Tigers definitely stronger, but hardly a lock to win American League - The Chronicle Telegram

Indians, Tigers: The battle begins - Morning Journal

Indians-Tigers 2008: Fit To Be Tied - AP

Hoynesie down in Winter Haven today talks about how important it is to the Tribe to get their pitching rotation set up as Spring Training and of course the regular season starts quicker than a blink of an eye. Hard to believe that we’re 37 days away from the opener on March 31st vs th White Sox. Here is the story from the PD today:

Cleveland Indians’ first order of business sets up pitching lineup