Indians Hot Stove Season Heats Up

Clevelinks, November 2

The Cleveland Indians are making moves. One day after the World Series came to an end they had parted ways with Chris Perez, Welcomed back Jason Giambi, and acquired a new left-handed reliever. Other moves are sure to follow, just as they do every year around this time. Trying to figure out what those moves will be ahead of time is the fun part. For today’s edition of Clevelinks we take a look at the moves made and all of the truth and rumors surrounding the Cleveland Indians.

Indians Links:

• As previously mentioned, the Indians parted ways with their embattled closer this week. It ends a five-year stretch full of ups and downs but also begins the search to find a new closer.

Aug 17, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (30) on the mound against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

• Ubaldo Jimenez has officially opted for free agency. ESPN reports that the Indians exercised their $8-million option on their stud right hander only to seem him immediately void the contract in favor of free agency. The Indians could still bring Jimenez back, but Jimenez may be out of their price range now. Jason Kubel is also a free agent after the team declined his club option.
• Now the question is whether or not the Indians will give Jimenez a qualifying offer by Monday’s deadline. Steve Kinsella laid out the scenarios eight minths ago. The one year qualifying offer would be for $14-million. If he accepts it, then the Indians will have his services for another season. If he rejects it, he can still re-sign with the team, but if he opts to sign elsewhere the Indians would receive a compensatory pick at the end of the first round of the 2014 draft. The opinion of the Wahoo’s on First staff is that they should and probably will.
• In other news, the controversy surrounding Chief Wahoo is heating up again. Thanks to the issues with the Washington Redskins, it is causing everyone to re-examine the usage of the name “Indians” and their once lovable mascot. ESPN reports that the Indians recently polled fans to get their thoughts on Chief Wahoo. SI.com is also reporting that there is growing evidence to suggest that Chief Wahoo is being phased out gradually on uniforms and online. The logo is now being thought of as a cancer, but in a strange twist of irony, it’s Chief Wahoo that has the “Big C.”
• Lastly, if the Indians do away with Chief Wahoo or change their name all together, we’re going to need to change our name. Anyone got any suggestions? Send them to wahoosonfirst@gmail.com, @wahoosonfirst, or the Wahoo’s on First Facebook page.

Wahoo’s on First Links:

• Michael Chaney introduces you to the newest member of the Cleveland Indians, Colt Hynes.
• Evan Vogel recently profiled Indians pitching prospect Dace Kime. Look for him to do big things in 2014.
• Katrina Putnam suggested the Indians try to swing a deal for Mark Trumbo. His proven power bat would fit nicely into a lineup short on legitimate power hitters.
• Wahoo’s on the Mic continued their state of the franchise series by taking a look at first base.
• Steve Kinsella argues that the Indians will make a qualifying offer to Scott Kazmir, because it’s common sense and common sense should win out in the end.

Say hello to the Akron RubberDucks!

Indians Analysis:

• Let’s Go Tribe has 2013 recaps up for both Lonnie Chisenhall and Danny Salazar. You can check them out here and here.
• It’s Pronounced Lajaway has begun the process of trying to figure out who should be closer in 2014. They have also laid out a list of free agent power bats that could be of some interest to the Tribe.
• What should the Indians do with Asdrubal Cabrera? Indians Baseball Insider tries to figure it out.
• Did the Tribe Win Last Night tries to figure out whether or not Mike Aviles can be a starter.