http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/32690/offseason-report-cards-indians

^^^I think that is a pretty fair assessment. Looks to be a better...but still sub .500 team. There is a possible upside with this lineup too.

Seems Michael Bourn has agreed to sign. 4yrs-48m option for 5yr-60m

I dont think the Tribe is close to the Tigers, but you cannot tell me we havent drastically upgraded our team. Hell of an off-season for Cleveland. Actually starting to get the Tribe fever again.

Best news about Bourn is that Stubbs now wont have to be an everyday player. He can pinch-run late in games and pinch-hit if we need some pop. Cause I was pretty underwhelmed with Stubbs in the line-up everyday. He just isnt very good lol.

Wow I didn't see this coming. Awesome! Wonder if they'll look to trade Stubbs or Brantley?

Wow I have been very critical of the dolans but I have to give them props on opening up the check books a bit this offseason. I would still like to get another starter as a 3rd or 4th starter

I would hope Brantley is kept. Jeeze

bases_loaded;1387140 wrote:I would hope Brantley is kept. Jeeze

Yeah I don't see them trading Brantley. Stubbs would be gone before Brantley unless it brings a very good starter

That is actually a really reasonable deal for a Boras client.

The 5th year vesting option that would make it 5 years $60 million is easily attainable from what I read.

I applaud them for at least adding a little payroll, but I wonder if this is the beginning of a push toward contention or just a treading of water designed to get the fan base off management's backs for a little while without seriously pushing the chips to the center to really contend like we have seen in Cincinnati.

Most of our signings are guys in their early 30's which means we should have a 3-4 year window, but there are still alot of holes to fill and future free agents to re-sign that will require adding real payroll. When you zero out the salaries we lost with what we added, it actually hasn't been very much payroll expansion relative to what other similar mid markets have done.

I hope this is the beginning of a push to really contend, and not well done window dressing designed to appear more committed than they really are.

There are enough pieces here that with a little luck they are a pitcher or 2 from being able to possibly snag a wild card spot I think.

bases_loaded;1387140 wrote:I would hope Brantley is kept. Jeeze

Me too, but it's a possibility. That or possibly having Swisher play first and let Reynolds DH.

hangonsloopy;1387128 wrote:Wow I didn't see this coming. Awesome! Wonder if they'll look to trade Stubbs or Brantley?

I wouldn't deal either. And I don't think they will. Francona loves to have depth on his rosters. And he has plenty of it here: Stubbs Brantly Bourn Carrerra can all go Center or Left. Swisher can play Right or 1B. Reynolds Santana and Gomes can all play 1B as well. Aviles can fill any spot on the IF. Any single player could be given a day off and the Tribe would still field a competitive team. Pray that the pitching holds up, and we might get to see a game or two in October

hangonsloopy;1387148 wrote:Me too, but it's a possibility. That or possibly having Swisher play first and let Reynolds DH.

Probably more of a dh/fielding rotation. Which I like because it keeps guys fresh

I thought for sure that the Dolan's were done spending money this offseason.. Speaking of spending money, would adding Lohse be too much to ask?

I am trying not to get over excited. Sets you up for disappointment but this is exciting. Lohse is still out there. Why not?

Masterson, Jiminez, Lohse, Myers, McAllister

What about Bauer

Bauer will probably be in there. You traded Choo for him, fans will demand it.

Huge. 2X all star...2 GG's

Good pickup....Stubbs would put you guys over the ledge. Trade him for some Gatorade.

I don't get this signing at all.....where the hell are we going to play Grady now?

Ironman92;1387190 wrote:Good pickup....Stubbs would put you guys over the ledge. Trade him for some Gatorade.

He will end up being a platoon type guy I think.

Way too many strike outs with him and Reynolds in the same line-up on a daily basis.

wes_mantooth;1387193 wrote:I don't get this signing at all.....where the hell are we going to play Grady now?

The DL....

If we sign lohse I'd like to see Myers moved to a long relief position. That way we can yank a starter early and not have to worry if their not on their stuff

wes_mantooth;1387193 wrote:I don't get this signing at all.....where the hell are we going to play Grady now?

We basically traded the $26 million earned by Hafner/Grady/Carmona for the $26 million we will pay Swisher/Bourn.

That is a home run in that at least there will be some production for that $26 million.

It is however the reason I am with-holding praising the Dolan's for "opening the checkbook" in that it was really just a lateral move salary wise.

Great in that we finally don't have 1/3 of the payroll tied up in dead weight not earning their money, but not necessarily a sign to me they are suddenly willing to go over and above to do what is necessary to get this club to full blown contender status.

It will just be nice to see a competitve product on the field this year. Couldn't take another year of small ball with no offensive pop and a line-up where 40% of it was hitting around .210.

As Ive said 100 times. Im so excited that games wont be over when we give up 3 runs in the first 2 innings. We actually have a line-up that, while can be infuriating with its Ks and such, can put runs on the board in a hurry on any given night. Will it be consistent? Probably not. But at least each and every game there is hope that we arent headed for an L after we are down 3-1 early...