Already Done --
The Tribe has lost OF Travis Buck to the Astros and DH Jim Thome (1-yr, $1.25mil) to the Phils. Believe it or not, you will probably see Big Jim in the field in 2012.
This first big signing was CL Jonathan Papelbon to the Phils (5-yrs, $50mil).
Former Indian Jamey Carroll has inked a deal with the Twins (2-yr, $7mil) to be their starting shortstop. The closest the 37-year old came to an everyday job was 109 games at second for the Rockies in 2006, his best offensive season. In the four years since a disastrous 2007 (including 146 at 2B & SS for the Dodgers in 2010), Carroll has batted .284 with a .362 OBP.
After running through six starting catchers in 2011, Pittsburgh hopes to stabalize the position by adding Rod Barajas (1-yr, $4mil), late of the Dodgers.
In the Works --
Word on the street is that former Indian CF Grady Sizemore will get a a one year contract worth slightly less than the $9mil option that the Tribe turned down. He is expected to sign with a big market team that could afford the loss should he not regain form. The first name I heard was Boston. Ughhh... Others rumored: A's, Nationals, Mets and... Indians?
The Marlins seem to be ready to buy another World Series to coincide with their new digs and Angelic renaming to the Miami Marlins. Miami has made "substantial" offers to 1B Albert Pujols, SS Jose Reyes and SP Mark Buehrle.
Indians now-bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr has interview for the vacant managerial slots with both the Red Sox and Cubs. While it would be a shame to Santos again, I will always wish him the best and his departure would, again, open a spot for Mike Sarbaugh at the big league level.
Btw...
Far eastern players are such a crap shoot, I shall not discuss them here. We don't know who they are anyway.
