MLB Trade Deadline: Indians Acquire Lars Anderson In Minor Move With Red Sox

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Deadline: Indians Hold On To Shin-Soo Choo

The Cleveland Indians were quiet on Tuesday in the run-up to the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Tribe was often rumored earlier this summer as aggressively looking for a right-handed bat and some starting pitching depth, but many of those rumors died quickly. While the White Sox and Tigers added significant pieces, the Indians did not make a move and even vacillated from buyers to sellers as their July woes continued.

Two names that surfaced as potential trade chips while the Indians were being swept in Minnesota were Shin-Soo Choo and Chris Perez. Reports on Monday indicated that the Indians were not going to deal Perez, but the rumors of Choo trade talks persisted on Tuesday. But the Indians never received what they felt was a suitable offer, leading to this tweet from Fox Sports' Jon Morosi just before 4 p.m. deadline:

Source: Shin-Soo Choo expected to remain with #Indians. @mlbonfox

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2012

The Indians, of course, could add another player during the August waiver wire season but it appears the core will be sticking together for the remainder of 2012.

For more trade rumors involving the Indians, stay with this StoryStream. For more Indians coverage, check out Let's Go Tribe. And for more MLB news and analysis, make sure to visit Baseball Nation.

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers Likely Landing Spot For Shin-Soo Choo If Dealt

With just three hours until the trade deadline, the Indians continue to surface as sellers. The biggest name that's reportedly being discussed is Shin-Soo Choo, the Tribe's star right fielder and a client of the notorious Scott Boras. Both Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence are reportedly on the move to the NL West. With those two outfielders spoken for, where does that leave Choo.

According to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, if Chris Antonetti does decide to deal Choo, the Rangers are apparently the top suitor for his services:

As I said on @mlbnetwork, #Rangers are most likely landing spot for Choo IF he moves. No momentum toward deal as of 1 hour ago. #Indians

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2012

Of course, the big question is "if" he gets dealt. The second part of Morosi's tweet would indicate those talks have stalled out right now.

For more trade rumors involving the Indians, stay with this StoryStream. For more Indians coverage, check out Let's Go Tribe. And for more MLB news and analysis, make sure to visit Baseball Nation.

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Masterson For Sale

With less than two days left before the Major League Baseball trade deadline the Cleveland Indians appear to be sellers more than buyers. As of Sunday, Cleveland was only six games out of first place in the American League Central behind Detroit and Chicago and five games out of one of the wild card spots.

That gap may be enough for Cleveland to trade its opening day starter, however, as Justin Masterson is on the trading block according to sources:

Both the Red Sox and Rangers sent scouts to watch Masterson Saturday night in Minnesota, but he did not pitch well. After shutting out the Twins for the first three innings, Masterson allowed 10 runs (eight earned) over the next 2 2/3, to raise his ERA to 4.47.

The Indians have also fielded calls about right fielder Shin-Soo Choo (the Pirates have shown interest) and closer Chris Perez, but it appears doubtful that Perez will be moved.

This comes after a disastrous weekend in which the Minnesota Twins swept the Indians to deal a severe blow to Cleveland's hopes.

For more trade rumors involving the Indians, stay with this StoryStream. For more Indians coverage, check out Let's Go Tribe. And for more MLB news and analysis, make sure to visit Baseball Nation.

• 11 months ago
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James Shields Trade Rumors: Cleveland Indians Among Interested Teams

The Cleveland Indians are only four and a half games behind the first place Chicago White Sox, and it appears that they're at least trying to improve their chances at making the playoffs this year. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Indians are among the most interested teams in Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher James Shields.

The Braves, Dodgers, Indians and Rangers are the teams most interested in Shields, who, along with Miami's Josh Johnson, are two of the most prominent starters being talked about in advance of Tuesday's deadline for nonwaiver deals.

The Indians are certainly facing some stiff competition, as the Braves, Dodgers and Rangers have been actively seeking a starting pitcher -- and all three of those teams are in better playoff shape than the Indians are. The Braves were spurned by Ryan Dempster, and like the Rangers, the Braves missed out on Zack Greinke.

We'll see how the Shields market develops, and if the Rays even elect to move him at all.

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• 11 months ago
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Cleveland Indians Trade Rumors: Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo Likely Staying Put

Despite having a -55 run differential, the Cleveland Indians find themselves just four and a half games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox. Consequently, it doesn't appear as though the Indians will sell off major assets -- though things could always change if an excellent offer is made.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that Asdrubal Cabrera would make a lot of sense for the Oakland Athletics, who could desperately use a shortstop, but that the Indians would need to be "blown away" to move Cabrera.

Shin-Soo Choo is also likely not going anywhere, at least according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman. Choo could potentially bring in a nice return in a trade, as he's hitting very well this season, with a .294/.379/.490 line with 12 home runs and 10 stolen bases.

Though the Indians aren't selling entirely, they're also not going all-in for 2012. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com says that while no players are untouchable, the Indians would need to have an "exceptional" return to move top prospect Francisco Lindor.

For more on the Indians, be sure to check out Let's Go Tribe.

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Reportedly Among 4 Teams Aggressively Pursuing San Diego's Chase Headley

With more than three full days until the 2012 MLB Trade Deadline, the Cleveland Indians are still trying to figure out how aggressive they want to be on the trade market. While foes like Detroit and Chicago have already made big splashes of their own to bolster their chances at a pennant, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark is reporting that the Indians might follow suit, and are one of four squads actively trying to land San Diego third baseman Chase Headley:

Several sources identify the four teams that are chasing him most aggressively as the A's, Orioles, Pirates and Indians, with other teams hanging around the showroom in case the planets line up right in the next few days.

While Headley's versatility (he can hold his own at most infield positions in addition to corner outfield spots) and slap-hitting tendencies behind the plate would offer a nice addition to the Indians' roster going forward, Stark also warns that Cleveland might be the least likely of the four to actually swing this deal:

Of the four primary bidders, the Pirates and Indians appear less motivated to do this now than they might over the winter. But Oakland and Baltimore haven't backed off, because adding a player such as this, whom they can control now and for two more seasons, is exactly what they're shopping for.

Considering how the Padres appear to be looking for a haul of prospects that may or may not be greater than Headley's actual worth right now, the Indians will need to be careful about getting sucked into a bidding war for what amounts to a .268 career hitter with marginal power. All four of the teams looking at Headley right now are in the mix solely because he's a cheaper alternative than going after a big-name guy who would command a ton. But seeing as how the AL Central is quite literally threatening to run away into the sunset while the Indians sit idly on their hands, it might be vital for Cleveland to make a bold move.

For more trade rumors involving the Indians, stay with this StoryStream. For more Indians coverage, check out Let's Go Tribe. And for more MLB news and analysis, make sure to visit Baseball Nation.

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Don't Want Rental Players

The Cleveland Indians are wavering between buyers and sellers with every win and loss, but while their status at the trade deadline is unclear, one thing that is certain is that they don't want any rental players.

The Indians' focus, as the trade deadline nears, is on players they can control past this year -- not rental players, like Shane Victorino.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 26, 2012

Of course, targeting such players means that Cleveland would likely have to give up more players or better prospects to acquire them. But that is not something unfamiliar to them at the trade deadline.

Last year, the Indians traded for Ubaldo Jimenez, who, like the players they are targeting, was under contract for more than the remainder of the season.

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• 11 months ago
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Indians Designate Aaron Cunningham For Assignment, Making Room For Brent Lillibridge

On Wednesday afternoon, the Cleveland Indians announced that the club had designated out fielder Aaron Cunningham for assignment in order to make room on the roster for newly acquired utility man Brent Lillibridge.

The Indians acquired Lillibridge on Tuesday in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, which sent minor-league relief pitcher Jose De La Torre the other way.

As anticipated, Indians designate OF Aaron Cunningham for assignment to clear a roster spot for UTIL Brent Lillibridge.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) July 25, 2012

Cunningham played in 72 games with the Indians in 2012, recording a .175 batting average with one home run, four doubles and seven RBI.

Prior to being traded to the Indians this past offseason, Cunningham had spent two years each with the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics organizations. His 72 games played with the Indians was the most major league games he has played in one season to this point in his career.

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• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins Reportedly Looking To Trade Josh Johnson, Indians Could Be A Potential Target

There has been a bit of waffling between being buyers and being sellers approaching the trade deadline for the Cleveland Indians. There's a bit of potential for the Indians to end up being big buyers with the latest name to hit the trade market by storm, though.

After trading star shortstop Hanley Ramirez to the LA Dodgers, the Miami Marlins have now been reportedly shopping out their ace pitcher Josh Johnson. There have been several different sources saying that the Marlins could be willing to part with Johnson if the offer is right, including tweets from Jon Heyman and Buster Olney.

Cleveland has reportedly been in the market for good starting pitching to help themselves out in the race for the AL Central title, and Johnson would certainly be a blockbuster move in that regard. They also had sent out a scout to a Marlins game back on Monday, though who exactly they were scouting was never released.

#BlueJays, #Yankees, #SFGiants, #Indians, #Dbacks, #STLCards among teams that had scouts at #Marlins game last night.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 24, 2012

Depending on how the next two games against the Tigers go in their current series, the Indians' attitude toward the trade deadline could change. Win both games and they may have a newfound confidence going forward that might make them think the season won't require a big move. Lose both games and lose more ground, and we could see a blockbuster move for a guy like Johnson coming into Cleveland.

They've certainly not shied away from high profile pitching trades before -- it was fairly recently that they sent top prospects Drew Pomeranz and Alex White to the Colorado Rockies for their ace Ubaldo Jimenez.

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• 11 months ago
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Indians Trade For Brent Lillibridge From Boston Red Sox

On Tuesday, the Cleveland Indians completed a trade with the Boston Red Sox for right-handed utility player Brent Lillibridge in exchange for minor league reliever Jose De La Torre.

Red Sox trade Lillibridge to Cleveland for minor leaguereliever De La Torre

— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) July 24, 2012

Lillibridge was traded to the Red Sox in June as part of the deal that sent Kevin Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox. This is now the second time in as many months that he has been moved.

It's been a crazy month but I am excited to be playing baseball again tomorrow! Flying out to Cleveland in the morning. #Indians

— Brent Lillibridge (@BSLillibridge) July 24, 2012

In order to make room for Lillibridge on the 25-man roster, the Indians will place Lonnie Chisenhall on the 60-day disabled list. When Lillibridge reports on Tuesday, it's likely that the Tribe designates Aaron Cunningham for assignment in order to make room on the 25-man roster.

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• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Giants Interested In Indians' Chris Perez

The Cleveland Indians have been looking hard for help prior to the MLB trade deadline, but there hasn't been many opportunities to add the pieces they need. Now, it looks like the Indians could be interested in becoming sellers at the deadline as opposed to buyers. According to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports on Twitter, the San Francisco Giants are interested in reliever Chris Perez, though it's unclear just how much interest they have.

Ken Rosenthal notes the Giants' interest and sheds some light on why the Indians might be interested in moving Perez at this point:

The San Francisco Giants, seeking late-inning help, are interested in Perez, according to major-league sources. The Indians could entertain moving Perez for two reasons - they are deep in relievers, and Perez likely will earn about $7 million next season in his second year of arbitration.

It would be interesting to see what the Indians could get for someone like Perez. They certainly have no outright need to trade him immediately - he's a productive member of the pitching staff - but that contract next season will likely be prohibitive to them holding onto him for much longer.

The Giants, on the other hand, really could use Perez. Brian Wilson is injured and Guillermo Mota is serving a suspension due to banned substances. On top of that, Santiago Casilla has been less-than stellar of late, making Sergio Romo the only really solid reliever/closer on the roster right now. The team could be willing to pay a little bit more to get Perez as they make a push for another strong postseason run.

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• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Cleveland Could Look At Francisco Liriano

There's a tight race going in the AL Central, and all three teams in contention for the title -- the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers -- are all looking for some extra starting pitching to give them a bit of an edge. The Indians in particular could use a lefty in the rotation. Ryan Dempster of the Cubs has been thrown around as a name that those teams could go after, but they might not need to look outside their division.

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says that the Indians could check out Francisco Liriano of the last place Minnesota Twins as a possible option.

Liriano returned to the Twins’ rotation May 30 after a brief spell in the bullpen; his 2.83 ERA since then is among the top 15 for major-league starters during that span, according to STATS LLC. Liriano, 28, would have particular appeal to the Tigers and Indians, who lack a left-handed starter in their rotations. (The White Sox have two, Sale and Quintana.)

Liriano is rarely spectacular but has had flashes of brilliance in his career since his great rookie campaign. His last game saw him strike out 15 players despite getting tagged with a loss, for instance. It wouldn't be an ace move for the Indians to get Liriano but it would be a step towards bolstering a rotation that has been a bit thin.

Whatever the Indians can do, they need to do as soon as possible. They're sliding a bit in the AL Central standings right now, and that won't do with both the Sox and Tigers surging as they have been the past few weeks.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Indians, visit Let's Go Tribe. For all your MLB news and notes, visit Baseball Nation.

• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Could Be Suitors For Ryan Dempster

The Cleveland Indians are one of 10 MLB teams who have shown real interest in acquiring Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster, according to ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine.

Dempster leads Major League Baseball with a 1.86 ERA and is third in the NL with a 1.02 WHIP at 35 years old. Because the veteran pitcher holds 10-and-5 rights (10 years of MLB service time, five with the same team), he can veto any potential trade.

Levine says the Cubs will be looking for young pitching and a top third-base prospect in return for Dempster (as well as pitcher Matt Garza and outfielder Alfonso Soriano), and that Chicago is scouting farm systems of potential suitors.

Dempster is peaking at a perfect time for the Cubs -- his value is higher than it has been in years, and Chicago was likely to trade him regardless of his performance this season. He's won five straight starts and has not allowed an earned run in those five starts.

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• 11 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Interested In Carlos Quentin

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Cleveland Indians are among a handful of teams interested in San Diego Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin, according to CBSSports.com. According to Jon Heyman, there are several teams pursuing Quentin, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds, who are separated by just one game in the NL Central. From CBSSports.com:

Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin, who just may be the best hitter dealt this month, has drawn trade interest from the Reds, Indians and Pirates, among others, according to sources.

It's no secret why Quentin would be popular as a trade target, as many contending teams could use a corner outfielder.

Quentin, a free agent after this season, has missed much of the year with a knee injury but is now back at full strength. The 29-year-old has seven home runs and 17 RBI in 33 games (112 at-bats). He has a .268 batting average and a .406 on-base percentage.

The Indians, of course, are on their never-ending quest to plug the glaring and damaging absence of right-handed bats in their lineup.

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• 12 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Cleveland Indians Interested In Matt Garza

According to a report filed by Fox Sports contributor Jon Morosi, the Cleveland Indians are one of several teams interested in acquiring Chicago Cubs right-hand pitcher Matt Garza.

In addition to the Indians, Morosi reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals have all been kicking the tires on the 28-year old starter.

While discussions are far from serious at this point, the Cubs had scouts in attendance at a recent Erie SeaWolves game, which is the Tigers Double-A affiliate club who has a wealth of prospects.

#Tigers have interest in Matt Garza.#Cubs recently scouted Detroit's prospect-heavy Erie affiliate. But talks not serious, sources say.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 6, 2012

Garza is 4-7 with a 4.32 earned-run average over 93.2 innings pitched in 16 starts with the Cubs this season.

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• 12 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Cleveland Indians Interested In Chase Headley

On Thursday afternoon, CBS.com baseball insider Jon Heyman published an article explaining that the market for San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley is starting to heat up.

According to Heyman, the Cleveland Indians are one of the handful of teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the 28-year old switch-hitter, which includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Headley is believed to be a movable option because the Padres have a top prospect, Jedd Gyorko, who seems ready to play third base in San Diego.

Via CBS.com:

In a weak hitting market, Headley, 28, brings a lot of plusses. The switch hitter makes a reasonable $3.475 million and remains under team control through 2014. He has a career .811 OPS on the road (compared to .666 at PETCO Park), showing his hitting ability goes beyond his overall numbers. He has a .794 OPS overall this year, with eight homers, 41 RBI and a .271 batting average.

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• 12 months ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Manager Acta Says They Need Some Help

It has long been rumored that the Cleveland Indians would be buyers at this year's July 31 trade deadline. Manager Manny Acta amusingly addressed this with a shopping analogy on Monday, via Justin Albers of MLB.com.

"Everybody needs something," Acta said. "But it's not like going to the store and grabbing a can of tomato sauce. You have your necessities, but sometimes they're not there for you. It takes two to tango. I think we do need some help."

While Acta is right that making trades is easier said than done, it'd be a good idea to keep your eye on the Indians as they approach the deadline. They could be looking for help in the outfield and some additional hitting.

Cleveland is second in the American League Central, one and a half games back of the Chicago White Sox.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Indians, visit Let's Go Tribe. For all your MLB news and notes, visit Baseball Nation.

• about 1 year ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Indians Expected To Be Aggressive, Could Target Alfonso Soriano

It's not so much a report as it is wondering aloud, but Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal speculated Tuesday about a possible Alfonso Soriano-to-Cleveland Indians trade.

From the Rosenthal post:

Rival teams expect the Indians to be aggressive; remember, the Tribe acquired right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez last summer to take advantage of a window that likely will remain open through next season, after which right fielder Shin-Soo Choo will be a free agent. The Indians surely would prefer a more consistent, better-rounded player than Soriano. But the Cubs left fielder has a career .866 OPS against left-handers, and an .834 OPS against them this season.

Those numbers are fine, but some others -- not so much. Last season, Soriano hit .244 with a dreadful .289 on-base percentage, the 10th-worst OBP in the majors.

To his credit, Soriano, 36, has 12 home runs this season -- tied for eighth in the National League -- and has hit five homers in the past 10 games. He hit zero homers in his first 30 games.

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• about 1 year ago
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MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Quentin Could Fit With Indians

The Cleveland Indians are in contention again this season, battling with the White Sox for first place in the AL Central in the month of June. With a little less than two months until the MLB Trade Deadline, it's likely the Tribe could be buyers -- specifically for a right-handed bat, which they've desperately needed for two seasons now. Kevin Youkilis' name had previously surfaced as a potential trade target for Chris Antonetti and company, but Red Sox GM Ben Cherington denied rumors that Youk was on the market.

Buster Olney of ESPN tabbed the Indians as a potential suitor for Carlos Quentin, who the Padres will likely try to unload at the deadline this year as one of the most coveted hitters on the market. Here's what Olney said about the potential for the Tribe to work out a deal with the Pads:

He would be a perfect fit in so many ways; Quentin is a right-handed hitter, which the Indians need desperately. But it would not be the Indians' way to give up prospects for a short-term fix.

Quentin's bat would fit perfectly in the lineup, filling the gaping void of right-handed hitters. Antonetti has shown his willingness to make a deal for the "window of contention" but it would be difficult to part with more prospects after unloading the big-time arms last year for Ubaldo Jimenez.

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• about 1 year ago
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Indians Trade Rumors: Cleveland Interested In Red Sox Slugger Kevin Youkilis?

The first-place Cleveland Indians are making the rounds in search of a right-handed bat, and are monitoring the minor league progress of Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

Even though the two sides have not spoken, it's interesting to note the type of high-profile player that the Indians are targeting here. Youkilis is not just some run-of-the-mill middle-tier hitter, and he will certainly come at a steep price if Cleveland is indeed interested in acquiring his services. Stay tuned with SB Nation Cleveland for more Indians trade rumors.

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