Cleveland Indians News: Trade Notes; Do the Tribe Want to Win in 2016?

So far the Cleveland Indians have yet to make a meaningful move; is the team in it to win in 2016 or is it another year of Wild Card contention?

This off-season is shaping up to be another quiet one for the Cleveland Indians, much to the dismay of Nicholas D. Blazek. In his latest piece, he wonders if the Tribe want to win in 2016. He compares the Indians to the Chicago Cubs, and he notes that the Cubs have taken a much more aggressive approach to ending their World Series drought. With the Cubs so close, the Indians may be able to cash in on a deal for one of their starters–even if many don’t want to see the starting staff touched.

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In other news, the team has signed Robbie Grossman and Felipe Paulino to minor league deals. Andrew Schmid gives his thoughts on the pair of signings and their lack of significance. Grossman has shown underlying statistics that give his signing upside, but he has yet to be an average player or better. Paulino, on the other hand, looks to be a depth acquisition. He has the ability to make a few starts should the injury bug hit the Indians hard.

Finally, Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer comments on possible trades for the Indians. Interestingly, he writes that since the Indians want to keep their major league starting pitchers, other teams have shown interest in Mike Clevinger and Justus Sheffield. Clevinger could potentially reach the majors in 2016, but Sheffield is still a while from spending a meaningful amount of time in Cleveland.

More from around the AL Central:

Cleveland Indians Sign Robbie Grossman, Felipe Paulino to Minor League Deals – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians: Does the Team Want to Win in 2016? – Wahoo’s on First

Cleveland Indians have Terry Talkin’ trades, Todd Frazier, and a rich Tony Sipp – Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

Kansas City Royals: Candidates to Replace Alex Gordon – Kings of Kauffman

Detroit Tigers: Predicting the 2016 Opening Day Bullpen – Motor City Bengals

Minnesota Twins: Nolasco Trade Rumors Had No Purpose – Puckett’s Pond

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